Portland winemaker Robert Bailey and accountant Su Matemanosak recently launched Arenness Cellars, and while Bailey’s background includes time at renowned Willamette Valley producers Alexana and Owen Roe, the focus of this boutique brand is Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington state. The debut is with two barrels of clone 8 Cab taken Oct. 18 from Golden Ridge Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, and the tribute on the bottle that reads “Thank You, Helene!” is a subtle reference to the label artwork of Helene Bradley. Behind the label, perhaps it is Bailey’s winemaking education through Washington State University that allows him to capture much of what makes Washington Cab so special – a theme of dusty cherry, chocolate and leather that brings layers of complexity amidst a structure that also offers an easy drink. The next release for Arenness will be a 2018 Cab from famed DuBrul Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, followed historic Dionysus in 2019. And the 2020 harvest saw them reach into venerable Klipsun on the southern slope of Red Mountain.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 54 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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