ATTENTION! This is NOT one of
the plethora of "everyday" Columbia Crest
wines from Washington state you find on your
grocery aisle.
Of course, you
may not have even read this
far!
If you have already deleted this email, then
it's likely you are a "wine snob" with preconceived
notions about quality and what's fashionable to
drink or cellar. If so, you lose on this
one!
Do I hear
scoffing? A sneer?
It may surprise you to learn the 2005 Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon Columbia Valley will be a serious
contender for this year's Wine Spectator #1
Wine of the Year! Just after the 2008 results were
announced, this wine earned a 95 point
rating, and sold out immediately with just a $27
price tag.
An even better vintage, the 2006
Reserve has been released without
any fanfare....yet! No, this is not one of the
Napa Valley "culties" costing hundreds of dollars, nor
is it a "cutting edge", premiere release vying
for your attention. However, after
tasting the 06
Reserve last week, it
too, should be a serious consideration for any avid
value seeker, drinker, collector, or wine
hipster! I can only imagine what kind of
future price escalations will occur if the 2005 is
annointed WOTY in late November by Wine Spectator.
What's the 06
Reserve like?
The blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15%
Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc is aged for 25 months
in 82% new French oak and 18% new American oak
barrels. The 06
Reserve is immediately impressive for
its bright, intensely focused aromas and flavors of
blackcherry and cassis fruit.
Underlying nuances of anise, cedar,
sandalwood and graphite add complexity.
However, in my opinion, the Reserve
is most noteworthy for its harmonious style,
grace, and sense of refinement. The
Reserve is balanced by finely polished tannins, and
shows off a lengthy finish that captures
the subtleness of a fading echo ...... a trait
usually claimed by wines with expensive
pedigree. Perhaps, it is only a matter of
time before this recognition becomes a
reality!
TRACK
RECORD!
When one examines the Reserve's
consistent track record for value and quality, the
price remains incredulousy unchanged, and is
one of the very best buys in the market
place.
Wine Spectator
2005 - 95 points - $27
2004 - 92 points - $34
2003 - 90 points - $30
2002 - 89 points - $30
2001 - 93 points - $30
2000 - 93 points - $30
1999 - 91 points - $28
1998 - 92 points - $26
For technical data and background
information
CLICK HERE >
CHECK the "Expand All"
box
then CLICK on the pdf "portable
document" file
