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.
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