One of the most consistently producers of Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington State, I have long admired the wines of Abeja, founded by John Abbott. Set in the foothills of Walla Walla’s Blue Mountains, Abeja has seven luxury cottages, creeks, and gardens on the 32 acre property. Abeja relies on the winemaking talents of Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler. Both Dan and Amy have roughly a combined 30 years of winemaking experience. They work closely together on the wines and craft truly one of the great overall lineups of wine.
An outstanding Chardonnay, the 2018 Abeja ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) shines with its great texture and a silky mouthfeel. This beautiful wine has some good cellaring potential. One of the outstanding Merlots made in Washington, the 2017 Abeja Merlot (WWB, 94) is dense, chewy and downright delicious right now, also having some massive cellaring potential. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://www.abeja.net/ Here are the great new wines by Abeja.
2018 Abeja ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay- Sourced from a host of vineyards, the 2018 ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay was aged for nine months in 100% new French oak before bottling. The nose is gorgeous with bright pear and citrus rind tones that mingle with vanilla cream and shades of baking spices that all march in unison in the glass. The palate is ripe and beautifully textured with layers of citrus zest, vanilla cream, baking spices and amazing length and tension. A light veil of salinity caps off what is truly an outstanding Chardonnay with some good aging potential. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- Sourced from a host of great vineyards this wine was aged in 48% new oak for nineteen months prior to bottling in May 2019. The tones of red bell pepper and milk chocolate covered Bing cherry sing with tobacco and sandalwood accents on this fantastic nose. The palate is silky smooth and remarkably textured, as this seamless wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Layers of red and dark fruits combine with coffee grounds and chocolate tones with sagebrush accents on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2017 ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot is a spectacular wine by a very talented winemaking team at Abeja. Be sure to give this a one hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 94
2016 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon by the talented team of Amy and Dan Wampfler is a gorgeous effort from this warm vintage in Washington. The aromatic expression entices from pencil lead to mocha and sagebrush alongside a deep core of dark fruits on the nose. The palate is silky smooth, with a wonderfully soft texture. Rich cassis and mocha flavors collide with minerals and shades of anise on the palate. Round and generous, with great length, the 2016 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2040- 94
2017 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous new wine by Dan and Amy Wampfler. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this was aged in 45% new oak for 21 months before bottling. The palate is silky smooth, showing very refined tannins that line a deep core of dark fruits, chocolate fudge, baking spices and Turkish coffee flavors. While wonderfully balanced, this is deep, delicious wine that has plenty of hedonistic appeal. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this several hours of air. Drink 2021-2040- 94