Portland-area marketing executive Kent VanArnam continues to take his interest in grape growing and winemaking well beyond the hobby level, and his latest effort off his young vineyard near the Yakima Valley town of Zillah may well be his best. The harvest at 25.2 Brix and 20 months in French oak leads to suave aromas of black currant and elderberry with touches of tar, green peppercorn, cedar and chalkboard dust. Those dark blue fruit notes are mirrored on the palate with flavors of blackberry pie, plum and baking spices. Supple and sweet tannins combine with pomegranate acidity, making for an approachable Cab with finesse and complexity. These wines – formerly branded as Reflection Vineyards – are available at his estate tasting room as well as Cellar 55 in Vancouver, Wash.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 112 cases
Alcohol: 13.4%
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