This is a wine for Cabernet lovers. It's the highest percentage of the variety that we've ever blended into our Père de Famille, and the wine shows it. Starting with the deep red/black core it shouts Cabernet. Aromas of ripe currants, dried strawberry and black olive further reflect the variety. There are also hints of black cherry, vanilla and leather. It's expansive on the palate with plenty of black fruit character, and subtle wood, toast and smoke. I like the way this wine opens in the mouth, at once expansive and muscular but also penetrating, indicating some early drinking pleasure and yet strong aging potential.

This wine's "Cabernet-ness" is easily understood by looking at the varietal blend and the vineyards used. At 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc it clearly is dominated by these structured, penetrating varieties. The 15% balance is Merlot, with its supple, gentle hand playing a role in the overall mouthfeel.

In addition, a full 70% of the grapes coming from Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun Vineyards on Red Mountain, the long even ripening season clearly blessing these warm sites. Twenty three percent comes from Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. Moderated by the nearby Columbia River, this warm site increases the deep berry notes in grapes because of additional time on the vine. The final 7% of the blend is from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley; we depend on this fruit to bring a delicacy and balance to our blends

Blending Detail:

81% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Merlot

AVA & Vineyard Detail:

70% Red Mountain

• Ciel du Cheval Vineyard
• Klipsun Vineyard

23% Horse Heaven Hills

• Alder Ridge Vineyard

7% Yakima Valley

• Boushey Vineyard

Case Production:

• 550 cases produced
• $44/750 mls
• $90/1.5 liter magnum    ​

Acclaim

Steve Tanzer's description (International Wine Cellar): 91 (+?)

"Medium red-ruby. Very cabernet on the nose, with currant, graphite, fresh herbs and pepper showing, along with a suggestion of white chocolate. Dense and powerful, with flavors of dark berries, minerals, licorice and herbs. Serious, firmly tannic wine that's not at all overly sweet. Like the Clos de Betz, this was bottled in May and will almost certainly merit a higher score as it harmonizes in bottle. (The fruit component here is even stronger than that of the very suave 2000 bottling.)"