As I mentioned in the past, Vino Volo is a great way to try new things when traveling as part of their $2 cellar taste program.  On deck when flying back from Denver was Browne Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2013.  While not necessarily the first place most folks think of for cabernet, Washington State’s Walla Walla region has a history of making elegant cabernet sauvignon and syrah.  Can Browne Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon deliver, or should you head back to Napa?

Sight:  A duller purple core, leaning into garnet.

Smell:  Jammy blackberries with hints of violets and the earth after a sudden rain all come forward to start.  There’s a vibrancy to the nose, with hints of fresh plums and berries laced with vanilla.

Sip:  Bright from the start, with a smooth body, and hints of earthiness that lean between mocha and vanilla, hinting at caramel and cinnamon baked fruits.  The body is powerful despite it’s smoothness.  There are hints of herbs, but a touch of sweetness keeps the fruit leaning in, giving flavors of plum and blackberry.

Savor:  The tannins come on strong, maintaining a floral-vanilla blackberry jam composure.  The finish is long, and the grains of the tannins are fine and light.

Browne Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant, muscular, and puts fruit first.  The earthy notes play a strong back up to the flavor profile, and add significant depth.  The tannic structure is again beautiful, and there’s a good balance with the acidity.   Thanks to both, aging shouldn’t be a huge proposition.  At $32 per bottle, Browne Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant and beautiful choice.

Verdict:  Blackberry Jam, Baked Blackberries, Violets, Smooth, Earth
Price: $92 from Vino Volo!   (Wine.Com has the previous vintage 2012 for $32 which should be even better)
Columbia Valley, Washington