Mullan Road Cellars was founded in 2012 by Dennis Cakebread of the renowned Cakebread Cellars winery in Napa Valley. A 40-year veteran of the wine trade, Dennis embarked on a mission to make a world-class Washington State wine embodying the rich history and terroir of the Northwest. Mullan Road Cellars is named for Lieutenant John Mullan, a 19th-century pioneer who built the first wagon road into eastern Washington. Its winemaker is Aryn Morrell, a Washington native who spent years making wine in Napa Valley with prestigious wineries such as Silver Oak Cellars, Joseph Phelps, Quintessa and Chappellet before returning to Washington in 2007. The grapes for Mullan Road Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon come from several outstanding, low-yielding vineyards in the Columbia Valley, including the famed Seven Hills Vineyard, as well as Stillwater Creek Vineyard and the Corfu Crossing Vineyard outside Royal City, in the newly designated Royal Slope appellation.

Gold Medal
Seattle Wine Awards
2017 vintage
91 Points
Wine Enthusiast
2017 vintage
Harvest Note
In 2017, we experienced a relatively moist April with scattered showers and average temperatures in the low 60s. Cooler-than-average weather extended into the third week of June, when warm, dry temperatures prevailed. July was very warm, rising to 100+ degrees, which accelerated veraison. August was hot, too, but soon cooled down for ideal harvest conditions in September and October.
Tasting Note
This complex Cabernet Sauvignon wine reveals sultry aromas of muddled red fruits, raspberry, and dried strawberry with hints of light baking spices. Swirling brings up notes of crème brûlée with black tea, mocha, and cocoa powder. The palate is round and polished, with black currants and plum puree accented by vanilla bean and balanced by fine tannins. Hints of dark chocolate and pressed berries linger on the finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
APPELLATION: Columbia Valley, Washington
PH: 3.83
ABV: 14.1%
AGING: 20 months French and American oak barrels, 33% new French oak, 6% new American oak
Unique Selling Points
  • Fruit comes from famed vineyards in varied parts of Columbia Valley resulting in a balanced and complex wine
  • Small-production, age-worthy, elegant Cabernet that showcases the best of Columbia Valley
  • Winemaker Aryn Morell is a WA native with extensive experience in the Columbia Valley as well as Napa Valley

About the Grape

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.
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