Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2013

Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is made from 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot.

Aged for 20 months in 100% French, medium toast; 60% new, 40% one & two year old
The nose leads off with plum, bright blackberry, and dark bing cherries. A touch of dried blueberry rounds out the fruit profile. Floral notes and cocoa, with nuances of cedar and spice, are sprinkled throughout. All of these characters follow through on the palate and, with a pleasant minerality and continuity, weave a tapestry of complexity and youthful exuberance. 

Review:

(14.7% alcohol; mostly from Bacchus and Dionysos vineyards): Healthy dark red. Nicely ripe, nuanced aromas of black- and redcurrant, blueberry, licorice, fresh herbs and tobacco leaf. Deep, spicy, chewy Cabernet with lovely acidity giving shape and clarity to its flavors of blueberry, blackberry, cassis and bitter chocolate. Very nicely balanced, long wine with firm tannins that avoid dryness.

-- Stephen Tanzer 90 Points

The Abeja Winery

The Abeja Winery sits at the base of the Washington Blue Mountains, just east of Walla Walla, on a farm estate over 100 years old.

Ken and Ginger Harrison spent 35 years in Portand, Oregon before their strategic move to Walla Walla. The growing climate was ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Ken’s preferred varietal, which made this the perfect location for Abeja Winery. Ken focused on growing and producing, while Ginger operated the Harrison’s Inn.

In 2002, Ken and Ginger met the perfect additions to their Abeja Winery  team, John Abbott and Molly Galt. Hailing from the Napa Valley since college, John worked at Pine Ridge and Acacia Winery. He and Molly later began Canoe Ridge Vineyard in Walla Walla. Molly handled all of the marketing and public relations and John was the winemaker for almost ten years.

When choosing a name for their vineyard, they wanted to represent a period of farming that had respect for the environment and close connection to the earth. The word “Abeja” is Spanish for bee. The simplistic nature and beauty of the word complimented their “farm softly” style. The honeybee is the ultimate symbol for their way of life because honeybees are so impacted by how one farms and yet very important to an ample and robust style of agriculture. The Abeja Winery truly strives to make a difference by minimizing impact and nurturing the land. Abeja vineyards are certified sustainable farming by organizations such as LIVE, Salmon Safe, and Vinea.

Some wines from Abeja Winery:

• Abeja, Chardonnay, Washington State
• Abeja, Merlot, Columbia Valley
• Abeja, Syrah, Walla Walla Valley
• Abeja, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
• Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Columbia Valley

Any Abeja wines we have in stock are listed below, if you don’t see the wine you are looking for please don’t hesitate to ask for it.