Joleté 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $35

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This under-the-radar brand under the Le Cadeau Vineyard umbrella near Newberg, Ore., produces Riesling from California’s Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley and this utterly astounding Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley. These 14 barrels of juice from Summit View Vineyard were crafted for the Mortimers by Brett Isenhower. The namesake winemaker for Isenhower Cellars in Walla Walla shows an even hand with French oak for the 16 months, allowing for sweet purple fruit aromas while the wisp of smoke still makes room for a pinch of thyme. It’s supremely balanced with black currant, black cherry and blueberry flavors as easy tannins work in the background for a plummy finish. A member of our panel sat back and simply said, “Wow.”

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 332 cases

Alcohol: 14.4%

Winery website

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