2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

{Columbia Valley}

In a break from our prior releases of Cabernet Sauvignon, which were made predominantly from vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley, the 2006 vintage is made primarily from the stout 35-year old vines of Cold Creek Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, with the remainder from Pepper Bridge Vineyard in Walla Walla.  This 100% single varietal Cabernet showcases the essence of the "grand daddy" of all varietals, with its dark ruby color, classic Bordeaux profile of tobacco, leather, must, truffles, pencil shavings, spices and herbs, and well-integrated hints of smoky, toasty oak.  The old vines add layers of depth and complexity without compromising the balance and elegance of the Waters style.  This also ensures that the wine will age well and improve over time.

Making naturally balanced wines with layers of complexity and a long finish requires not only great vineyards, but consistently great weather.  While in a string of great vintages from 2005 to 2007 we had both, even so, some vineyard lots lacked structural attributes that prevented them from standing out on their own in a blind tasting.  Rather than manipulate them into something they were not meant to be, we instead choose to blend these lots so that the finished wine is not only reminiscent of the vintage, but whose beauty and expression are far greater than the sum of its parts. 

• Wine Profile (pdf)