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    Ex Libris Cabernet Sauvignon - One Cool Cabernet

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 15, 2013 Last Updated: February 26, 2021

    Bulk Buy!

    2009-Ex-Libris-Cabernet-Sauvignon
    The best of Washington State all in one wine.

    82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot from Columbia Valley, Washington.

    Available for as low as $14. Sample submitted for review.

    From the winery:

    "Ex-Libris is a latin term for "from the library," and was the guiding principal for this proprietary project. Through connections with some top wineries in Washington, we were able to go into their vaults and secure some superlative lots of wine from top vineyards.

    Varietal Notes: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

    Vineyard: A blend from several of the top vineyards in the state including Sheridan and Champoux.

    Notes: A classic Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose has beautiful dark berry and cassis fruit. On the palate there is a cassis, sandalwood and cigar box notes with a beautiful backbone of acidity and tannin to balance. A wonderful wine that drinks like a $45 Cabernet.

    13.5% Alcohol"

    Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape in the world, grown pretty much everywhere wine is made. The quality of the wine; however, can vary greatly and areas with cooler climates pose distinct challenges for winemakers in ripening grapes. These challenges can be overcome through skilled vineyard management and winemaking, and in some cases even result in new and exciting characteristics in the wine.

    Today's wine comes from Columbia Valley which accounts for almost all of the vineyard area in Washington State and a small portion in Oregon. And while the weather can vary quite a bit within this area, it is generally cooler climate. In fact, Columbia Valley actually exhibits a desert-like climate in some areas thanks to the rain shadow created by the Cascade Mountains. Warm days, very cool nights, and extremely cold winters help create unique conditions for growing grapes, and we're quickly becoming fans of the wines produced here.

    The 2009 Polaner Selections Ex Libris Cabernet Sauvignon begins with a very fruity and pleasant aroma of blackberry, black cherry, plum and black currant plus a little leather and spice. Tasting the wine reveals lots of wonderful, rich and juicy fruit flavors packaged within a delicious, dry and smooth texture. In addition you won't find any toasty oak or excessive heat from high alcohol levels like many of the popular California Cabernets. There's also a nice bit of spicy pepper that lasts into the long, dry finish. A wonderfully delicious expression of Cabernet Sauvignon!

    See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.


    Taste Rating: 9              Cost Rating: 6
    Overall Rating: 8.3

    Bulk Buy


    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington

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