2023 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

THE WINE

Our 2023 DarkRock Cabernet Sauvignon primarily hails from The Cliffs, our Horse Heaven Hills estate vineyard perched atop dramatic basalt bluffs overlooking the Columbia River. This cool-climate site yields elegant, classic Cabernets with refined, powdery tannins. A touch of Malbec from Beverly Vineyard in the newly designated Beverly, Washington AVA, a hot south-sloping site, adds a jammy and intense fruit-forward character to the blend. This wine showcases the hallmark elegance of our Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet balanced by the juicy playfulness of our Beverly Vineyard Malbec.

The wine was fermented in stainless steel and concrete to preserve the purity of the fruit and then transferred to oak barrels for 14 months with three rackings to enhance clarity. The barrel regimen included 37% new French oak, 9% new American oak, and 54% neutral oak, striking a harmonious balance between structure, complexity, and the wine’s vibrant fruit character.

The 2023 DarkRock Cabernet Sauvignon is richly colored with deep, glassy purple and ruby hues. The nose reveals enticing aromas of currant, blackberry, cedar, and graphite, while the palate unfolds layers of dark plum, cocoa, and tobacco, framed by powdery tannins and a lingering finish.

PAIRINGS

This classic wine pairs well with grilled steak, macaroni and cheese, spare ribs, and fireside chats.