Dan and Amy Wampfler know a thing or two about Cabernet. I loved the wines that Dan made at Dunham which were consistently great Cabernet wines for the price. Today he makes Abeja wines with his Uber-talented wife, Amy Alvarez-Wampfler. They are both a delight to spend time with and they are producing world-class Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay.
It was at Columbia Crest where the couple's professional and personal lives crossed. With Dan leaving Columbia Crest and joining Dunham Cellars, Amy then served as Sinclair Cellars' general manager and winemaker. Abeja approached the couple in late 2015 and in January 2016 they then joined Abeja as general manager and co-winemakers. I have been enjoying these wines from my personal collection for many years and it was time to uncork some beauties. Each wine came from my cellar. They were all glorious.
The incredible 2016 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) is soft and generous, showing depth and concentration from this amazing vintage for reds. Just as good was the 2018 (OB, 95) which is slightly less open at this five year mark but shows equal potential. Tightly wound and compact, with bright underlying acidity, this is a beautiful wine especially after a few hours of air. Learn more about these incredible wines at https://www.abeja.net and here are my reviews of the 2016, 2018 and 2020 vintages of Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon.
2016 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Very soft and refined now at the seven year mark, the 2016 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers sagebrush notes alongside milk chocolate, anise and allspice on the nose. The palate is seamless throughout the drinking experience. Layers of black currants and wild blackberry mingle well with pencil lead and salty undercurrents on the palate. Finishing long with black fruits and minerals, this beautifully-textured Cabernet has at least another ten years of life ahead of it. Drink 2023-2033- 95
2018 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A glorious wine from a great vintage, the 2018 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is mainly Cabernet (89%) with 10% Merlot, and a dash of Cabernet Franc added. It really needs several hours to fully evolve but once aroused it is compact, refined and utterly delicious. Rich dark fruits parade with espresso grounds, and shades of Black Forest cake on the palate. If enjoying now, make sure to give this 2-3 hours in the decanter, as your patience will be rewarded. This is a total masterclass by Amy and Dan Wampfler. Drink 2023-2035- 95
2020 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The gorgeous 2020 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon also is mainly sourced from estate vineyards (roughly 70%). This shows a beautiful aromas of dried herbs and tar with espresso grounds and shades of black currants. The palate is rich and voluptuous with refined tannins and a beautiful array of black fruit flavors. Enjoy this beauty over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2030- 94