Very nice Cab with a lot of fine berries and plum notes and some touch of vanilla/caramel. Medium to full body, good length, soft and warm, but not like some Napa Cabs.
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Drinking really well. The nose is all dark fruits and a little spice. Black cherry, currants, and plum. Overall quite balanced on the palate, it has smooth tannins, a slight acidic kick and more of the dark fruits. The finish is medium long. Starting to develop some secondary notes that would be expected at 9 years of age, but this one has legs to go for another 5-10 years at least. I wouldn't be surprised to drink one of these at 25 years and still see that great balance that it has today.
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Purple, nose of vanilla, caramel, fine toast & paprika. Extremely flattering on the palate, the 26-month in the barrel send greetings, blueberries & even more vanilla. Good melting, always a safe value
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Don't see rationale for any ratings over 89, it was a solid 89, but did not rise from really good to great (90=great range). We only paid in the low $30s at Costco for this and we have had bottles multiple bottles over the years of this as Columbia Crest Grand Estates is our "go to" mid week wines. The reserve just falls a tad short...certainly varietally correct and there were some tannins left after 7 1/2 years...definitely DRINK NOW, is not going to get any better, but it left us wanting more depth and character that would have scored a higher rating. Pretty good, but not great and not buying any more. Could get Cameron Hughes Napa Cabs in the 20's with similar quality.
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Decanted for 20 minutes. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, currant, mulberry and a touch of forest floor. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, iron, mint and a touch of chocolate. The finish lasts about is big and lasts for about 30 seconds with blackberry and melted chocolate notes. This could have used a longer decant but not understanding the lack of love here. This is a real nice bottle of Cab and fans of new world cabs will not be disappointed.
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A year later and it is a little smoother after 30 minutes of decant. I bumped it up to an 89 from and 88. Probably would by again closer to $20 not $30
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Deep burgundy purple color, dark cherry spicy nose, fruit forward with noticeable but not overpowering tannins, balanced acidity on the finish. Oak and leather, nuanced with vanilla and violet.
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Tight and needs another 3 to 5 years. Potential is there with some nice underlying fruit, forest floor, spices and tobacco. Medium finish. 88 to 92. Score withheld at this time.
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“87% C.S., 11% Merlot, & 2% C.F. harvested 10/2/10 from the Stone Tree, Beverly, & Wautoma Springs Vyds; 6-9 days on the skins,10 days to finish alcoholic fermentation, & 4 wks malolactic fermentation in barrels; Aged for 26 mos in 100% new FR oak; 14.5% ABV, 0.60g/100ml T.A., & 3.72 pH; 5,500 cases crafted.”
N: Totally CLOSED
P: Med, poss MF, body; Somewhat astringent entry that largely mitigates by the LONG finish.
Day 4 N: Fragrant blk plums, notes of choc; Showing SOME oxygenation?
Day 4 P: Med, pos MF, body; Astringency WAY down; Still a firm, oaky style, but much more palatable than on Day 1, when I *should* have decanted it. 91 pts WE (3/1/14) @ $45, + various other scores & medals on wine-searcher's Tasting Notes pg. [As of late Dec '19, wine-searcher still shows 1 source @ $39.99].
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Paired nicely with smoked beef brisket. Definitely a wine I prefer with food better than without. acidity eats in to the food very well to leave a nice cab wine enjoyed with food.
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After 10hr decant, didn't notice any tannins left. Nice easy drinking wine at this point but I fear my smoked barbecued beef short ribs will overpower this wine. Probably not much life left in this one. Just seems tired already which surprises me a little. I enjoy this wine more when it is much younger.
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Didn't keep my promise... and opend a bottle (instead of waiting another 6 months). It was a good decision! My wife and the guests liked it. Wonderful everyday Cab! love it.
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The nose has the typical Washington menthol with a touch of alcohol heat. The dark fruit is well integrated with proper acidity and heavy oak. The finish is not long but a little sweet with cherries. Overall enjoyable for a $30 Cab.
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Soft, gentle nose is full of blackberries, cassis, and cola on top of mocha, sweet toast, and dried herbs. Well rounded and expressive, showing lush fruit, flavors, deceptive complexity, and a texture that glides effortlessly in the mouth. Sumptuous and persistent on the finish.
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Blackberry cheesecake to nose. smooth, yet complex enough due to, in my opinion, a near perfect ratio of blackberry fruit to tannins. Carmel on the very ends of the tongue. If you eat cheese with jam this is the wine. The acid stays in mouth for aftertaste otherwise this would be close to 90. Buy for 20-30 dollars. No more.
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A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot, this deep-to-opaque ruby wine flaunts blackberries, caramel, espresso and dark chocolate on both the nose and palate. Full-bodied and with medium acidity, it wraps its flavors with substantial supple tannins and more than a dollop of toasted oak. Listed as 14.5%, the wine's alcohol is nicely integrated. Progressing through the mid-palate with an ever-increasing oak presence, it closes medium in length and fairly smooth. This is a pleasant Cabernet which will have many fans, although (for my palate) a lighter hand with the oak would have resulted in a more balanced wine. Drink now-2024.
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Flabby and unstructured-I'll wager no aging potential. But that's unfair-I'll never buy another bottle and lay it down to find out. I've got better uses for our money.
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Quite young and still tannic even after 1hr in decanter. Needs air. 2nd day better. Tannins have calmed but still not getting the fruit and oak I got from earlier vintages. (Maybe covered by the higher acidity). A little disappointed.Try next bottle 2016.
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This is the perfect example of what can happen with Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon when the producer decides to employ the resources to make the best wine possible. This wine reeks of class. They added a little Merlot and Cabernet Franc to round out the aromas and flavors. The color is rich dark purple. The nose is defined by the 26 months in new French oak, which continues through the finish. There are all sorts of interesting aromas almost too many to mention like violets, red licorice, tobacco, wet leather, road tar, vanilla, black cherry preserves and all kinds of dark fruits. All that oak brings a full bodied, creamy mouth feel. The tannins, alcohol and acid seamlessly enhance the experience. This wine tastes great now, but is showing it's youth. !0 years from now, this one could be a classic.
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Keine Nase. Entäuschend im Mund. Unausgereift, bezweifle Potential. Stunden vorher dekantieren. Ist den Preis nicht wert; chf 45 resp. mit Rabatt chf 27.50
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Still young, not quite as smooth as I remember the 2008 to be. But with great potential. Needs to lose it's edge. I won't open the next bottle before 2016.
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10/27/2021 - sanjuanlewis Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine is in a great place right now.
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12/26/2019 - Joerg65 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice Cab with a lot of fine berries and plum notes and some touch of vanilla/caramel. Medium to full body, good length, soft and warm, but not like some Napa Cabs.
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11/6/2019 - devman wrote: 92 Points
Drinking really well. The nose is all dark fruits and a little spice. Black cherry, currants, and plum. Overall quite balanced on the palate, it has smooth tannins, a slight acidic kick and more of the dark fruits. The finish is medium long. Starting to develop some secondary notes that would be expected at 9 years of age, but this one has legs to go for another 5-10 years at least. I wouldn't be surprised to drink one of these at 25 years and still see that great balance that it has today.
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7/29/2018 - drum-wine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Purple, nose of vanilla, caramel, fine toast & paprika. Extremely flattering on the palate, the 26-month in the barrel send greetings, blueberries & even more vanilla. Good melting, always a safe value
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3/13/2018 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 89 Points
Don't see rationale for any ratings over 89, it was a solid 89, but did not rise from really good to great (90=great range). We only paid in the low $30s at Costco for this and we have had bottles multiple bottles over the years of this as Columbia Crest Grand Estates is our "go to" mid week wines. The reserve just falls a tad short...certainly varietally correct and there were some tannins left after 7 1/2 years...definitely DRINK NOW, is not going to get any better, but it left us wanting more depth and character that would have scored a higher rating. Pretty good, but not great and not buying any more. Could get Cameron Hughes Napa Cabs in the 20's with similar quality.
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3/10/2018 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for 20 minutes. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, currant, mulberry and a touch of forest floor. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, iron, mint and a touch of chocolate. The finish lasts about is big and lasts for about 30 seconds with blackberry and melted chocolate notes. This could have used a longer decant but not understanding the lack of love here. This is a real nice bottle of Cab and fans of new world cabs will not be disappointed.
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2/12/2018 - Winowhyno wrote: 89 Points
A year later and it is a little smoother after 30 minutes of decant. I bumped it up to an 89 from and 88. Probably would by again closer to $20 not $30
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11/5/2017 - A2BigRed Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep burgundy purple color, dark cherry spicy nose, fruit forward with noticeable but not overpowering tannins, balanced acidity on the finish. Oak and leather, nuanced with vanilla and violet.
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4/16/2017 - 3daywinereview.com wrote:
Tight and needs another 3 to 5 years. Potential is there with some nice underlying fruit, forest floor, spices and tobacco. Medium finish. 88 to 92. Score withheld at this time.
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1/23/2017 - srh Likes this wine:
Private Preserve after Day 1
“87% C.S., 11% Merlot, & 2% C.F. harvested 10/2/10 from the Stone Tree, Beverly, & Wautoma Springs Vyds; 6-9 days on the skins,10 days to finish alcoholic fermentation, & 4 wks malolactic fermentation in barrels; Aged for 26 mos in 100% new FR oak; 14.5% ABV, 0.60g/100ml T.A., & 3.72 pH; 5,500 cases crafted.”
N: Totally CLOSED
P: Med, poss MF, body; Somewhat astringent entry that largely mitigates by the LONG finish.
Day 4 N: Fragrant blk plums, notes of choc; Showing SOME oxygenation?
Day 4 P: Med, pos MF, body; Astringency WAY down; Still a firm, oaky style, but much more palatable than on Day 1, when I *should* have decanted it. 91 pts WE (3/1/14) @ $45, + various other scores & medals on wine-searcher's Tasting Notes pg. [As of late Dec '19, wine-searcher still shows 1 source @ $39.99].
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5/1/2016 - Wine Lover 1964 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Paired nicely with smoked beef brisket. Definitely a wine I prefer with food better than without. acidity eats in to the food very well to leave a nice cab wine enjoyed with food.
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4/21/2016 - Pedroel Likes this wine: 92 Points
2nd day: rich, complex and balanced. Fruit showing well, too. Compared favorably to Fielding Hills '10 cab.
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4/14/2016 - Squilber Likes this wine: 89 Points
Solid wine. Good value. Nothing special.
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3/15/2016 - Wine Lover 1964 wrote: 89 Points
After 10hr decant, didn't notice any tannins left. Nice easy drinking wine at this point but I fear my smoked barbecued beef short ribs will overpower this wine. Probably not much life left in this one. Just seems tired already which surprises me a little. I enjoy this wine more when it is much younger.
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2/3/2016 - Eyevet Likes this wine: 89 Points
Okay
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12/6/2015 - drum-wine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Always a joyful experience! For me one of the best CS values in this price range (30$)
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10/8/2015 - Wine Lover 1964 wrote: 89 Points
Similar notes as b4
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9/3/2015 - John Gallup wrote:
Removed from cellar to make room for worthier wines
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9/3/2015 - drum-wine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Didn't keep my promise... and opend a bottle (instead of waiting another 6 months). It was a good decision! My wife and the guests liked it. Wonderful everyday Cab! love it.
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4/30/2015 - Ric2491 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Excellent every day drinking cab. Priced right for what the wine delivered.
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4/17/2015 - chanote44 Likes this wine: 89 Points
The nose has the typical Washington menthol with a touch of alcohol heat. The dark fruit is well integrated with proper acidity and heavy oak. The finish is not long but a little sweet with cherries. Overall enjoyable for a $30 Cab.
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4/15/2015 - Baron Slick wrote: 91 Points
Soft, gentle nose is full of blackberries, cassis, and cola on top of mocha, sweet toast, and dried herbs. Well rounded and expressive, showing lush fruit, flavors, deceptive complexity, and a texture that glides effortlessly in the mouth. Sumptuous and persistent on the finish.
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3/25/2015 - ashera212 Likes this wine: 87 Points
Pastry on the nose. Cheesecake. Decanted for 2 hours. Black fruit. No more than 3 more years aging. Drink now.on sale $29.98
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3/25/2015 - J.Ciaccio Likes this wine: 88 Points
Blackberry cheesecake to nose. smooth, yet complex enough due to, in my opinion, a near perfect ratio of blackberry fruit to tannins. Carmel on the very ends of the tongue. If you eat cheese with jam this is the wine. The acid stays in mouth for aftertaste otherwise this would be close to 90. Buy for 20-30 dollars. No more.
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3/1/2015 - Ketiw wrote: 91 Points
Well balanced cab
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1/25/2015 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 88 Points
A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot, this deep-to-opaque ruby wine flaunts blackberries, caramel, espresso and dark chocolate on both the nose and palate. Full-bodied and with medium acidity, it wraps its flavors with substantial supple tannins and more than a dollop of toasted oak. Listed as 14.5%, the wine's alcohol is nicely integrated. Progressing through the mid-palate with an ever-increasing oak presence, it closes medium in length and fairly smooth. This is a pleasant Cabernet which will have many fans, although (for my palate) a lighter hand with the oak would have resulted in a more balanced wine. Drink now-2024.
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1/10/2015 - Aideng12 wrote: 90 Points
Very floral initially. I drank it over 5 days, and it seemed to hold up fairly well. A decent bottle for $29 at Costco.
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1/9/2015 - Fred44 wrote: 70 Points
Flabby and unstructured-I'll wager no aging potential. But that's unfair-I'll never buy another bottle and lay it down to find out. I've got better uses for our money.
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12/24/2014 - Wine Lover 1964 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Quite young and still tannic even after 1hr in decanter. Needs air. 2nd day better. Tannins have calmed but still not getting the fruit and oak I got from earlier vintages. (Maybe covered by the higher acidity). A little disappointed.Try next bottle 2016.
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12/16/2014 - adamb95 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really opening up after an hour. Great from start to finish, and has the potential to be a classic down the road.
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11/14/2014 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 92 Points
This is the perfect example of what can happen with Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon when the producer decides to employ the resources to make the best wine possible. This wine reeks of class. They added a little Merlot and Cabernet Franc to round out the aromas and flavors. The color is rich dark purple. The nose is defined by the 26 months in new French oak, which continues through the finish. There are all sorts of interesting aromas almost too many to mention like violets, red licorice, tobacco, wet leather, road tar, vanilla, black cherry preserves and all kinds of dark fruits. All that oak brings a full bodied, creamy mouth feel. The tannins, alcohol and acid seamlessly enhance the experience. This wine tastes great now, but is showing it's youth. !0 years from now, this one could be a classic.
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10/25/2014 - Banzai wrote:
Keine Nase. Entäuschend im Mund. Unausgereift, bezweifle Potential. Stunden vorher dekantieren. Ist den Preis nicht wert; chf 45 resp. mit Rabatt chf 27.50
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9/11/2014 - drum-wine wrote: 91 Points
Still young, not quite as smooth as I remember the 2008 to be. But with great potential. Needs to lose it's edge. I won't open the next bottle before 2016.
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