Pondera Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $34
Woodinville winemaker Shane Howard continues to turn patience into success with his program, and he burnishes his reputation with Cabernet Sauvignon by once again producing a delicious wine from Conner Lee, Stillwater Creek and The Benches — aged for 30 months in 60% new French oak. There’s an underlying and tantalizing savory theme, starting with aromas of smoked meat that’s joined by black currant, black raspberry, blueberry, black olive and Earl Grey tea. The palate profile is dark and blue with black cherry, blueberry and boysenberry, backed by a medium structure of tannins and a lingering finish that hints at cherry reduction sauce. Play with its savory approach by pairing with a plate that includes a grilled portobello mushroom. And for the second straight year, Howard’s Cab merited a gold medal at the 2015 Seattle Wine and Food Experience Wine Awards.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 150 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
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