CABERNET SAUVIGNON

THE WINE

Most of the fruit for DarkRock Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from The Cliffs, our estate vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills. The Cliffs is planted high atop dramatic basalt bluffs overlooking the Columbia River, which helps moderate temperatures throughout the growing season. Sandy loam soils provide excellent water drainage, creating stress on the vines that is critical for quality grape growing.

Cabernet Sauvignon from The Cliffs presents a balanced tannin structure and classic characteristics of red fruit and savory herbs accented by cedar and baking spices. Merlot from The Cliffs is full-bodied with a lengthy mid-palate, structured tannins and flavors of black plum married with cocoa. Syrah, grown in our estate Beverly Vineyard, rounds out the blend. Located in the Columbia Valley, this vineyard is hot, windy, and sandy, producing wines of concentration and power. The Syrah contributes characteristics indicative of Australian Shiraz, showing kirsch liquor and savory spice notes framed by structured tannins.

After pressing, a portion of the Cabernet Sauvignon was left on the skins for nine months to encourage color extraction and depth of aroma and flavor development. The wine was fermented and aged primarily in concrete tanks to create a core of pure, fresh fruit. The blend was then transferred to French oak barrels for an additional eight months of aging to layer in vanilla and baking spice characteristics.

PAIRINGS

Enjoy DarkRock Cabernet Sauvignon with a warming beef cognac stew, burgers topped with bleu cheese, braised lamb shoulder, or herbed mushroom pot pie.