Ross Andrew Winery 2014 The Huntsman Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17

Ross Andrew Mickel worked at iconic Seattle restaurant Canlis and two of Woodinville’s top wineries, DeLille Cellars and Betz Family Winery, before launching his own label in 1999. Those relationships and his talents have helped him gain access to some of the state’s top vineyards. He created a remarkable balancing act with this Huntsman Cab, pulling from vines in the Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope and Red Mountain before devoting the juice to 10 months in a program of 35 percent new oak. Its fragrant nose of cherries and chocolate with raspberry and fresh mint plays out on the palate in delicious fashion. Pomegranate acidity and refined blueberry skin tannins make for a delicious finish. Ross Andrew’s association with Seattle-based Precept Wine makes this wine is widely available, and Mickel’s wines also are poured in downtown Walla Walla at the Browne Family Vineyards/Associated Vintners Tasting Room on Main Street. The 2013 vintage earned a gold medal at the 2016 Cascadia Wine Competition, and this is drinking equally as well. Fortunately, they doubled production. Priced for everyday enjoyment, it’s a natural with cuts of beef such as London Broil, pot roast or tomato-based dishes.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 6,383 cases

Alcohol: 13.8%

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