Crushed black currant, wild sagebrush, dark cherry pit. Toasted plum, broken basalt, black licorice. A fresh yet deeply extracted procession of tart blackberry, mulberry, and rum cake writhes with incredibly inky darkness while hints of star anise, dehydrated violet, and pencil lead provide dramatic yet perfectly integrated charm. Riveting notes of dried mint, fennel, and eucalyptus collide with wafts of pipe tobacco, lavender, and potpourri to expose layers of beguiling herbal depth. Intriguing impressions of graphite and onyx reveal streaks of volcanic minerality that remain unwavering amidst captivating bursts of cinnamon, vanilla, and baking spice. Powerful, stoic, and serious on the palate while maintaining impressive tension and restraint; exhibiting imposing muscle and concentration while remaining quite classic and reflective of rugged yet ravishing terroir. Medium plus in body with bold tannin supported by brilliant acidity. This 2016 "Andreas" Wallula Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon by Den Hoed Wine Estates is a dense and brooding yet outstandingly balanced red from Washington's Horse Heaven Hills.

While the Bordeaux-style wines of Washington State may not yet be as well known internationally when compared to those of regions like Napa Valley, many of the immensely complex and compelling creations coming from this northern state have proven to be just as noteworthy and exciting as California's best. This bottling, crafted by Den Hoed Wine Estates using Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the "Andreas" block of the epic Wallula Vineyard, showcases the intense and intellectually intriguing heights that well made Washington Cabernet can achieve. Coming from one of the most unique vineyards in the state this wine contains an extremely concentrated and serious fruit core adorned with wild herbs, spices, and unique basaltic minerality. It is still quite young and tightly-wound yet already reveals layer after layer of complexity after only minutes of air. This is a serious, seductive, and downright delicious creation.