2021 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley vintner, Randy Dunn, brings his artistry and expertise to Washington State to produce small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley's finest vineyards. His reputation for producing world-class Cabernet spans more than four decades. After making wines at Caymus from 1975-1985, Randy established Dunn Vineyards on Howell Mountain where he continues to craft distinctive wines of high acclaim.

A wet, cool spring delayed bud break in 2017, but temperatures warmed nicely later in the season for bloom. Despite the late start, conditions moderated in early summer before warming again in July to drive total heat accumulation a bit above average for the season. Harvest began towards the end of August, then temperatures cooled considerably in mid-September to extend hang time and allow the grapes to reach full physiological maturity without spiking sugars. The resulting wines are rich and expressive, displaying excellent acidity and structure that is reflective of the quality of the vintage.

Handpicked grapes were sorted, lightly crushed and fermented in small stainless steel tanks. Once fermentation was underway, the cap was pumped over aggressively to extract color and structure. As fermentation neared completion, pump overs were handled more gently to further extract color and delicate flavors without imparting harsh tannins. When ready for barrel, the wine aged 22 months in all French oak barrels, 90% new.