Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon

Ever since reading "A Master Class In Cabernet Sauvignon " in the May 15th edition of the Wine Spectator, I've been meaning to write about Washington State Cabernet. Then I got a message from Catie, the Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman (W5), saying that she is hosting Wine Blogging Wednesday #34 which will happen next Wednesday, June 13th . She asked me to write about Washington Cabs. Who could say no to the Walla Walla Wonder Woman, publisher of "Through The Walla Walla Grape Vine"? I guess June has become Cabernet Month here at the Seattle Wine Blog. In July, look for posts on our upcoming visit to Walla Walla, followed by the second annual Unofficial Classification of Washington Wine 2007. In August, look for our notes on the Northwest Wine Festival put on by the Seattle Wine Society, August 12th, on Mercer Island (the perfect compromise between the east and west sides of Lake Washington).

A Master Class In Cabernet Sauvignon? Sounds a bit pretentious to me. Let's see what they had to say about Washington Cabs. All the usual suspects wear there - Leonetti, Quilceda Creek, Long Shadows, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, but so many outstanding Cabs were missing especially Pepper Bridge and Andrew Will. Although L'Ecole almost always produces beautiful wines, the 2003s recommended by the Spectator just didn't do it for me. At least they did get it right with Cougar Crest from David and Deborah Hansen. Kudos to Ben Smith and Gaye McNutt and congratulations to the Spectator for really getting it right on this one. All four Cadence blends, Coda, Tapteil, Klipsun, and Ciel du Cheval scored over 90.

Catie (W5), recently posted an excellent piece on "terroir." I believe that Washington AVAs and individual vineyards have distinctive terroirs despite the youth of our vineyards. Look for posts on Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, and Puget Sound Cabs to say nothing of other Washington AVAs. Also, check out our special Cab posting for Wine Blogging Wednesday #34.