Columbia Crest H3 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; Patterson, WA

Let me be honest: I LOVE Washington Cabs. The concentration and flavor profiles are delightful. And this bottle from the Horse Heaven Hills appellation is quite simply a stellar value. The color is beautiful crimson red, it exhibits a very floral nose, but what stands out it in this wine is the balance. Almost textbook. First it has very lovely tannin. Absolutely noticable, but sweet, and giving you just the right amount of kick to let you know this is not a crappy, cheap innocuous wine. Then the palate is flooded with black cherry; vanilla, toast/smoke, brown sugar, chocolate, even some cedary/tobacco notes follow. The finish is generous, sweet and cocoa-ish. Nice acidity, good body. I really like this wine. And it reminds me why Washington Cabernet Sauvignon is probably my favorite wine. You just cannot do better for the money. This bottle is good enough for a special occasion, but priced moderately at around $15. A very good workhorse for any cellar. Good job, Columbia Crest!