10/13/2006 Abeja Cabernet

Welcome to Vine to Wine, this is your host Linda Moran and as many of you know my new favorite wine is usually the wine that is in my glass at the time. You see, I simply do not waste my time drinking wine that I don't like. Recently I was hosting an event for a benefit and we tasted three red wines from California and three red wines from Washington state. You guessed it, I found my new favorite wine. During a tasting of six red wines three from Napa California and three from my home state of Washington. Each of the wines was a stellar example of attention to detail and adherence to style. It was a pleasure to experience them all. One of the wines I had heard good things about, but never tasted it for myself. It was a delight and I savored it and have thought of it often since then. It was the 2002 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla, Washington. The wine was so perfectly balance and silky that almost could not believe it. It is a wine with such finesse and smooth seamless movement between flavor and texture that I had to admit I have been missing something. Winemaker, John Abbot insists that the grapes are hand sorted after picking and that not one unripened berry, piece of green leaf or stem makes its way into the fermentation. I was skeptical at first, but it truly shows in the wine. Although this particular vintage is no longer available from the winery, I will certainly be searching for it in every wine retail venue where I shop. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.