Thurston Wolfe 2012 The Teacher Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $25

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The seventh vintage of Wade Wolfe and Becky Yeaman’s annual tribute to their matchmaker — the late Stan Clarke — incorporates Cab from Destiny Ridge, McKinley Springs and Double Canyon. Dark plum, Bing cherry and blackberry aromas include mincemeat spices, forest floor, anise and chocolate. The pour brings smooth and round flavors of ripe cherries, blackberries and dark chocolate with a medium structure of fine-grained tannins and a finish of chalkboard dust. These Prosser winemakers suggest holding onto at least one bottle until 2022 to toast Clarke, who passed away in 2007, five years after taking the helm at College Cellars — Walla Walla Community College’s viticulture and enology program.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 732 cases

Alcohol: 14.5%

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