This wine reminded me of why I like good wine so much. Every once in a while you taste a world class wine that just has the depth, finesse, and polish that makes you smile and want to immediately take another sip. Close your eyes when sipping and you might imagine aromas and flavors of dark plums, ripe blackberries, and maybe even blueberries, along with just a wisp of toasty oak and a kiss of vanilla and caramel. The wine is silky smooth with very subtle soft dusty tannins for the long finish you'd expect from a wine of this caliber. This cellar worthy Cab is surprisingly already approachable if you just can't wait. 

David LeClaire, Sommelier

2023 Covale Cellars "Quintessence" Cabernet Sauvignon
As with all 3 Covale reds, the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain, the source of a many of Washington's most respected and sought after Cabernet's. And for good reason - the vineyard consistently delivers fantastic fruit that produces both an elegant and yet powerful wine - with balance and refined tannins.  Like all of winemaker Marv Crumm's Cabs, the 2023 is meant for cellaring for, at the very least, a few years to unlock it's true unlimited potential. This wine has the structure you need to age a wine successfully. Impatient enthusiasts will no doubt not wait 3-7 years for it to be as expressive as it will become, so for those of you who have to open a bottle now, we encourage decanting for an hour or two to help it open up more in it's youth.

David LeClaire, Sommelier