2011 Va Piano Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
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Tasting notes
Bright, medium ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas of cassis, bitter chocolate, licorice and menthol, plus a whiff of brown spices. Supple and nicely concentrated, with edgy acidity and an herbal element perking up the cassis and plum fruit. No shortage of extract or flavor intensity here—or oak. Finishes with dusty, lightly herbal tannins and a distinctly savory quality.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark crimson. Great savour and intensity. Though a little jagged and with unresolved tannins still. Perhaps this just needs time? (JR)
Tasted out of bottle, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is a solid, medium-bodied and firm effort that gives up classic black and blue fruits, spice, graphite and ample minerality on both the nose and palate. Made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in 40% new French oak, it will benefit from short-term cellaring and drink nicely through 2026. This Walla Walla estate is owned and run by Justin Wylie. He excelled with his 2011 and 2012s. Tel. (509) 529-0900; www.vapianovineyards.com