Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
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
2021 vintage
Harvest Note
2021 was a warm growing season marked by a record heat event in late June and low yields at harvest. Bud break began at the beginning of April, ahead of historical averages. The true hallmark of the year came at the end of June, when a heat dome descended on the west coast, leading to a significant reduction in berry size and cluster size. Veraison began in mid-July, aligned with recent years though early by historic standards. Temperatures cooled in September and October, allowing for extended hang time. While the crop was much smaller than we would have liked, quality was outstanding with slightly elevated brix at harvest and great natural acidity – a nice surprise considering how warm the year was. The resulting wines highlight great flavor concentration while remaining balanced and fresh.
Tasting Note
The nose reveals blackberry, black currant, and plum with a hint of floral black tea. Swirling brings heavier black fruit, fig paste and a whiff of baking spices. The palate has great volume, present but sweet tannins and an energetic mixture of red and black fruit. The finish is fresh, with good lift and a lingering of raspberry ganache.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11%, Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot
APPELLATION: Royal Slope
PH: 3.75
ABV: 14.10%
AGING: Aged 20 months in French and American oak barrels, 62% new.
Unique Selling Points
- Fruit comes from famed vineyards in newly designated Royal Slope AVA
- 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.
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.
