Grapes: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 3% Malbec. Region: USA> Washington State> Yakima Valley> Portteus and Elephant Mountain Vyd. Notes: Unfined, unfiltered, vegan-friendly, sustainable, native yeast, 18 months in French oak.
Description: Cabernet Sauvignon is the #1 varietal in Washington state with over 18,000 acres planted. However all vineyards are not created equal and JB Neufeld is lucky enough to work with some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon growers in the state. Fruit sources are everything. All our fruit comes from the Yakima Valley AVA but each site is completely unique. They believe oak builds structure in thier wines, but want the oak to put the fruit first. A lighter toasted oak barrel is used so it doesn't mask the aromatics but provide a tannic spine to the wine. This is not a hot, heavily extracted red wine, we get the impression it is from a cool micro-climate. Aromas of a dusty old barn, leather, and black currants. The palate exhibits a nice alcohol/ acid balance with mushroom, forest floor, wood, and black cherry compote. This wine keeps improving after opening and drinks great the second day.
Food Pairings: Tomato-based meat sauces, game, cheese (cheddar, gouda, etc.), poultry, lamb, beef, eggplant, bell pepper, sausage, vegetables, etc.