Andrew Martinez works with small lots from his father’s historic planting in the dusty Horse Heaven Hills. Neighboring vineyards include Champoux, Phinny Hill and Quilceda Creek Vintners’ Palengat — once known as Matador Vineyard. Sergio Martinez now owns one of the oldest sites for Cab in the state, gnarled vines he’s nurtured since 1981, and those 3 acres created this regal bottling from four barrels. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and cocoa powder include violets. Inside, it’s bright and balanced with a gorgeous mouth feel of boysenberry and blueberry, leading to a long finish of black cherry that includes a pinch of spearmint. The family enjoys it with a juicy steak, short ribs or smoked lamb shoulder rubbed in chili. It’s available retail at the Winemaker’s Loft in Prosser, and the family will be pouring at March 4 at the Snohomish Wine Festival.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 92 cases
Alcohol: 14.11%
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