2005 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
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Tasting notes
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot. Medium ruby in colour. Amazingly this is only starting to brick at the rim – Washington reds (done well) keep their freshness and colour for decades. No sediment that I can see. The nose is slightly dusty but still has heaps of red-cherry fruit and freshness. Not as much concentration on the palate as I'd expect. Cedar, spice, lean acidity and a medium-length finish that's just starting to show a bit of iodine age. I find it strange how little tertiary character this has developed. (SCJ)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve represents a selection of the top 10% of the vintage’s best vineyard sites across several AVAs. The wine (which contains 4% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot) is purple-colored with an expressive perfume of cedar, spice box, pencil lead, black currant, and blackberry. Dense on the palate and quite rich, it is already displaying some complexity. With enough structure to evolve for another 2-3 years, this wine will likely merit an outstanding rating when it fully blossoms. Columbia Crest, owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, has long been known for the quality of its value-priced wines. The current collection will only enhance the winery’s reputation. Columbia Crest is usually thought of as a producer of value-priced wines selling for under $20. However, their upper-level, limited-production wines merit serious attention as they, too, are value-priced compared to the competition Tel. (509) 875-2061; www.columbia-crest.com