Mike’s worked in the Columbia Valley since the mid-1980s. He knows the growers (Champoux, Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval are just three of the top vineyards in this wine), and the growers know Mike’s track record for Cabernet: Wine Advocate gave the 2003 vintage 94 pts.; the 1999, 2001 and 2002 each earned 92 pts. Full-bodied, concentrated and exceptionally well-balanced with loads of ripe, dark fruit.

Vintage
The 2006 vintage was quite warm with overall heat accumulation rivaling the high numbers posted in 2003.  While spring was a little rainier than usual, July and August were hot prompting concern that the grapes might ripen before the flavors had time to fully develop, but a perfect Indian summer slowed ripening just enough to give the grapes extra time of the vine to soften the tannins and produce mature, richly flavored grapes.

Vineyards
One of the advantages of having made wine in the Columbia Valley since the mid- 1980s is the opportunity it’s given me to work with some of the most dedicated growers in the industry. Our Columbia Valley wines are made from a short list of vineyards I consider to be the best in the state. The diversity of these vineyards which represents many of the most mature, carefully managed sites in Washington provides for a full range of fruit expression that allows me to craft complex, multi- layered wines true to Columbia Valley terroir as well as the varietal character of the grape. Our 2004 Cabernet includes grapes from Champoux, Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun and Weinbau vineyards.

Winemaking
After destemming and crushing, grapes were fermented in small lots for an average time of eight days. After being pressed off, each lot of wine was moved to predominately new French oak barrels for 20 months of barrel aging during which time the wine was racked every 3-4 months.

Tasting Notes
This dark, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with cassis, blackberry liqueur, dark cocoa and warm vanilla notes in the nose. It lingers across the palate, imparting a long, polished finish that was developed in part from aging in new French oak barrels.

Analysis at Bottling
Total Acidity - 0.54g/100ml
pH - 3.673Blend - 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec
Cases - 1672
Bottling Date - July 1, 2008

Mike Januik, Owner/Winemaker