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Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon
Beckstone Wine
United States - Washington - Horse Heaven Hills

Deep ruby in color with aromas of blueberry, fresh raspberry, and hints of violet. The wine opens like tea poured over mulled raspberries. Notes of milk chocolate and violets begin to layer mid-palate, along with vanilla shortbread cookies. The crushed velvet finish is long and soothing.

Over 13,000 years ago sudden ice dam ruptures at Glacial Lake Missoula led to a series of cataclysmic floods that swept across eastern Washington and down through the Columbia River Gorge. These ‘Missoula Floods’ were instrumental in the creation of loamy soils – a gritty mix of sand, silt, and clay deposits that offer a diversity ideal for viticulture. At Beckstone, we source the highest quality fruit from these rich, layered soils at the Wallula Vineyards overlooking the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers. ‘Beck’ is an archaic noun that refers to a mountain river, especially a swiftly running stream with steep banks. Our Cabernet Sauvignon honors these historical floods and the ancient balance of sediments that is evident in the wine.

Specifications
Appellation
Horse Heaven Hills
Wine Type
Red
Varietal(s)
81.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.8% Merlot, 8.4% Malbec, 0.9% Muscat Canelli and 0.5 Riesling
Age of vines
Average 25 years
Agricultural Practices
Sustainable
Soil type
3 Soil Types-wind-blown sand and loess; Missoula flood sediment and hill slope rubble from the Columbia River basalt bedrock.
Vinification
Hand harvested primarily from the Wallula Vineyards that are situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake River; hillside vineyards.
APPELLATION: Horse Heaven Hills - 98.2%. Yakima Valley - 1.8%
Traditional fermentation in stainless steel. Maceration range: 7-16 days (10 day average). Shorter macerations: vibrant color & fresh fruit Longer macerations: bold structure.
Aged for 20 months; French & American Oak. Medium, Medium+, and Medium++ toasts
Production
1,500 (9-liter cases)

Reviews and News

2020 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 92 PTS - JS

2020 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 92 PTS - JS

james suckling hq logo plain"Aromas of ripe blackberries and blueberries with cloves, vanilla, hazelnuts and moist earth. Medium- to full-bodied, wide and refined with polished tannins and juicy, mellow character. Lightly chewy at the end. Drink or hold."

- James Suckling (June 4th 2023), 92 pts

 

2020 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 90 PTS - WE

2020 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 90 PTS - WE

wine enthusiast 93 pts"The wine’s aromatics are an aerial circus, with cherry cola, vanilla and violets joining a meaty bacon fat note. This is light-bodied fare, with plush tannins and flavors like cherries and black tea. - Michael Alberty"

- Wine Enthusiast Magazine (August/September 2023), 90 pts

 

2020 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 90 PTS - W&S

2020 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 90 PTS - W&S

wine and spirits logo 250

- Wine & Spirits (December 2023), 90 pts

 

2019 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - EXCELLENT - BTYH

2019 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - EXCELLENT - BTYH

bigger than your head logo 250"It’s not often that I employ the word delightful to describe a cabernet sauvignon wine — like, never! — but the Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, from Washington state’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA, is so fresh, clean and sprightly that it’s irresistible. The color is a pure and wholly transparent ruby-magenta hue; aromas of raspberries and loganberries are highlighted with notes of heather, cedar and ground cumin, with a few moments in the glass unfurling sly and wild, musky and dusty elements — there’s a touch of honed flint and graphite; the wine is quite dry but juicy, lively and engaging to the palate; black and blue fruit flavors feel lithe and winsome, a bit feral though nominally tamed by moderate tannins and just a touch of spicy French and American oak. At 13.7 percent alcohol, it’s eminently drinkable, also, as it happens, vegan-friendly. Production was 1,500 cases. I rate it Excellent, especially for its lovely individuality. At about $20, you could reasonably make it your house red for the next year or so. - Fredric KOEPPEL"

- Bigger than Your Head (December 15th 2022), EXCELLENT

 

2019 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 93 PTS & BEST BUY - WE

2019 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 93 PTS & BEST BUY - WE

wine enthusiast 93 pts"The aromatics are an exotic combination of orange essential oil, cigar box, clove spice and a cherry-phosphate soda. It has a medium-bodied palate, with integrated tannins, a nice bit of acidity and flavors such as black cherry, roasted cacao nibs and a savory meaty quality. This is an impressive wine for a modest price. Best Buy. - Michael ALBERTY."

- Wine Enthusiast Magazine (December 2022), 93 pts & BEST BUY

 

2019 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 92 PTS - BLUE

2019 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 92 PTS - BLUE

antony dias blue logo"Medium garnet color, bright strawberries, blueberries, minerality and spice, with a fresh and long finish."

- Antony Dias Blue, 92 pts

 

2019 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 91 PTS - JS

2019 Beckstone Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills - 91 PTS - JS

james suckling hq logo plain"Redcurrants with some floral and citrus aromas that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Crisp and delicious. Drink now."

- James Suckling (April 2022), 91 pts

 

Producer Information: Beckstone Wine

Over 13,000 years ago sudden ice dam ruptures at Glacial Lake Missoula led to a series of cataclysmic floods that swept across eastern Washington and down through the Columbia River ...
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