Barter & Trade Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2018

This is the fourth vintage released by California winemaker Andrew Jones, who also makes wines for Fiction, Field Recordings, and Wonderwall. He became enamored with the wines coming out of Washington and told himself if he ever had the opportunity to make some, he would go for it. The grapes are grown in the Cascade Mountain foothills in the Columbia Valley, from Ancient Lakes to Walla Walla, and with some barter & trade (hence the name!), he arranged for the grapes to be driven overnight to him in California. Now, the grapes are crushed and fermented in Washington and then the wine is brought to Paso Robles for aging and finishing. This offering is 100% cabernet sauvignon, and is aged in 50/50 new and seasoned French oak. The result is bold and concentrated with well-balanced tannins, voluptuous dark fruits, including blackberry, currant, and mulberry, and delicate hints of cocoa and vanilla. Sustainably grown.