Intrinsic, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2017

A lively nose with a blend of violets and blackberry fruit kicks off this fun, engaging Washington Cabernet from Chateau Ste-Michelle that sources fruit from both Horse Heaven Hills and Columbia Valley. Mocha mixes it up with smoky undertones and lays the groundwork for well-managed structure, thanks in part to an extended maceration of nine months that saw half of the wine aged on the skins prior to blending.