One of the lodestars of Walla Walla, Jean-François Pellet follows up his stellar 2012 edition with another head-turning Cabernet Sauvignon that relies on prestigious estate vineyard such as Pepper Bridge, Les Collines and Seven Hills. French oak dominates the barrel program, of which 26% is new, allowing for a refined nose of Bing cherry, plums and blackberry pie spice with dark toast and a whiff of charred wood. There’s a sense of opulence to the drink as layers of black currant, blackberry and blueberry are met by sandy tannins that allow the fruit to filter through. A fleshy midpalate of plum sauce combines with rich chocolate for a long finish. J-F suggests drinking this with cassoulet, grilled portobello mushrooms or steak. And fortunately, production of this was increased by more 700 cases from the 2012 vintage.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 6,387 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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