2018 Anvil by Forgeron Cabernet Sauvignon
Old vines produce this supple and sensual Cabernet. Classic in its elegance, this wine is approachable now but built to age. Our Cabernet Sauvignon is always lush, rich and complex. While sometimes a blend, often times a single varietal, it is always the optimal expression of that vintage and always from the most sought-after and reputable vineyards in Washington State.
Cabernet Sauvignon from Dionysus Vineyard is exceptional. The 2018 vintage displays an abundance of fruit – boy, oh, boysenberry, is there fruit – but the notes of cigar box, tar, molasses and dark chocolate dominate the initial impression, followed by all of everything that qualifies as a berry (in particular, the blue ones). As you savor, you’ll notice a sprinkling of both fresh and dried herbs on the mid-palate and a hint of sunshine on the finish (yuzu, maybe?) with persistent tannin presence throughout. Put a chill on this and enjoy it right now, or put it in a dark hole for a decade and marvel at how it evolves…because it will do so majestically.
| Download Wine Notes |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Varietal Composition | 88% Cabernet Sauvignon,
12% Petit Verdot |
| Appellation | Columbia Valley |
| Vineyard | Dionysus |
| Acid | 6.1 g/L |
| PH | 3.86 |
| Aging | 28 months aging in 26% new French oak, 73% neutral French oak |
| Alcohol | 14.80% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 03/20/2020 |
| Cases Produced | 345 |
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley has a deep purple hue as well as a beautiful array of red and black currants, tobacco, lead pencil, and new leather. Pure, medium to full-bodied, seamless, and incredibly elegant, it's a gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley that readers will love.
-Jeb Dunnuck
90 points, Vinous Magazine
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dionysus Vineyard wafts up from the glass with a lovely and spicy mix of peppery black raspberry, grilled sage and hints of sour citrus. This is silky smooth with depths of dark red fruits carried across a core of zesty acidity. It finishes with decent length but also energy, remaining potent yet wickedly fresh.
-Eric Guido
90 points, Wine Enthusiast
DIONYSUS VINEYARD
Located on a southwest facing slope in Pasco, Washington that overlooks the Columbia River. Planted in 1988, Dionysus has some of the oldest vines in Washington State. These old vines benefit from an established root system, regulating vigor and allowing the vines to consistently produce rich, dense and generous grapes. Our rows follow the slope towards the southwest, almost 45 degrees off due north, which allows for nearly perfect sun exposure while minimizing over-ripening. As the sun lowers down in the evenings, both sides of the canopy receive evening sun, lending incredible evenness and consistency to the fruit.
Old vine Cabernet Sauvignon has become the remarkable flagship varietal of the Dionysus Vineyard. In 2008, we started sourcing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Block 11 and later experimented with Petit Verdot from Block 13 which adds generous flavors and great texture. We like to do an extended maceration post-fermentation for a total time on skins up to 45 days. During maceration, we fully extract these generous grapes for depth and full flavors.
