2004 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Statistics

The Appellation

The Columbia Valley is Washington’s largest viticultural region, and currently encompasses seven separate appellations. The vineyard from which we purchased these grapes is in the newest of these appellations, The Wahluke Slope located near Ellensburg, WA. Generally, the climate east of the Cascades is dryer and much warmer than that of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. With the assistance of irrigation, these growing conditions are ideal for Bordeaux varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Occasionally a customer asks us, “Why is an Oregon winery producing Cabernet and Merlot from Washington grapes?” The answer is simple – consistent, high quality fruit. The Willamette Valley in Oregon is one of those rare, small pockets of the world that has ideal soil types and growing conditions for the Pinot Noir grape. However, the very growing conditions that make this region superb for Pinot Noir, spell difficulties when it comes to Cabernet and Merlot. Although some of the warmer vineyard sites in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley produce excellent Cabernet and Merlot grapes, the quality of these same grape varietals produced in Eastern Washington’s Columbia Valley is generally more predictable. For that reason, we have chosen to build our Cabernet and Merlot program around grapes grown in this part of the Pacific Northwest.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

Our 2004 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious, full-bodied wine. Upon opening, the wine features a delicate nose with hints of vanilla that extend to the palate. Its complex flavor profile suggests dark berries and plums, followed by nuances of chocolate grace a long, lingering finish. Its medium tannic structure will enhance suppleness and complexity as the wine ages. This wine is a natural with hearty dishes, such as steaks, roasts, and big pasta dishes in rich tomato sauces.

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