Murray 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $25

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Tim and Kelly Hightower celebrated their 20th anniversary as winemakers in 2017, and they’ve been making wine on Red Mountain since 2002. While their namesake brand is tied to vineyards on their property and in the neighborhood, the second label, named for their first winery dog – Murray – includes fruit from sources such as famed Pepper Bridge in the Walla Walla Valley. This bottling of Cab still includes the heft found on Red Mountain, starting with aromas of black cherry, plum and spice. The influence of oak plays well with the sweet red fruit on the palate, where there’s good duration of flavors through to the finish of black currant and pomegranate. The Hightowers’ hard work and network of fans has led to their wines being available in distribution beyond the Columbia Valley in Idaho, California and the District of Columbia.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 246 cases

Alcohol: 14.5%

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