Col Solare Winery, Red Mountain (Washington) Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

 Col Solare is the Washington State winery created by Piero Antinori of the Italian wine dynasty and Chateau Ste. Michel, the state’s largest winery.  It is located on Red Mountain, a portion of which is an American Viticultural Area, in the eastern part of the state.  Eastern Washington is a warm growing region, considered Continental Semi-Desert, and Red Mountain is the warmest.  While the daytime temperatures average in the 90s, the average at night is 50˚F.  Plus, it is the one of the highest latitude wine regions in the world, so summer days are long with an average of 16 hours sun.  The result is wine with concentrated ripe fruit with fresh, crisp acidity.  The area produces wines that need plenty of time to open, which also means they can live a long time.  Made from 97 percent Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc the wine spends 22 months in 100 percent new French oak.  It has a deep, dark, black-ruby color and aromas of black fruits, currant, cherry, blackberry, with notes of dried herbs.  In the mouth the flavors are concentrated and layered with black fruits, cassis, tobacco and mocha.  It is taut and well balanced with profound, ripe tannins.  It is still a baby with a long life ahead.  Open it several hours before serving because it will need plenty of time to reveal itself.  Serve it with a juicy steak.  Save a glass and taste it the next day to get a glimpse of where it is going.