Winemaker Notes
Aromas of blueberry and leather open to flavors of sage, sweet oak and fern frond. Flavors of mocha, berry pie and black pepper linger on the delightfully dry finish.
This big and fruity Cabernet will pair perfectly with leg of lamb, roasted duck, wild game and, of course, fatty steaks.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Aromas of sliced plums, red and black currants and espresso. Medium-to full-bodied. Fresh and juicy red fruit is nicely wrapped around the fine tannins for a long and satisfying finish.
-
Wine Enthusiast
This wine announces itself as Cabernet, with notes of dried herb, green pepper, black cherry and graphite, along with a sprinkling of barrel spice. The flavors are fresh and vital, dipping slightly in the middle before coming back together on the finish. Lightly grainy tannins back it up.
-
Wine Spectator
Well-built yet approachable, with handsome black cherry, cedar and spice flavors that finish with refined tannins.
Washington produces so many exciting wines, and that definitely includes Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. With over 10,000 acres under vine, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely-grown varietal in the state. Terrific examples hail from sub-appellations like Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley. One of the fascinations of these Columbia Valley Cabs is that they so often seem to have one foot in the New World and one in the Old. Representing the former are characteristics like the ripe, forward fruit that results from long sunny days during the growing season (up to two hours longer than in much of California). Old World similarities include an undeniable brightness from acidity, as well as notes of herbs, graphite and a dusty, sometimes gravelly minerality.
Whether you’re looking for a budget bottle for everyday enjoyment, or a stellar, world-class wine with tremendous aging potential, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines can deliver the goods! Among the many fine options are bottles from Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste. Michelle, L’ecole #41, Quilceda Creek and Leonetti.