Doubleback
One of the great Washington wineries for Cabernet Sauvignon, Doubleback was founded by NFL legend Drew Bledsoe. Originally from Walla Walla, Drew attended high school there and then had a great career at Washington State University before spending many years with the New England Patriots. For many years Drew had wanted to own his own winery following his illustrious career in football. Going back to Walla Walla was the perfect choice for him. Drew returned to Walla Walla in 2007 to plant his estate vineyard, McQueen, on the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Doubleback was born in 2008 which would focus on estate fruit to create world class Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla. Drew knew he needed a top class winemaker and connected with childhood friend and superstar winemaker, Chris Figgins, of Leonetti Cellar, who served as consulting winemaker until Josh McDaniels assumed the role in 2015. Here is my interview with Josh: (http://www.washingtonwineblog.com/blog/2016/10/13/interview-with-josh-mcdaniels-head-winemaker-of-doubleback-and-sweet-valley-wines). Doubleback has a world class facility in Walla Walla just outside of town. Their rooftop has sweeping views of the valley and is the perfect spot to sip their outstanding wines and feel like you’re a world away from home.
Josh has been winemaking for more than ten years and while he is not new to making great wine, he has an incredibly high ceiling in terms of the wines that he seeks out to make. It is no surprise that Chris Figgins recognized his abilities many years ago. I was blown away with the new 2017 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which is a precise and dense wine that has an exceedingly long life ahead of it. One of the great Cabernet Sauvignon wines that I have had from Washington all year is the 2017 Doubleback ‘Estate Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 97) which is a massive, monster of a wine that will need some time to fully evolve —yet it is sinfully good in its youth after extended air. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://www.doubleback.com/
2017 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterful effort by superstar winemaker Josh McDaniels. Needing a one hour decant to fully be aroused, once awoken there are deep layers of dark fruits woven together with black licorice, cigar box and shades of Turkish coffee and asphalt that all sing in unison in the glass. The balance and purity of fruit mid-palate is simply gorgeous. Long and generous, with moderate tannins and exceptional length, the combination of weight and acidity really impresses. While obviously a big wine, this has a magical sense of elegance and balance. This is thrilling stuff in its youth, as the 2017 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2017 Doubleback ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Doubleback ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep, hedonistic monster of a wine. Massive, brooding dark fruits invade the nose with black currants, Black Forest Cake and creosote that all take shape in the glass. The sense of balance mid-palate is gorgeous. Even better is the seamless quality of the wine that effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. While obviously intense, the lifted, pillowy effect induced on the palate is seriously good. Dark chocolate covered espresso bean, tar, creme de cassis and suggestions of blackberry compote with light smoky and herbal undertones complete this scintillating Cabernet Sauvignon. This finishes extremely long. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this massive wine at least a two hour decant. Try to let this sit at least another year. Drink 2021-2045- 97