2016 & 2018 J. Bookwalter Columbia Valley Red Blend Tasting Lot

“The flagship 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Chapter 9 is made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% each of Merlot and Syrah. This black-fruited effort has loads of smoke tobacco, chocolate, and earthy aromatics, full body, a ripe, layered, concentrated style, and a great finish. As with the Protagonist, it has plenty of upfront charm.” (04/2019)

“Aromas of blackberries, blueberries and hints of sage follow through to a full body, pretty depth of fruit and a long, delicious finish. Soft, polished texture to this. Cabernet sauvignon.” (04/2020)

“There is a very fresh, upbeat and floral style on the nose with a wealth of earth, bracken and leafy nuances on offer. The palate has a beautifully composed core of fresh blue-fruit flavors, carried on fresh and fine tannins. A blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 48% merlot and 2% malbec.” (04/2019)

“The 2016 Conflict checks in as a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 2% Malbec that spent 20 months in 300-liter puncheons. Deep purple/ruby-colored, it’s a full-bodied, ripe, polished beauty that has loads of black fruits, spring flowers, underbrush, and mint-laced aromas and flavors. It's a beautiful, elegant, seamless wine from this estate.” (04/2019)

“Harmonious, with muscle simmering underneath, showing black cherry and blueberry flavors, laced with fresh sage and spice notes. Finishes with fine-grained tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. (TF)” (11/2019)

“Sourced from a host of Columbia Valley vineyards this is Merlot dominant with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) a just a touch of Petit Verdot (5%). The palate has wonderfully salty terroir, with great acidity and weight as chocolate covered dark cherry, espresso beans and tar with sagebrush accents all deftly amalgamate. (OB)” (04/2021)

“A nose of strawberries and raspberries with wood undertones. Full-bodied with plush tannins. Chewy, with crisp acidity that adds freshness and character. Flavorful and joyful with good structure. Focused, with a long, persistent finish. A blend of 60% merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon and 5% petit verdot.” (06/2021)

“Combines polish with deep structure, featuring expressive red currant, bay leaf and dusky spice flavors that build muscle and make way toward broad-shouldered tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. (TF)” (06/2022)

“Checking in as 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot, the 2018 Conflict spent 20 months in French oak puncheons prior to bottling. Solid darker blackberry and mulberry fruits as well as notes of leafy herbs and spicy wood give way to a medium-bodied, elegant red with some obvious minerality, a fresh, narrow mouthfeel, and outstanding length.” (05/2021)

“Aromas of currants, blackberries, blueberries, charred bark, violets and chocolate orange. It’s medium-to full-bodied with silky tannins. Supple and soft texture with spiced, smoky layers. Intense and flavorful. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% syrah.” (06/2021)

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Chapter 10, which includes 5% Syrah, comes from the Conner-Lee Vineyard in the Columbia Valley and spent 20 months in 50% new French oak. Lots of blue fruits, violets, cedarwood, and smoked tobacco drive the nose. and it's medium to full-bodied, with an elegant texture, terrific tannins, and a pure, balanced style that should age nicely. It's light, angular, and straightforward, but it’s still a beautiful, impressive wine.” (05/2021)