All Cabernet brought up in 40% new French oak, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley is slightly more expensive than the larger production Columbia Valley release, but I think it's a better wine in 2018. Beautiful cassis, tobacco, chocolate, and earth notes emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, mouth-filling texture, plenty of chewy tannins, and a great finish. It shows the pure, elegant style of the vintage nicely and is going to deliver the goods over the coming 10-15 years.

Beginning with an oak-driven and fresh-fruited nose, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla bursts from the glass with elements crème de cassis, vanilla and sweet oak tones before elements of dusty plum and dark cherry sway out of a glass with subtle floral tones. Medium to full-bodied, the oak expressions continue on the palate along with a persistent flavor of bitter black tea and firm tannins that grip the gumline. The wine concludes with a firm tannic edge and juicy black fruit essence. The wine rested for 22 months in all French oak, 40% new. Let this one rest for an additional year to 18 months before opening, and drink through this decade.

Tightly focused and framed by broad-shouldered tannins, this red reveals blackberry, tobacco and spice flavors. Best after 2021.