The 2022 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is anchored by two renowned Washington growing regions. Horse Heaven Hills vineyards impart silky tannins and Old World elegance, while White Bluffs vineyards, home to some of the state’s oldest Cabernet vines, add depth and structure. Weinbau Vineyard’s Block 10 brings low yields and intense concentration, and the historic 1972 Cabernet plantings at Bacchus and Dionysus contribute firm tannins and a powerful backbone.

The 2022 Columbia Valley growing season brought challenges, rewards, and, ultimately, a vintage to celebrate. Winemaker Gilles Nicault worked closely with growers on canopy management to ensure a balanced vine while a large crop allowed for aggressive thinning at veraison to promote even ripening. Cool early September temperatures were followed by a warm, sunny stretch through October, providing ideal hangtime for the grapes to reach physiological maturity. The resulting wines showcase vibrant color, impeccable structure, and expressive, layered flavors.

Hand-harvested grapes picked at the peak ripeness were sorted, lightly crushed, and fermented in small stainless steel tanks. During early fermentation, the cellar team pumped over the cap 2-3 times daily to enhance color and structure. As fermentation progressed, pumpovers were gradually softened to preserve fine tannins and texture. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels, 85% new, where it aged for 22 months, developing depth, balance, and refined complexity.

The 2022 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is a richly textured, elegantly structured wine. Aromas of black cherry, sweet spice, nutmeg, and earthy undertones lead to a concentrated palate of dark fruit flavors. Silky tannins provide a refined framework, balancing the wine’s plush mid-palate and sophisticated finish. The wine reveals even greater complexity as it opens, hinting at its potential for graceful aging.