WINES OF SUBSTANCE, STONERIDGE VINEYARD, CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 

COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON 2015

 

As the only person to have received Winemaker of the Year distinctions by both Wine Enthusiast and Food & Wine, Charles Smith is a wine force that can’t be stopped. His iconic brands have become recognized the world over: tongue-in-cheek labels of Charles Smith Wines, top-scoring Rhône-style blockbusters from K Vintners, and more recently stellar Bordeaux varietals bottled under the Wines of Substance brand. This new chapter in the Charles Smith wines legend was born of a dream to produce the best-value Cabernet Sauvignon in America. In the words of the winery, this dream has been accomplished through “traditional winemaking. Natural fermentations. Barrel-aging. Plus, bottling unfiltered and unfined. In essence, making the wines [with] small batch winemaking integrity, but doing so on a larger scale.” Indeed, the entry level Substance Cabernet Sauvignon from the larger Columbia Valley appellation is a fantastic value but we were blown away by Smith’s prestige “Vineyard Collection” line—the 2015 Wines of Substance Stoneridge Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% varietal, but it’s really not far from its Royal City Syrah cousin in terms of concentration, depth, and complexity. This single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has firm tannins that transform into velvet with decanting and will likely shine even brighter in a few more years. It’s classically styled with a savory, herbal core that is highlighted by black plum and blueberry decadence.

 

The Stoneridge vineyard lies within the Wahluke Slope AVA, a sub-appellation of the behemoth Columbia Valley. This is one of the driest and warmest areas within the state, and the fruit reliably produces mighty wines with considerable heft. Today’s wine is full of power, but still maintains its elegance—the definition of a wine in balance (a hallmark of Charles Smith wines). Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular types of wine in the world, but finding top quality often means paying top dollar. I’d easily put this sub-$40 wine next to many leading California bottles that have three times the price tag. Smith is known for taking the pretense and pomp out of wine but maintaining the integrity—indeed, championing the integrity—of the wine itself. His highly acclaimed wines have elevated the reputation of Washington State wines over the past decades, and today’s 2015 Wines of Substance Stoneridge Cabernet Sauvignon convinces us even further that Washington deserves all the attention it’s been receiving.  

 

 

*Offer is NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with the items estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2019-2020. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in IL, LA, NY, TN or WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, October 6, 2018.