Remember those earlier vintages of Abeja Cab? I do, because they were some of my favorite wines of my first years at Avalon. The winemaker responsible: John Abbott.
John left Abeja to found Devona, a super-exciting new project from both sides of the Columbia Gorge (Oregon and Washington). Of course he's making spectacular Cab, but honestly I'm surprised at how great it is, especially for the price. Rich Cab goodness, expertly weaving together blackberry, plum, and chocolate-covered dark cherries. I love the accents of pipe tobacco and brown spices. Super-solid, delicious Cabernet.
From John: In every vintage, there will be some variation among our vineyards, barrels, and lots, so that is why we select barrel-by-barrel for our vineyard-designated wines. Those wines are very focused examples of the best that particular vineyard offered in that vintage. What that leaves us are some delicious barrels to blend together making this wine, one that combines the sub-regions of the Columbia Valley. These are the lots that have softer tannins, a more gentle structure, and an overall approachability. This is the second vintage of Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is fast becoming what we would call “a great little house wine”!
Our fruit sources are limited to just a handful of old vineyards that we have worked with
for a long time and are very special to us. We don’t go outside of our usual fruit sources
to purchase lower priced fruit from which to make a lower priced wine. All of the fruit that we bring in is produced with the intent that it will become part of our vineyard designated bottlings.
This Cabernet is a pretty deep purple. The fruit here has a pedigree and it is a mouthful. It is loaded with berries and plums, tar and brown mineral with body and character. The tannins are refined, but will allow for nice aging.
The 2017 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend from a handful of the best
vineyard blocks in the state. It is only fitting that we pair this 100% Cabernet with some
old school Seattle grunge. There is no particular order, and once you start with any of
these bands, good luck not finding many more great songs and memories. Start with Pearl Jam Corduroy, and anything from Nirvana’s Nevermind album, but specifically Come as You Are. And then try The Foo Fighters This is a Call, Temple of the Dogs Call Me a Dog and Brad Playing Buttercup. This is pretty fun. Pop the cork, put on your best flannel, and turn the knob up to 11!