Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Grand Estates 2007

Here is a wine that consistently shows quality well beyond its modest price tag. How do they do it, year after year? It’s in the vineyards. Grapes for Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon are harvested from vineyards located predominantly on the Horse Heaven Hills (which contributes texture and body) and the Wahluke Slope (for aromatics and complexity.) These vineyards are seated east of the Cascade Mountain range which effectively blocks eastward-moving wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean. The soils have low fertility and low water-holding capacity, allowing precise control of vine growth. The grapes mature slowly, insuring complexity, concentration and depth. The wine, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Syrah and 2.5% Merlot, is aged in one third new oak for 16 months. The Wine Spectator called it a "Best Value" and said "Supple and surprisingly complex, this is generous with its meaty currant and blackberry flavors, remaining polished and finishing with clarity. Drink now through 2015."

Firm and slightly chalky, this features light plum, blueberry and mocha components. There's a hint of soapiness, and some herbal roughness in the finish.

Ripe and generous, this is a broad mouthful of oak-accented, mocha- and vanilla-laced black fruit flavors, lingering on the polished finish. Drink now through 2009.

Spices, blackberries, and cassis are found in the nose of another extraordinary value, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Estates (97,000 cases). Medium-bodied and satin-textured, it offers impressive concentration and depth to its blackberry-dominated character. It should be consumed over the next 2-3 years.

Firm, with fine tannins around a lithe core of raspberry and herb flavors, finishing with a grace note of earthiness. Best from 2007 through 2012.

The artisanal approach by the winemakers has produced yet another solid cabernet for the Grand Estates level within the Columbia Crest brands. Black cherry and cocoa highlight the signature flavors of this cabernet.

Bigger, chewier than the Two Vines, this shows more concentrated cassis and very firm tannins; there are some early hints of herb and olive. Overall there is simply power and punch.