Walla Walla

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An article about Cabernets of Walla Walla

When it comes to great domestic Cabernet Sauvignon regions, I’m sure Napa Valley comes to mind for many of us. Indeed, some of the best Cabernet’s the United Sates has to offer are crafted there. From Opus One to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, there are some Napa wineries that give Bordeaux a run for its money. With a focus on Napa, it’s easy to overlook other notable wine producing regions that also craft some great Cab’s. Walla Walla Valley is a great example. The Walla Walla Valley is located in the northeast corner of Washington State at the base of the Blue Mountains, just north of the Oregon boarder and a stones throw from Idaho to its east. The climate and soil conditions in Walla Walla are perfect for growing the Cabernet grape. The climate offers a long season with the warm days and cool nights needed to coax the fruit into full ripeness. The limited rainfall, along with a soil type that has excellent drainage, allows growers to control the amount of water to the vines; this is important as too much water can lead to a diluted fruit. With its ideal climate and soil, it’s no wonder that Walla Walla was discovered as an excellent place to grow Cabernet grapes. In 1977 the first winery in the valley was established. In 1984, Walla Walla was recognized as an American Viticulture Area (AVA). Today the valley holds 60 plus wineries and over 1,200 acres of vineyards. The predominant grape varietal grown in Walla Walla is the Cabernet Sauvignon and its wineries produce some world class wines. Here are some noteworthy offerings: Walla Walla Vintners 2003 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon This is one delicious Cab loaded with lots of big berry taste and silky tannins. The finish lingers with hints of mocha and vanilla. L’Ecole No. 41 2003 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon This offering has a Bordeaux style in that it has an elegant taste with complex layers and balanced tannins. It starts off with tastes of black cherries, mellows out with notes of dark chocolate, cedar and spice, and finishes long and smooth. Five Star Cellars 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon This complex wine, with its rich bouquet, dances on the palate with tastes of ripe berries. Undertones of oak and vanilla with structured tannins makes drinking this wine a true experience. The next time you are in the market for a great bottle of domestic Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley wines are always a good bet, but overlook Walla Walla and you just might overlook something wonderful.

Author: Colin Remington

Source: http://www.howtowine.org