This is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon with dark fruits (blackberry, black currants), licorice, toast and charred earth-style aromas and flavors. Medium to full body; the deep black fruit flavors are layered with spice, and notes of mocha and chocolate. The wine is concentrated, and lush, with a fairly long finish.
WINE INFORMATION
Barnard Griffin Winery is situated in south-central Washington at the confluence of the Yakima, Columbia, and Snake rivers, in the heart of Washington State's wine country. It was founded in 1983 by husband/wife team Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard.
The grapes for this wine come from seven different vineyards in the Columbia Valley: Arete, Sagemoor, Black Rock, Crawford, Caroway, Gunkel and Vinagium. The grapes were fermented at relatively warm temperatures in stainless steel tanks and the wine was aged in European oak barrels and upright ovals.
Washington State’s first commercial wine grape plantings occurred in the early 1960s. Now they are the second biggest wine producer in the United States and boast over 600 wineries. Washington has 19 recognized American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) and produces over 30 varietals. The Columbia Valley AVA lies mostly in Washington State, with a small section in Oregon. It encompasses the valleys formed by the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the Walla Walla River, the Snake River, and the Yakima River. Like the well-known French wine growing regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, the Columbia Valley stretches between the 46th parallel and 47th parallel. The northern latitude gives the areas two more hours of additional daylight during the summer growing season than wine regions of California receive. The volcanic and sandy loam soil of the valley offers good drainage and is poor in nutrients—conditions that force the vine to concentrate its resources into the grape clusters.
Charcuterie, Cheese, Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Lamb, Mushrooms, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce