Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2002

Excellent cab! Nice cherry on the nose, with a hint of spice (cinnamon?). Deep black cherry flavors, and a long finish with a touch of heat. Tannins bounce around the tongue, adding a bit of dryness.

February 2008

This Red Mountain pioneer's mainline Cab is always a favorite, and it shows it's stuff here with aroma's of black truffles, tar and chocolate with ripe, complex flavors of juicy balack cherries and plums. A great wine at a great price.

Kiona Vineyards Winery pioneered the Red Mountain viticultural area near the Tri-Cities which takes advantage of a unique microclimate that combines the fruitiness of the Yakima Valley with the richness of the Columbia Basin. John and Ann Williams own the winery and their son Scott is manager and winemaker. Kiona produces a wide variety read more...of outstanding wines. They planted their first plantings in 1975 and produced their first wines in 1980.    (hide)

February 2009

I'm not sure how Kiona picked their "Reserve" wine for this vintage, but the "regular" bottling seemed about the same as this Reserve. Nothing special here. Nice nose of blackberries, with blackberry and a bit of blue fruit on the palate. Tannins on the finish are unimpressive. I like the regular Terra Blanca wine better.

December 2008

Kiona’s top-of-the-line red wine consistently improves with time in the cellar, as it tends to be somewhat tight in its youth. There’s no doubt about its future here, as aromas of dark fruit, chocolate and espresso meld with flavors of blackberries and cherries and complex spices and herbs. Won gold at the Northwest Wine Summit.

Sweet strawberry fruit, with a touch of smoked meat. Tannic, but not too harsh. This seems like it could keep going for another 3-4 years.

December 2008

Rating: Gold - As reviewed by Tasters Guild International on 5/1/2007