This has improved a bit over the past few years. It still needs time though. Purple/ruby in color. The nose has cassis and still a fair amount of oak showing as fresh cut lumber and spice. On the palate, this has a nice mouthfeel. Good depth. Cassis, with a slight earthiness. Nice finish. Easy to drink on its own, a crowd pleaser. Hold a bit and there is some upside.
This is their basic Cabernet from a winery that makes both Washington and Oregon wines. Purple in color. The nose has cassis, sandalwood and fresh cut lumber. On the palate, this has medium tannins. There is a fair amount of oak, but also plenty of cassis fruit. Easy drinking. Good finish. For a $30 Cab, this is a nice value. Some depth. Needs a couple of years and drink over the next five to seven after that.
From the younger vines in the Champoux vinyard, hence the name (although the vines are around 30 by this time). A delicious Washington state Cab from an Oregon producer. Purple in color. The nose has cassis, slight bell pepper (in a good way), leather and spice. On the palate, this is full bodied and bold. Firm tannins. Deep but tightly wound. Lots of cassis and black cherry fruit. Nice finish. This needs some time and should peak in another ten years or so. There is some upside.
Wow. What a showing. The grapes for this come from a "young" block in the Champoux vineyard. Of course, they were not really that young in 2008. And the best few barrels of this were bottles separately as a "Reserve". This may be the best Washington Cabernet I have had. Period. OK, let's get this part out of the way. I know the producer - Peter Rosback. We have been friends for over 40 years since our college days, but I don't believe that influenced this review. I literally had to go back and check the bottle after taking a few sip. Purple in color. The nose has cassis, black c
