2008 Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it feels like summer is finally here, as we've had a few days in the 90s, but the humidity isn't too bad yet, so the evenings have been nice and cool...perfect for enjoying a nice glass of wine on the patio!  And for tonight's glass, we have the 2008 Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic varietal from the Columbia Valley of Washington State.

Some of my absolute favorite producers are from the Walla Walla Valley, but this is a producer that I hadn't heard of before being introduced to it by Dave Russo, of my favorite local wine merchant, G.B. Russo's.  This wine is a classic Washington Cab, with a deep ruby color that looks almost black in the glass.  The nose has hints of blackberry, leather and tobacco, and just the slightest hint of mint.  The taste is remarkably fruit forward, with red berry, plum and Rainier cherry, followed by a bit of earthy spice mid-palate.  The tannins are well structured, giving a nice dry finish.  This is a nice big, bold Cab that would stand up well to those of Napa Valley, but at a much more attractive price!

Overall, I would rate this one a solid 8.5, as it has everything a good Cab should have, and at only $15 I don't know what else you could ask.  Tonight I'm enjoying this with a little linguine and spicy red sauce, but it would go well with a grilled steak or nearly anything you could cook on the patio as you're drinking a glass!