Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Trade Tools
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. The grapes for Mullan Road Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon come from several outstanding, low-yielding vineyards in the newly designated Royal Slope appellation including Stillwater Creek Vineyard and Lawrence Solaksen Vineyard.
90 Points
jamessuckling.com
2020 vintage
91 Points
Wine Spectator
2020 vintage
Harvest Note
2020 was a warm vintage in Washinton state. We experienced normal budbreak and favorable early-season growing conditions, resulting in nice fruit-set and healthy clusters. The Royal Slope, a higher appellation in central Washington state, benefited from unique conditions throughout the growing season, resulting in grapes that featured particularly impressive phenolics. The resulting wines are stunning, highlighting plush, elegant varietal flavors and an impressive structure that will help these wines mature gracefully over the next decade.
Tasting Note
On the nose, this Cabernet Sauvignon highlights aromatics of dark fruit, plum, and strawberry jam. Flavors of strawberry jam and blueberry mingle with hints of crushed mint, green tea and dried tarragon. There is a lot of fruit up front, giving way to well-integrated acidity and nicely structured tannings. The overall mouthfeel is lush and elegant while the finish is really well balanced, highlighting the incredible characteristics of the Royal Slope appellation.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8%, Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot
APPELLATION: Royal Slope
PH: 3.80
ABV: 14.50%
AGING: Aged 22 months in French and American oak barrels, 43% new.
Unique Selling Points
- This small-production, age-worthy, elegant Cabernet showcases the best of Royal Slope
- A rich, full-bodied cabernet from the Cakebread Family
Mullan Road Cellars celebrates the pioneering spirit of those who made the original journey into the Northwest Territory.
- Sally Johnson Blum, 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.
