Cadence is a Washington wine icon that has been in business now more than 25 years. They make some amazing red wines from some killer sites in the Columbia Valley. Many years ago Cadence planted an estate vineyard on Red Mountain, the Cara Mia Vineyard, where most of their wines come from.
They did a really nice job in 2022 which was a slightly cooler vintage. I love the 2023 Cadence ‘Bel Canto’ Red Wine (OB, 97) which is one of the best expressions of Washington Cabernet Franc that you will find. Learn more about this great winery at cadencewinery.com and here are my reviews of the the beautiful new wines by Cadence.
2024 Cadence ‘Coda’ Red Wine- The excellent 2024 ‘Coda’ offers refined tannins that frame a core of medium-bodied dark currants, Arabica bean and salty minerals. Soft and inviting now, give this about 30 minutes in the decanter if consuming now. Drink 2026-2032- 91
2022 Cadence ‘Camerata’ Red Wine- Soured from the ‘Cara Mia Vineyard’ on Red Montain, the 2023 ‘Camerata’ has marvelous tension and structure once on the mouth. Asian spices combine with cassis tones alongside scorched earth and bay leaf accents on the palate. Well, structured, with a firm tannic backbone, be sure to give this several hours of air if consuming now. Drink 2026-2040- 95
2023 Cadence ‘Cara Mia Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning wine from this vineyard, the 2023 Cara Mia Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon combines several clonal selections from this Red Mountain property. On the nose this takes on layers of sandalwood and sagebrush that mingle well with dark currants and chocolate. The palate comes off weightless and refined as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Seriously good and also showing some serious aging potential, be sure to give this several hours in the decanter if savoring now. Drink 2026-2042- 96
2023 Cadence ‘Cara Mia Vineyard’ Merlot- The outstanding 2023 Cadence ‘Cara Mia Vineyard’ Merlot shows off exotic spice notes on the nose alongside suggestions of orange bell pepper, fresh sage and a graphite edge. The palate is beautifully-weighted and textured, with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Very vibrant and bursting with bright red and dark fruits alongside toffee and salty soil notes, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95
2023 Cadence ‘Cara Mia Vineyard’ Petit Verdot- A shockingly good single varietal PV, the 2023 Cadence ‘Cara Mia Vineyard’ Petit Verdot stands jet black in the glass. On the nose this excuses class with green herbs and Turkish coffee notes that combine with suggestions of crushed wet gravel and dark chocolate shavings. The palate is deep, powerful and decadent, with sensational weight and flavor density. Despite its power it displays good refinement with its beautiful core of black and blue fruits. Stunning and hard to resist now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 96
2023 Cadence ‘Bel Canto’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Bel Canto’ combines 83% Cabernet Franc with the remainder Merlot coming from the Cara Mia Vineyard on Red Mountain. The highly complex nose brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Dried herbs combine with shades of red bell pepper, red flowers, milk chocolate and coffee grounds on the nose. The palate is dense and viscous with terrific texture and underlying verve. A generous, delicious edition of this wine, make sure to give this at least two hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2043- 97