Pondera Winery 2016 Discovery Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $55

Much of Shane Howard’s production comes from the newly established Royal Slope American Viticultural Area, but he pulled in near Crow Butte and the Columbia River for this remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon from Discovery Vineyard. There’s richness, power and balance framed within the Woodinville winemaker’s work with May family fruit. Lovely black and dark red fruit tones come with cedar shavings, baking spice and pleasing toast nuances from the five barrels of Cab. Fine-grained tannins and a supple finish paved the way to judges this a double gold medal — a unanimous vote for gold — at the 2020 Washington State Wine Competition.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 118 cases

Alcohol: 14.8%

Winery’s website