Washington State Oldest Winery

If you thought Napa had big bold reds locked down, think again…… Washington State produces some of the most Bold and Beautiful (not the soap opera LOL) reds in the USA. Why you ask? Washington State is as arid as the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, it has 300 days of sunshine, high diurnals during the long growing season which produces some of the finest, the boldest and beautiful reds in the USA? You will find incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Mouvèdre. Their Cabernets are underrated and deserve HUGE props. The Cabernet in today’s post is from Horse Heaven Hills AVA - 1 if 12 subregion of Columbia Valley (the largest AVA) in Washington State. Named after an early pioneer declared the rolling, grass-covered ridge of hills a 'horse's heaven’.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Columbia Valley, Washington State

14.5% abv

6,500 bottles produced

97% Cabernet 3% Merlot

The oldest winery in Washington state dating back to 1912, owned by Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson. They are sustainable, Old World winemaking traditions with New World innovation. They have 2 state of the art premium wineries to make their wines, one for red and one for white, the red being Canoe Ridge Estate. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted in 1991. The wine is aged for 22 months in 51% new French oak, 36% once-filled French oak and 13% neutral oak.

Pours into the glass an inky dark ruby color

Swirl - NOTE I could smell the wine above the glass WAY before the swirl - intensely ripe dark cherry, currants, blueberry jam, licorice, chocolate, bramble, cedar, dark roasted coffee, backing spice (cinnamon, cloves), vanilla.

Sip and BAM, yes I said BAM - the velvety ripe dark fruits hit you first, baking spice, graphite, licorice, sandalwood, cayenne pepper, minerals with a long finish on the mint. The tannins are polished and balanced with the acidity. It’s voluptuous, structured, suave and ever lasting on the palate.

Pair with Juicy Beef Burger with Aged Cheddar, Grilled Venison chops with peppercorn coffee rub.