2011 Canoe Ridge “The Expedition” Cabernet Sauvignon

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2011 Canoe Ridge “The Expedition” Cabernet Sauvignon

$18.99 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

Drew gave me what remained in a just-opened bottle of the Expedition after he tasted it for the first time and decided to feature it as a Wine Club selection for March. I’d never heard of Canoe Ridge before, but when I eased the cork out of the bottle at home, I guessed immediately that it was not Californian. . . .most likely Washington. . .and I was spot on.

I have a developed a fondness for Washington cabs because they seem to have a personality (or should I say “whynality”) all their own, completely distinct from the bigger fruit wines of California. The price is nice, too, and Expedition is something I would welcome to my table just about any evening.

This wine was just released in January of this year. It rested on 30% French and 70% American oak for nine months. Fruit is from the Horse Heaven Hills vineyard near Walla Walla.

Founded in 1994, Canoe Ridge’s focus is estate-grown merlot and cabernet sauvignon. The winery takes its name from the ridge located on the eastern side of the Columbia River, near Prosser, Washington. Famed explorers Lewis and Clark named this crest of land as they journeyed down the river in 1805.

Winery Tasting Notes:
“Spiced floral and blackberry aromas lead to layered, juicy flavors of red currant, smoky plum, savory cherry and a hint dusty chocolate. Polished texture and tannin balance leads to a deep velvety finish.”

Blend:
75% cabernet sauvignon, 16% merlot, 5% syrah, 4% malbec

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