One of the great wine destinations in Eastern Washington, Col Solare is perched high atop Red Mountain with sweeping views of the Columbia Valley. Col Solare is a historic partnership between Chateau Ste. Michelle and the Antinori Family that began with their first vintage in 1995, as Col Solare’s mission has been to amalgamate these two distinct viticultural and winemaking backgrounds to create a fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from choice Red Mountain fruit.
I have been tasting this wine since their first vintage and I have been so impressed with the consistency of the wines. Both winemaker Darell Allwine and assistant winemaker Will Wiles are truly talented and you can taste the level of dedication and commitment in the glass. Col Solare make a host of wines now from their estate, including Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. They are now making a higher end wine ‘Tenuta’ which was just as impressive of last year’s edition.
The 2017 Col Solari ‘Tenuta’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) is big, bold and has a silky mouthfeel. This glorious and unabashedly monstrous beast will cellar well for decades to come. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.colsolare.com and Here is my review of the great new Col Solare ‘Tenuta’ wine.
2017 Col Solare ‘Tenuta’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak before bottling. Needing an hour in the decanter to be fully aroused, this opens with anise and dark licorice with mocha and shades of violets that all mingle aromatically. The palate shows a silky mouthfeel with velvety tannins that frame a massive core of dark fruit flavors with espresso bean and dark chocolate undertones. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this has another twenty years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 95