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, 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%
Bill Richey says
Andy: Love your work on WA wines. On your recent newsletter, you looked at top cabs from OR Vinyards. I’ve got to throw Tero Estates in there for his cabs. Doug makes amazing cabs (3 different cabs from specific blocks of his estate Vinyards) and they are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. In case you haven’t met Doug (owner/winemaker) he is a fabulous winemaker, and a great guy!
Bill Richey
Andy Perdue says
Hi, Bill.
Thank you for the note and kind words. I have visited Tero tasting room at the Marcus Whitman, but I don’t think we’ve tasted its wines. I appreciate the heads up and will seek them out.