Milbrandt Vineyards Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

I’m very enthusiastic about wines from Washington and Oregon. Intriguing and expressive, they can have a dramatic character to them that I absolutely adore. I spied Milbrandt Vineyards Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 at my favourite local wine shop and was enthusiastic to give it a pour alongside a spicy Thai inspired, ginger infused pasta dish I was preparing for dinner. Butch and Jerry Milbrandt’s family have been working the land in Eastern Washington State since the1940’s.  They planted their first vines in 1997 and now have 12 distinct vineyards with more than 20 different varietals spread out over 2000 acres. Although their grapes are purchased by some of the leading producers in the state, they established their own label, Milbrandt Vineyards in 2005 in order to have their name on the character filled wines coming from their estate. The vineyards are farmed sustainably; in fact each vineyard is treated independently. They work diligently to reduce waste in both the winery and farm, they practice water conservation, promote the growth of native plants and use the leftover wine pulp as part of cattle feed or compost. The Traditions label is a blend of fruit sourced from the Milbrandt estate and neighboring vineyards in Columbia Valley.

Dark garnet with ruby highlights in colour, aromas of blackberry, chili pepper, vanilla and cinnamon oak radiated from the glass. Jammy pie flavours of blueberry, raspberry and black currant were laced with rich chocolate in the medium to full body. Spicy black pepper, sweet caramel, toasted oak and wisps of smoke flourished in the lengthy finish. Each sip is a well-balanced fusion of fruit, sweet spice and earthiness that will ensure a swiftly depleted bottle.

77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Syrah

Columbia Valley
Washington
Produced and Bottled by Milbrandt Vineyards Winery
13.5% Alcohol
$13
Enjoy now thru 2015