Two-decade-old Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon plantings from the Armstrongs’s recently acquired Wheat Ridge Vineyard form the foundation of this blend that began to hit its stride this fall with high scores at two judgings in October — and yielded Timothy Armstrong his first Platinum from our panels. A pair of more famous vineyards in Les Collines and Seven Hills played supporting roles, and the results are engaging and complex. Red plum, muscovado sugar and black olive aromas are joined by flavors of black cherry, espresso, sun-dried tomato and cedar. It’s a full-bodied Cab, bringing smooth tannins and cured meat on the midpalate ahead of the great finish of chocolate-covered cherry. Qualifying award: Great Northwest Invitational (gold)
Rating: Platinum • 92 points
Production: 235 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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