One of the most overlooked and most consistent producers in the Walla Walla Valley is Doug Simmons, a retired chemistry instructor who takes a well-measured approach at his boutique winery near the Walla Walla Regional Airport. Many of his bigger reds hail – including this Cab – from Les Collines, and this is a beauty. Inviting aromas open with dusty black currant, baking spice, California peppercorns, light toast and thyme. There’s deft balance to the structure that opens with plum juice and plum skin tannins as bright acidity lifts sweet black cherry off the palate. It’s a product of Simmons’ second vintage at his own winery, which is across the C Street from Five Star Cellars, and his responsible management of alcohol also helps to keep this eight-year-old Cab truly elegant and showing no signs of slowing down. It received a silver medal at the 2016 Capital Food and Wine Festival Wine Competition.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 195 cases
Alcohol: 12.4%
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