2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bacchus Vineyard MAGNUM

From Winemaker, John Abbott:

This wine has been a long time in the making. Of all of our varietals, it has the longest total production time, spending as many as two years in the barrel. Once bottled, it rests for another two years or more before release. We poured this wine as a barrel sample at our launch party in the summer of 2016. It was showing beautifully then, which is a bit unusual for such a young wine, and it has only gotten better with time.

I can honestly say that I have walked nearly every block of the 345 acres that make up Bacchus and Dionysus, and the rows that are grown for us in this old-vine fruit are like old friends. We have been working with fruit from this exceptional vineyard since 1997 and this particular block since 2002. When Molly and I were offered these special rows, we jumped at the opportunity. This fruit was planted in 1972 and the fact that we can contribute to the farming decisions is a bonus, but with the talent and attention of the Sagemoor crew our input is rarely needed.

Once the fruit is harvested, we carefully sort it for any green stem material. This contributes to the fine texture of the tannins and removes the potential for tannins that are green and edgy. Our fermentations are carefully monitored, and the wine is handled as gently as possible throughout. Barrel aging is in 100% French oak, 90% of which is new. The structure and density of this wine can handle this much new wood without being overtaken. Rather, the characters of the barrel contribute to the spice and the complexity of the finished wine.

My goal with all of our wines is that they taste as they smell. This may seem obvious, but it’s easier said than done, and, in my view, the continuity from the aromas to the flavors all the way through the finish is critical to creating a complex and complete wine. This Cab is an overachiever in the category of continuity. From start to finish, intense and focused dark plum and velvety blackberries fill your senses. Dark cocoa, cinnamon, and clove mingle with a tiny bit of graphite, bringing spice to a rich, dense, balanced wine. This is a big mouthful of lush, complexity, and the finish, well, it really doesn’t finish until you have had a nice long, lingering encounter. This is brilliant, classic Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon.

…and now for the music. Let us begin with The Power and the Passion from Midnight Oil. I think it is pretty fitting for this Cabernet. Champagne Supernova by Oasis and Rick James’ Super Freak are both perfect combinations, as well. Enjoy!