The 2017 Columbia Valley CVR is smoking stuff. Based on 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc sourced from the Champoux, Galitzine, Palengat, and Wallula Vineyards, it has loads of cassis, toasted spice, graphite, and dried tobacco notes as well as full-bodied richness, a broad, expansive mouthfeel, and sweet tannins. It’s not far off the top releases here, and it remains a stunning value in world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it any time over the coming 15 years or more.

Lush color and a soft, warm, vanilla-inflected nose. Rich, luscious, and toasted, with notes of plum, raspberry, and cherry that go deep on the palate with sweet new oak. Good length and lovely balance.

A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine jumps out of the glass with aromas of dusty red cherry skin, luscious baking spice, dark plum and cassis. Full-bodied, the wine still has the same attention to detail as its bigger brothers in the range, just at a keener price. In the mouth, the CVR offers up structured tannins with energetic acidity, subtle spice with red and black berry tones. The wine concludes with a delightful and lingering finish.