Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State
Varietal: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon 4% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc
Tasting: Dark and concentrated. The nose offers wafts of leather, graphite, mint and dried herbs. The palate oozes with blackberry, black cherry, plum and cassis, delivered with soft, silky-smooth, well integrated tannins.
Pairing: Tannins need protein to break down, and for this reason fatty cuts of steak and other meats are always an obvious winner with Cabernet Sauvignon. For example a well-marbled ribeye steak, oily lamb meat that has been roasted or grilled, filet mignon, or pork dishes cooked with fruit like plums. If you are vegetarian some great options would be rich mushroom risotto, eggplant parmesan, vegetarian enchiladas or chili, or a yummy ratatouille tart. Pork Chops With Kale and Dates by Ali Slagle enjoyed with this bottle of Cabernet would comfort anyone on a rainy fall evening in the PNW!
About: Barter & Trade wine grapes are grown under the Shadows of the Cascade Mountains in the Columbia Valley in Eastern Washington. Under the care of noted winemaker Andrew Jones, once they are plucked from the vines in Washington, the grapes embark on a journey south to Paso Robles, California, where they are cellared, blended and bottled. The winemaker acquired the fruit for this shockingly good Cabernet through a barter relationship with a top Washington State grower. The resulting wine, which he aptly named "Barter & Trade" has all the bells and whistles of luxury Cabernet costing much more.
