Winemaker Notes
This cabernet has a beautiful nose of spicy oak integrated with ripe black cherry fruit. A rich mouth feel begins with black cherry leading towards a chocolate/mocha finish that is exotic and long. While this wine may be enjoyed now, it will benefit greatly from additional cellaring and, with proper storage, should continue to develop for ten years or more.
2002 Artist Series #11, 'Road Through Sleep' 38 x 48, ink on paper, 2003, Ian Boyden, Walla Walla,Washington. Ian Boyden is a practicing painter, calligrapher, seal carver, printer, and producer of other objects associated with calligraphy (ink stones, inks, brush rests, water dispensers, scholar's rocks, etc.). His own seals and calligraphy have been exhibited in China, Taiwan, Korea, and the United States. Boyden received a B.A. in Art History and East Asian Studies at Wesleyan University and a M.A. in the History of Art at Yale University. Since 1998, Ian has served as the Director of Sheehan Gallery and Lecturer of Art History, Whitman College, Walla Walla.
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.