86. Barnard Griffin 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17
This red from winemaker Rob Griffin in Richland, Wash., is always a great value and a consistent award-winner. This latest version, from a cooler vintage, is already showing its greatness. Aromas of black cherries, summer-ripe blackberries, mint and judiciously used oak all tell the taster this will be a refined Cabernet. In the mouth its lush fruit spreads smoothly from front to back, then fades slowly into sweet, smooth chocolaty tannins and a final nip of blueberry.
Production: 5,900 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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