Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

Only released in 2000, the Camaraderie Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 continues the heritage of full-flavoured red wines from this specialty winery in Washington State.  Mercer Ranch and Klipsun fruit was again utilized to create this complex flavoured wine. Grapes from these legendary eastern Washington vineyards go into such notable wines as Woodward Canyon and Quilceda Creek.

After long term aging in both American and French oak barrels, the 1996 wine was lightly fined but not filtered.  It is therefore recommended that the wine breathe before being consumed.  Decanting definitely helps fully express the black cherry and plum elements through this added aeration.  A remarkable value.

SKU 476671

Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Don Corson crafted this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine from grapes coming from three of the best vineyards in Washington State.  Fred Artz’s vineyard on Red Mountain brings the structure, black berry and cherry elements; Paul Campoux’s vineyard at Mercer Ranch always brings a lovely soft middle and plum tones; and, Len Parris’ vineyard at Chandler Reach contributes lighter, near floral tones, but also sound structure. Not only were the grapes fantastic but the combination of complementary flavors from three vineyards lent such completeness that blending of other grape varieties was not required.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast   "Cellar Selection"

Gold - Los Angeles County Fair

Gold - Tasters Guild

SKU 445528

Grâce 1997

This Bordeaux style wine is comprised of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc. Made using three fermentation techniques and multiple yeast strains and aged in both French and American cooperage; the wine remains true to the ripe berry and cherry flavours for which the Paul Champoux Mercer Ranch and Fred Artz Red Mountain vineyards are famous.

Deep purple in the glass; waves of plums, cassis and other black fruits on the nose and palate; mouth coating tannins; the flavours are remarkably integrated.  Enjoyable now, additional ageing will soften the tannins further and make this blockbuster a gem of which you should have bought more.

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast

SKU 624551

Grâce 1998

Balance and a near seamless palate are the goals in making great Bordeaux-style blends. The 1998 Grâce blends three of the five noble Bordeaux grape varieties: 65.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot,and 14.5% Cabernet Franc. Each helps meet the ideals of balance and palate fullness. Cabernet Sauvignon provides underlying structure, Merlot adds weight to the middle palate, while Cabernet Franc lends high notes and spice to make the wine more complicated and interesting than any one variety usually does alone.

A rich and deep purple in the glass; intense cherry and berry flavours that the Champoux vineyards are famous for. Elegance and finesse in a glass.

91Points - Wine Enthusiast   "Cellar Selection"

Gold Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition

SKU 324863