The Swaynes wisely retained Chelan Ridge’s longtime vineyard manager Enrique Hernandez when they purchased the 11-acre planting in 2021. Hernandez’s skill is on display with this delicious, full-bodied Cab that the Swaynes have also credited to Jeff Crowder, the winemaker educated by Washington State University who helped this picturesque property near Manson, Wash., win a Platinum for a fourth different Bordeaux red variety. Aromas of dark chocolate, caramelized cherry, vanilla bean, bubble gum and anise transition onto a palate of Craisin, Montmorency cherry and dark plum with notes of honeycomb and toasted almond. Qualifying award: Pacific Northwest (gold)
Rating: Platinum • 91 points
Production: 159 cases
Alcohol: 15.5%
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