
It obviously took several years before the Aquilini family began to reap the rewards from its stunning 2013 purchase at auction of 670 acres in and around the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area west of Richland, Wash. A decade later, the British Columbia entrepreneurs earned their first two Platinums via the blending magic of Cornell grad Joshua Maloney. It’s a bit of a no-brainer for Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain to lead any proprietary blend, and that’s followed by Malbec (16%), Merlot (11%) and Petit Verdot (4%). The results are stately, starting with aromatics of black cherry, plum preserves, aged leather and figs. Black fruits gush out across the palate — cassis, mulberry and black cherry — met by vanilla, peppercorns and anise. There’s a kick of blueberry-seed tannin at the end, but the black currant flavors keep pace. Qualifying award: Los Angeles International (best of class)
Rating: Platinum • 92 points
Production: 2,310 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Eric D. Chasing Rain is a bargain Red Mountain Cab!