How It's Made | At Base Camp Wine, we're excited to introduce you to a wine that embodies the spirit of Washington State - the Tall Sage Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 from Goose Ridge Winery.
This wine comes from the Goose Gap AVA in Columbia Valley, Washington. The story behind it is as rich as the wine itself. Arvid Monson, the founder of Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards, planted his first vines on advice from Dr. Walter Clore, known as the father of Washington's wine industry: "Find a tall sage, and you have a place that will sustain superior grape vines." Just like the deep-rooted sage, this wine is deeply rooted in the family's history and the terroir of Washington.
The winemaking process is meticulous:
1. The grapes are carefully sourced from select Cabernet Sauvignon blocks on the estate.
2. During fermentation, the wine is pumped over twice daily to extract color, structure, and flavor.
3. 25% of the blend is matured in New American Oak barrels for 14 months.
4. The rest is aged in stainless steel to preserve the intense fruit character.
5. The final blend is crafted to be an authentic expression of the Estate's Cabernet Sauvignon.
While it's labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine actually contains 21% Merlot, adding depth and complexity to the blend.
What to Expect | Pour a glass of this Cabernet Sauvignon, and you're in for a treat. The wine opens with elegant and expressive aromas that will draw you in immediately.
On the nose, you'll detect dried dark fruit and herbs, with intriguing nuances of smoke and spice. Some tasters also pick up fresh red cherry and red currant, accented by notes of mocha and hints of fresh herbs.
Take a sip, and you'll discover a palate that's both intense and juicy. Concentrated flavors of dark cherries and plums mingle with notes of caramel, licorice, and cedar. The red fruit flavors are supported by a fine structure and a hint of underlying minerality.
What really stands out is the wine's supple structure and the way the juicy dark fruit carries through to a delicate, soft lingering finish. The finish is lively, fresh, and utterly satisfying.
How to Enjoy It | This Cabernet Sauvignon is versatile and food-friendly:
1. Pair it with grilled red meats or robust pasta dishes.
2. Try it with aged cheeses to complement its complex flavors.
3. Enjoy it on its own as a sipping wine, perfect for relaxing evenings.
Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 16-18°C (60-65°F), to fully appreciate its complexity.
At 13.5% alcohol, it's well-balanced and won't overpower your meal. And for those with sensitivities, note that it contains sulfites.
Whether you're a fan of Washington State wines or new to the region, this Tall Sage Cabernet Sauvignon offers a beautiful expression of what Columbia Valley has to offer. It's not just a wine; it's a tribute to the Monson family's legacy and their commitment to quality winemaking.
When you open a bottle of Tall Sage, you're not just tasting a wine - you're experiencing a piece of Washington's winemaking history. Enjoy!
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