2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bacchus Vineyard

The vintage of 2019 was one that challenged us, but it ultimately rewarded us with beautiful, generous wines. The season began with snow still on the ground in March, which delayed pruning, bud break, and bloom. The temperatures that followed were slightly above long-term averages, but relative to recent years, it was moderate, allowing for even ripening. This was fortunate because September was cool, and an early frost brought harvest to a close. Because the crop levels are low in the vineyards that we use, ripeness was complete, and all of our fruit had been picked when the weather turned. Additionally, because Bacchus Vineyard is in such close proximity to the Columbia River, it has the added benefit of a moderating influence from that large body of water.

We have worked with Bacchus Vineyard for more vintages than any other vineyard in the state, and it has always been a pillar of our Bordeaux varieties. These old vines deliver consistent quality and expressiveness from start to finish in every vintage. This is classic Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon.

When we process our fruit, we take extra care to remove as much green stem material from the must as possible. This sorting is done by hand, not machine. We love the camaraderie of those who return each year to help with this process. Removing the green matter allows the juice to ferment on clean fruit without extracting rough and edgy tannins for the stems. This sorting leads to a fruit profile that is deep, dark, and full, with tannins that are fine-grained and integrated. Dark plum, blackberry, and fig are the focus. Vanilla and sweet baking spice add to the complexity of aromas and flavors. Structurally, this wine carries an elaborate frame that weaves the fruit, the tannin, and the acidity into a well-rounded and balanced mouthful of wine. Its long bottle age before release makes it approachable now, while its combination of tannin and acidity will reward those who tuck some away in the cellar for further aging. John Abbott, Winemaker