13 July 2012

Cadaretta SBS & Cabernet Sauvignon

Cadaretta is part of Middleton Family Wines and is based out of Washington. I first tried the SBS back in 2010 and was glad to have a chance to revisit that blend as well as their Cabernet Sauvignon. Although the Middleton family has been involved in lumber in Washington since 1898, they diversified into grapes in California in the 1980s and came back to make wines in the Walla Walla Valley in 2005 with the Cadaretta line, named after one of their old lumber schooners from the 1920s.

2011 Cadaretta SBS
Columbia Valley, Washington
76% Sauvignon Blanc, 24% Sémillon
$23, 13.1% abv.

Stainless steel fermentation. Two great grapes that were meant to be together: born in Bordeaux, finding each other again in the Evergreen State. Floral and honey aromas with a slight musky note and hint of sweetness that is balanced out by all of the great acidity from the Sauvignon Blanc. I truly adore Sémillon but this particular balance is so wonderful. Highly recommended.

2008 Cadaretta Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley, Washington
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot
$40, 14.9% abv.
Aged in French oak. Violets and black cherries and green pepper on the nose, medium tannins with a rich plum flavor and a slightly spicy finish. Solid balance and still vibrant after four years. Great combination of sensory experiences with this, and it paired nicely with slow roasted lamb shoulder and some lightly cooked cherries.

Note: These wines were received as samples.

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