Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesA dynamic Cabernet that shows polish and tension, along with expressive blackberry, mocha, espresso and dusky spices that drive toward medium-grained tannins.
Notes of spiced dark cherries, blackberries, chocolate orange and dark earth. Medium- to full-bodied with velvety texture. Firm and chalky with bright acidity and a crunchy dark-fruited mid-palate. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon grumbles up from the glass with a darkly alluring mix of black currants, crushed ashen stone and hints of mocha. This soothes with silken waves of mineral-tinged dark red fruit and sweet spice as grippy tannins slowly mount toward the close. While structured and leaving the palate saturated in primary concentration, the 2019 maintains a wonderfully energetic feel as nuances of dried black cherry and tobacco slowly fade. Give this a few years of cellaring to allow its oak to integrate and then drink heartily over the next decade.
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.