2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
The summer of 2018 was one of the hottest years on record throughout the eastern side of Washington. We experienced several weeks of 95-degree and higher temperatures; at long last, a cooling trend arrived in August. The stretch of hot weather allowed an extended hang-time, resulting in appealing, complex flavor. This vintage turned out to be truly remarkable, producing lots with bright, fresh notes and seemingly innate balance.
 
Cabernet Sauvignon from Dionysus Vineyard is exquisite. The 2018 vintage displays an abundance of fruit – boy, oh, boysenberry, is there fruit – but the notes of cigar box, tar, molasses and dark chocolate dominate the initial impression, followed by all of everything that qualifies as a berry (in particular, the blue ones). As you savor, you’ll notice a sprinkling of both fresh and dried herbs on the mid-palate and a hint of sunshine on the finish (yuzu, maybe?) with persistent tannin presence throughout. Put a chill on this and enjoy it right now, or put it in a dark hole for a decade and marvel at how it evolves…because it will do so majestically. Enjoy with Beef Tenderloin with Blackberry Dressing.