8 Outstanding Washington Cabernet Sauvignons Under $50

Explore the Evergreen State's Columbia Valley with these new reviews of reds rated 90 points or higher, most priced $35 or less

Mercer's vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills, Washingtons state
Family-owned winery Mercer has been growing grapes in Washington's Horse Heaven Hills since the 1970s. (Courtesy of Mercer Wine)

Washington state’s Columbia Valley continues to be among the best regions in the United States for Cabernet Sauvignon. Its terrain is diverse with alluvial and loam soils over volcanic bedrock, and its climate is continental with dry, hot days and cool nights. These conditions deliver Cabernets that are structured and elegant, as our latest Tasting Highlights shows with delicious Evergreen State reds that scored at least 90 points on our 100-point scale. Even better, they're priced $45 or less, making them relative values in the world of Cabernet.

At Gramercy Cellars, owner Greg Harrington and co-winemaker Brandon Moss use Rhône and Bordeaux varieties, buying their grapes from Columbia Valley growers working in exemplary sites. Harrington, a Manhattan-based Master Sommelier, founded the winery in 2005 and brought Moss on as a partner six years later. Many of their wines are single-vineyard expressions. For their Lower East lineup, however, they blend grapes from multiple sources to keep production high and prices low. The 2019 Lower East Cabernet is an elegant version with currant, cherry and espresso notes. With some bottle age before release, it's great for enjoying now (and for stocking up on during the cold months).

This lineup also includes Guardian's Chalk Line Columbia Valley 2021, an attractive red with blackberry and espresso notes. Read on to get our score and full tasting note for this fantastic Washington Cabernet Sauvignon and seven others.

Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent ratings—including scores and full tasting notes—to WineSpectator.com members.

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