SuLei Cellars 2010 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $32
Les Collines is a top-drawer vineyard near the Oregon state line. It is owned and operated by Norm McKibben of Pepper Bridge fame. This wine is crafted by one of the top young producers in the Walla Walla Valley — Wine Press Northwest magazine’s 2012 Washington Winery to Watch — and this might be its finest to date. It opens with aromas of slate, Baker’s chocolate, black pepper, black currant and plum. On the palate, it leads with bold flavors of dark-toned fruit including black cherry and Marionberry. The tannins have plenty of grip, though not enough to get in the way of all the fruit. This has great length and will continue to evolve for at least another half-decade.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 111 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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