Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

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America / Washington

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. Inspired by the adventurous 1850s expedition to build the first wagon road into Eastern Washington, Mullan Road Cellars celebrates the pioneering spirit with each wine it blends. 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.

93 Points

Jeb Dunnuck

2018 vintage

92 Points

Wine Spectator

2018 vintage

View all press reviews

Harvest Note

While the 2018 vintage saw some extreme heat in some of lower elevation appellations, on the Royal Slope it was just warmer than normal with short stretches in the late summer providing 100+ degree temps. The fall cooled slightly allowing for us to pick almost into the second week of November, giving us tremendous tannin, fruit and color development. The resulting wines have incredibly dark color, gorgeous textures and refined mid palate depth with good phenolic balance that offers structure and complexity.

Tasting Note

Aromas of vibrant red and black currants, blackberry, plum skin with a hint of black tea. Swirling brings up plum puree, cocoa powder and vanilla bean. The palate is juicy, offering fresh black fruits, black tea, a hint of crème de cassis and hardwood spice. The tannins are supportive and finely accentuate the vibrant loamy minerality on the finish.

Technical Data

GRAPES: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot

APPELLATION: Columbia Valley, Washington

PH: 3.8

ABV: 14.5%

AGING: 20 months French and American oak barrels, 38% new

Unique Selling Points

Fruit comes from famed vineyards primarily in newly designated Royal Slope AVA
This small-production, age-worthy, elegant Cabernet showcases the best of Royal Slope
Winemaker Aryn Morell is a WA native with extensive experience in WA and Napa Valley

Mullan Road Cellars celebrates the pioneering spirit of those who made the original journey into the Northwest Territory.

Aryn Morell, Winemaker

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.