Cabernet Franc,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Exceptional Red,  Merlot,  Washington State

Exceptional Red

Mullan Cellars 2012

Mullan Road Cellars 2012 Columbia Valley Red Wine Blend

Dennis Cakebread, from the renowned Napa Valley winery, Cakebread, ventured into Walla Walla Valley, Washington State, for a Bordeaux style blend of grapes, launching Mullan Road Cellars, a wine made from grapes purchased from Walla Walla’s Seven Hills vineyard.  This is Cakebread’s first step into what could evolve into a full-fledged winery.  Time will tell if the project gets legs.

Pouring a glass, the color was a very deep Ruby red, with noted aromas of dark fruit and sweet spice.  On the palate, the blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc, showed ripe dark fruit, blackberries and plums with a nice touch of oak, smoke and toast.  The wine spent 16 months in 40% new French and American oak.  The wine was full bodied and shows nice balance and subtle integrated tannins.  My only disappointment is that I opened this wine early as I believe time will enhance this wine.  I will grab a few more for the cellar and check back in a few years.

Cheers!

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