Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines is based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in new oak. This ripe, powerful red has lots of blackcurrants, smoked earth, singed cedar, and chocolatey spice aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, nicely integrated oak, and the classic sexy, opulent nature of the vintage, it's going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for two decades as well.
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.