The wine is impressive before it's opened-you have to love the classy cork label with the funky design. Open it to discover gushing ripe plums, cassis, and dark cherries scented with lavender. With a little time in the glass, classic tobacco leaf and cedar spice notes are revealed. You'll love the sophisticated nuances of barrel spice and earthy smoke in Rick's wines. This rich and silky Cab is perfect for a grilled New York strip with a Mystic Syrah reduction. -M.L.
Structured briary Cabernet character supported by hints of tobacco leaf, cedar, French oak spice and jasmine. Fresh Blackberry fruit in the mouth with measureable tannin and structure. Medium weight viscosity which softens and opens expansively with a little time in the glass. Finishes with a berry intensity and acidity which will allow the wine to age gracefully for years to come. -jy
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
This winery has a local cult following. Corvallis customers asked us not to tell you about Rick's wines- they want them all to themselves--- but there's enough to go around... for now. This Cab is made from grapes from the highly rated McDuffee vineyard in "The Dalles", an area on the border between WA and OR, (separated by the Columbia Gorge)that is becoming a mecca for "Big Reds" winemakers.
Northwest Palate says: "Highly Recommended. Herb, cedar, and cassis aromas. Bright, juicy flavors of black currant, herb, and mint. Long finish of tobacco leaf, cedar spice, and ripe tannins. Serve with osso buco and polenta, or cellar up to 5 years. (200 cases made.)"The winery says: "Here it is again, on your mark, get set...GO! Our best effort yet from this wonderful Mill Creek Valley site south of The Dalles. This fruit has that solid, intense Cabernet character - a little tobacco leaf, some briar and blackberry, and even a touch of dill thrown in for good measure. Maturation in lots of medium toast French oak has complimented the currant flavors and aroma. The formidable structure has been tamed by our requisite year of bottle age so that the flavors are crisp and pronounced without overwhelming your mouth in tannin. This wine definitely opens up with a little time in your glass. We love it paired with a thick, peppered T-bone steak on a bed of arugula topped with fresh shaved parmesan cheese (that's "Tagliata" in Italia). Only 100 cases were produced so be sure and stock up as this wine always sells out fast."
