Borne of Fire Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Winemaker Notes
Borne of Fire is a Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a remote new vineyard region in eastern Washington State known by locals as “The Burn.” This exciting region was named from legends of early settlers who set fire to the land in the fall to replenish and rejuvenate the grasslands for their horses in the spring. Borne of Fire is a wine that, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, has laid claim to this unique land with a torrid past and found its true awakening: grape growing. From a rugged terrain where agriculture was scarce to where present grapes grow mighty, Borne of Fire is a new expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that was created to reflect the uniqueness of this unlikely terroir.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A sappy wine that is made on stalks, which delivers a lighter and more lacy feel that’s counterintuitive. The fruit sits in a redcurrant and red-plum zone with a light, lithe and fresh style. Cabernet re-imagined. Drink now.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Just bottled, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon The Burn checks in as a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Zinfandel, which is a variety you don't see much in Washington. It's healthy ruby/purple color is followed by a seamless, balanced, downright delicious red that has loads of sweet red and blue fruits, hints of spring flowers, medium body, no hard edges, and a great texture. I don't think it's going to make old bones but it's a great value to enjoy over the coming 4-5 years (and I wouldn't be surprised to see it keep longer).
Other Vintages
2018-
Jeb
Dunnuck
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James
Suckling -
Wine &
Spirits -
Jeb
Dunnuck
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we have laid claim to a land that has been torn from within and smothered in flames. Where Earth’s torrid past has new meaning. And our true awakening has been reborn.
From a rugged terrain once etched with fiery sparks, to the Columbia River rushing by our side. We have charged past the blaze and now we look ahead. Where the grapes grow mighty. The sun-scorched grounds guide us. And the barrels will be charred to perfection. And so, we rise because we are Borne of Fire.
Juan Munoz-Oca acts as a pioneer in uncharted territory, while also leaning on his Cabernet Sauvignon expertise from his time creating Washington's only No. 1 Wine in the World from Wine Spectator at Columbia Crest, and producing Intrinsic which made #32 in the Wine Spectator's "Top 100 Wines" in the world list for 2016.
His mission with Borne of Fire is to maintain the natural flavors of the region with minimalistic techniques, thus bringing forth ripeness wtih opulent flavors.
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.