Gordon Taylor ranks as one of the best Washington winemakers you may not have heard about, and his Cabernet Sauvignon from Alder Ridge supports that claim. The pick of the Cab and the Cabernet Franc (5%) came late — Nov. 1 — and he includes Malbec (8%) and Petit Verdot (5%) from Lonesome Spring Ranch in the Yakima Valley. The nose hints at blackberry, plum, blueberry and Bing cherry, and there’s no shortage of barrel influence with notes of black licoric, chai spices, horehound and heavy char. Juicy black currant and Van cherry flavors are presented in a medium structure and luscious midpalate, backed by dark chocolate. It is supremely balanced. He suggests cellaring it from zero to eight years and enjoying it with carne asada, roast lamb, charcuterie and even flan. The wine is primarily available via Tri-City wine merchants such as Yoke’s Fresh Markets and Mid Columbia Wine and Spirtis, but you’ll also find Taylor at the farmers markets in Richland and Prosser. He’s also available by appointment at his Prosser winery atop Davlor Road.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 114 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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