2016  Sheridan Vyd., Yakima Valley

Since 1992, Powers Winery has produced wines from some of the finest vineyards in Washington State's Columbia Valley and beyond. Winemaker Greg Powers oversees these grapes from vine to bottle, producing wines of character and distinction. While much of their production is from their estate vineyards in Columbia Valley, they do make small quantities of Reserve Cabernets from outside appellations, such as Yakima Valley where the Sheridan Vineyard resides. As stated above, they are "vine to bottle", meaning they do not simply purchase fruit from these growers, but instead lease plots and work the vineyards themselves from prune, to bud break, to harvest. Their "Sheridan Vyd Reserve" is very small production, with no more than 550 cases made in an abundant vintage. In recent years they have not submitted their wines for review as each vintage sells out quickly without scores, and they see no reason to increase interest in the wine further when they already cannot fulfill the existing demand. However, wines made by other producers that source from the Sheridan Vyd have received as high as 99 points from Wine Advocate! This wine is a true gem of Washington State, and furthermore, I would say that if the label said "Napa" instead of "Yakima" this bottle would easily sell for three-to-four times the price!!

2018  

"This is as good as it gets for Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. Right away the gorgeous crème de violette and crème de cassis tones join blackberry cordial, exotic spices and dark chocolate shavings. The combination of finesse and texture is downright scintillating. Sweet pipe tobacco is woven together with Black Forest cake, and fresh blueberries and graphite with shades of tar take shape on the palate. Truly sensational even at the three year mark, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next 20 plus years. Drink 2021-2040" - 100pts Decanter ---- "Another magical Cabernet Sauvignon from this team, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley comes from a blend of sites and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up mostly in new French oak. This vivid purple-hued beauty offers a kaleidoscope-like array of red and black currants, spice box, lead pencil shavings, crushed stone, and assorted tobacco and leafy herb nuances. These carry to full-bodied Cabernet with incredible purity of fruit, building tannins and structure, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish that won't quit. It should keep for 20-25 years with no issues. This is unquestionably another brilliant set of releases from Quilceda, and these 2018s show the classic opulence this estate is known for backed up by beautiful purity and lots of underlying structure." - 98+pts Jeb Dunnuck