2009 Brand Cabernet Sauvignon

Hello friends. New vintage today of one of the best Cabernet deals produced in Washington.

I received some gentle blowback after offering the 2008 vintage of this wine last year, as the producers were hoping to keep the vineyard source under the radar. Instead of referring to the site as “a prominent Walla Walla Valley vineyard,” I named names. Mea culpa, and you won’t see that for the 2009.

The Brand project was initiated by Acme Wine Company, a local Seattle wholesaler, to address a need they identified in the marketplace for strong Cabernet Sauvignon at a glass-pour price. Because they distribute [REDACTED] Winery’s wines here in town, they were able to gain access to [REDACTED] Vineyard fruit at a very reasonable tariff.

The 2008 was wildly successful, both on our mailing list, where it was a frequent reorder target, and in restaurants across Seattle. Now we have the 2009, which is another fine example of the lush openness of this warm vintage. It’s about an 80/20 Cabernet/Merlot split, and 80% of the overall fruit comes from [REDACTED] Vineyard.

The aromatics are alluring: dark bing cherry, espresso, and that good clean [REDACTED] Vineyard soil. The palate brings that attractive Cabernet mix of earth, fruit, and barrel. This is ripe, soft, and utterly approachable. No need to wait on this one, despite its youth; it’s open for business right now.

Brand presents another nice option for an autumn wedding or party, so let’s open it up to first come first served, up to 60 bottles total. The wine should arrive in about a week, at which point it will be ready for pickup or shipping during the autumn shipping window.