WIA DOUBLE AGENT! That mountain of wine disappeared in a flash, but we’re back with another WIA-worthy Cabernet!

Waters wins this WIA for a good reason. They KILL it with overdelivering, with some of the best deals we see out of Washington State, one after another. A 100% pure Cab at %50 off? Damn.

Featuring 3 choice vineyards spanning Walla Walla and Columbia Valleys, namely Cold Creek, Stone Tree, and Windrow, this is like a ‘Greatest Hits of Cab’ compilation playlist to loop on, and on at a QPR that is utterly rare in say Napa Valley Cab.

Rays of crimson accentuating a vivid deep purple and alluring cherry red define the looks. Blackberries, cassis, and dark chocolate comingle with earth and minerals on the expressive, nose, reminiscent of a Left Bank Bordeaux. Silky smooth tannins coat a core of berry and plum, with sweet spices in the back of the palate. The impressive finish envelops the palate and lasts for a sneaky and subtly complex minute plus. This is an ideal “everyday” Cab for summer grilling, slow-cooked meats, and root vegetables. Don’t get us wrong, though, it is seriously complex too, especially for the money!

Owner and winemaker Jamie Brown first achieved success in the music business before finding his way to his next big passion, so his ‘compositions’ accent this theme. Brown and his Waters made it to Seattle Metropolitan Magazine’s 30 Most Exciting Wines of Washington State list just last year. Jeb Dunnuck also reported for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate as; “this top estate is a perennial source of high-quality wines” and Jay Miller before him declaring Waters as “one of Walla Walla’s finest new producers” with their inaugural releases.

Early impressions from critics for this wine include Wine Advocate finding, “concentrated intensity on the nose, with a chocolaty characteristic” and Jeb Dunnuck “a sweetly fruited, charming, quaffable style” and Wine Enthusiast wraps it up saying it “brings appeal, with a soft, silky feel.” With a couple of years of age at the winery library though, we found it ROARING with aroma and flavor now.

Word has it that Jamie is discontinuing the Waters project, so grab the last of this while you can!

90 Points – James Suckling

“A fruity, easy red with chocolate, currant and walnut character. Medium to full body, soft tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”