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Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
Abeja
United States - Washington - Walla Walla Valley

This is the grape that the winery believes will increasingly be recognized as the icon varietal of Washington State and comprises the majority of their production. This Cabernet is stylish, elegant, and impeccably balanced. Abeja accomplishes this by meticulous viticultural management, utilization of a rare sorting system, gentle handling of the fruit and the wine, customized practices for every lot no matter how small, and carefully selected French oak.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful combination of sturdy structure and polished finesse. Balanced tannins and acidity provide the structure needed for excellent aging and will reward those who tuck it away for a bit.
The nose leads off with plum, bright blackberry, and dark bing cherries. A touch of dried blueberry rounds out the fruit profile. Floral notes and cocoa, with nuances of cedar and spice, are sprinkled throughout. All of these characters follow through on the palate and, with a pleasant minerality and continuity, weave a tapestry of complexity and youthful exuberance.

Specifications
Appellation
Walla Walla Valley
Wine Type
Red
Varietal(s)
79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Petit Verdot (2019)
Vinification
Vineyard Sources: Abeja Estate; Ciel du Cheval; Heather Hill Estate; Mill Creek Estate; Sagemoor Farms: Bacchus, Dionysus, Sagemoor, Weinbau.
Aged 21 months in 100% French oak (medium toast, 40% new)
Production
4,435 (9-liter cases)
Pairings

Pair this Cabernet Sauvignon with lamb. Also recommend duck or goose breast on a bed of grains with wild mushrooms.

Reviews and News

2019 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 94 PTS - VINOUS

2019 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 94 PTS - VINOUS

vinous logo"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon wafts up from the glass with a dusty yet understated mix of crushed violets, lavender and black cherries complemented by exotic spice. It's silky-smooth, displaying wonderful finesse, with a blend of blueberry and blackberry fruits motivated by brisk acidity. This tapers off long and staining to the senses, leaving a primary concentration of fruit and a buzz of residual acidity that maintains fabulous freshness. - Eric Guido"

- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (October 2022), 94 pts

2019 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 93 PTS - WS

2019 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 93 PTS - WS

wine spectator 94 pts"Dynamic and rich, with a sumptuous structure and detailed blackberry, toasty mocha, clove and other dusky spice flavors, which build polish and energy toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032. - Tim FISH."

- Wine Spectator Insider (August 16th 2023), 93 pts

2019 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 92 PTS - JS

2019 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 92 PTS - JS

james suckling hq logo plain"Aromas of leather, cassis and cured meat. Full-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. Linear, with good depth and intensity. Lovely rock-salt salinity at the finish. Best after 2024."

- James Suckling (August 2022), 92 pts

2017 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - GOLD MEDAL - TEXSOM

2017 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - GOLD MEDAL - TEXSOM

texsom gold 2021







2017 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 92 PTS - JS

2017 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 92 PTS - JS

james suckling hq logo plain"Plenty of blackcurrants and blueberries with a hit of new wood, too. Medium body, slightly firm tannins and a flavorful finish. This still needs some time to come together. Cabernet sauvignon with 1% petit verdot. Better after 2021."
- James Suckling (June 2020), 92 pts

2017 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 91+ PTS - WA

2017 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 91+ PTS - WA

wa91"Dark ruby, the 2017 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a bold and structured nose with layers of complex aromas of juicy cherry, blackberry, dusty plum, dried herbs, bitter dark chocolate and soft herbaceous green notes. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is full in flavor, displaying a balanced structure that gives pleasure with qualities of spiced black cherry, dusty plum skin and soft mocha expressions that continue to evolve on the persistent, elongated finish. Give this delicious and succulent wine a try. - Anthony Mueller"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (October 2020), 91+ pts

2016 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 94 PTS - WS

2016 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 94 PTS - WS

wine spectator 94 pts"Offers finesse and structure with elegantly expressive blackberry, basil and black olive flavors that build richness towards polished tannins. Drink now through 2028. - TF"
- Wine Spectator (October 2019), 94 pts

2016 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 93 PTS - JS

2016 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 93 PTS - JS

james suckling hq logo plain"Attractive dark plums and berries make for an attractive nose that carries a sense of ripe fruit with freshness intact. The palate follows suit with a sleek, rich serving of blackberries and blackcurrants, framed in smooth-honed tannins. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling, 93 pts

2015 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 91+ PTS - VINOUS

2015 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 91+ PTS - VINOUS

vinous logo"(50% new oak; bottled in August of 2017): Dark, bright medium ruby. Classic varietal aromas of cassis, black cherry, violet and licorice are accented by notes of crushed rock and orange zest. Juicy but still tightly wound; perhaps a bit oakier than it should be and thus the flavors of dark berries, spices and orange zest are showing a touch of leanness today. Finishes with a serious dusting of tannins and very good length. Today this wine is not showing the fleshy character of the 2014 but it appears to possess the balance to reward patience.- Stephen Tanzer"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2018), 91+ pts

Go to Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

2015 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 90 PTS - WS

2015 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley - 90 PTS - WS

wine spectator 90 pts"Dense and well-structured, with brawny black cherry, smoked spice and anise flavors that take on power toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2021 through 2025. 2,474 cases made. - TF"
- Wine Spectator (August 2018), 90 pts

Go to Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

Producer Information: Abeja

The word Abeja (Spanish for ‘bee’) is a beautifully simple term to describe one of nature’s hardest workers of the land. Abeja Winery owner Ken Harrison and wife Ginger chose ...
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