2006? or 2007? Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon

[wondersofwine]

I had two glasses of this with dinner at Mash House in Fayetteville. The vintage wasn't listed on the menu so I asked one of the bartenders as I was leaving and promptly forgot whether they said 2006 or 2007. The 2006 is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon grape and the 2007 is 95% C.S.--both have some Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah in the blend. The grapes for both vintages are mainly from vineyards in the Horse Heaven district of the Columbia Valley, WA. The 2007 vintage received 89 points from "Wine Spectator" and was listed as a "Savvy Shopper" selection.

The wine was in a fruit-forward style that does demonstrate some varietal nose and flavors. Soft on tannins. Some viscosity. Some black cherry/blackberry going on. It may not be the normal pairing for a C.S., but I enjoyed this with a hearty mac and cheese dish which I had as part of my meal. (I also had fried green tomatoes and a grilled chicken salad but couldn't find a white wine on the list that sounded halfway attractive.) The Beringer Zinfandel and the Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon were about the best choices on the list. (Maybe they can be forgiven for a limited and limiting wine list as this is basically a brewery restaurant.)

Dim purple-red color with a pretty crimson rim; nearly opaque.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 08-16-2010).]