This bottling marks second commercial vintage of Zimmel Unruh Cellars, the tandem of former Vancouver, Wash., neighbors Robb Zimmel, a combat medic who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Jon Unruh, a U.S. Marine. Zimmel moved to the Tri-Cities and graduated from Washington State University’s winemaking program in Richland in time to buy these Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from McB Vineyard in Lowden. One of the three French oak barrels used in the making of this Cab was new, which imparts alluring aromas of cardamon and cola with Marionberry and mint. It’s very cherry on the palate with classy notes of pencil shavings and gunpowder tea tannins, backed by happy pomegranate acidity, making for quite a crowd-pleaser. Suggested pairings include Italian fare as well as grilled asparagus with olive oil and a liberal sprinkling of black pepper. Look for these wines in the Tri-Cities at Italiano’s Serious Pies & Pasta as well as Tap & Barrel.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 75 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
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