Palencia Wine Co. 2013 El Viñador Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
Victor Palencia’s reserve-style wines are created as a tribute to his father, David, who is symbolized on the label with a shovel and the name El Viñador, which translates to “winegrower.” The fruit source for this prized Cab off Red Mountain is off Shaw Vineyards, owned by Victor’s longtime supporter Dick Shaw. Engaging aromas of strawberry jam, cassis and Sugarfina Finnska Red licorice include baking spices and vanilla from the 26 months in French oak. Its structure is ripe, smooth and very cherry with bittersweet chocolate tannins and a long blackberry juice farewell. This bottling merited our top rating twice within a four-month span, including a gold medal at the 2017 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition, a scholarship fundraiser for Victor’s alma mater.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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