100% Cabernet SauvignonA dark ruby wine with varietal berry and black cherry nuances layered with a hint of sage and spicy cedar. This is a full-bodied wine with flavors that linger well on the palate. The Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold wine that benefits from the added structure and complexities introduced by American barrels, oak that marries well with cabernet sauvignon grown in the Columbia Valley. ÷Doug Gore, WinemakerWINEMAKING Small lots of cabernet sauvignon were vinified and held separately. Grapes were fermented on their skins for eight days with frequent pumpovers read more...to extract additional color and flavors. Select lots then underwent extended skin contact for up to 30 days to derive additional flavor components to integrate into the final blend. The wine was aged in American oak barrels (40% new) for 16 months during which time it was racked by gravity flow every three months.    (hide)

Red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, smoky oak and a whiff of dill on the nose. Nicely layered, sweet and flavorful, with notes of currant, raspberry and chocolatey oak. Finishes with rather suave, chocolatey tannins. An excellent cabernet value.

Community Tasting Notes (average 87.4 pts. and median of 87 pts. in 15 notes)

Rating: 88/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 09/30/03.

89 points