Klipsun Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
In the spring of 2017, the Terlato family purchased the renowned Klipsun Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington State. Two years later, after significant investments in the property, they presented the inaugural vintage of Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet, under the newly created Klipsun brand. Planted in 1984, Klipsun Vineyards is known for its powerful and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Cabernet Sauvignon is very complex, with rich overtones of dark berry fruit and attractive mulberry and olallieberry aromas. The Merlot shows its characteristic bright fruit with a lovely, mouth filling mid-palate richness. In 2019, they chose to blend in 7% Merlot, to balance the brightness of the Merlot with the berry fruit aromas of the Cabernet. And they traditionally add some of Klipsun’s amazing Syrah to add spice and earthiness and 2018 was no exception. The 7% Syrah adds just the right amount of complexity and doesn’t get in the way of the beautiful Cabernet.
Fruit aroma of blackberry, mulberry and boysenberry, interlaced with a spicy oak note. As the wine ages in the bottle the oak & fruit aromas will meld into a complex medley of cedar and cigar box.Rich blackberry and a hint of wild sage normally found. Pleasant acidity and a rich, balanced mouthfeel followed by a well-developed mid palate. The result is a tannin structure that is evident but seamless. The finish is smooth and lingering.
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Varietal Composition | 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Syrah |
| Appellation | Red Mountain |
| Vineyard | Klipsun Vineyard |
| Designation | AVA |
| Aging | 20 months in 100% new French oak, 14 months in bottle |
| Alcohol | 14.10% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
| State of Origin | Washington |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
Blended with 7% Merlot and 7% Syrah, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain starts with a bold, generous and dark-fruited nose with a rich and robust expression that boasts a seductive oaky essence. Full-bodied, the palate is still tight and will benefit from additional aging in bottle, yet I can see it has good bones now that will allow it to age gracefully for about two decades. Gobs of dark red and black fruits sway with a delightful mineral tension before concluding with a long, winding and spicy finish. The wine rested for 20 months in all new French oak before being bottled and left to rest for more than a year prior to release. 7,000 bottles made. - Wine Advocate, 95 pts
