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Canoe Ridge The Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills 2015

Several months ago, I reviewed Canoe Ridge Explorer Red Blend which I really liked.  I actually saved a bottle which we will open soon and see if it is even better with a few months additional in the bottle.  Last week, I found the Canoe Ridge Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 from Horse Heaven Hills Washington at my local wine shop.  I had to give it a try!

The 2015 Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Syrah from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in the Columbia Valley.  The wine was aged 9 months in 100% American Oak and has an alcohol content of 14.3%.

This wine pours a deep red/purple color.  We tasted dark cherry, plum, blackberry, cola, smoke, licorice and a hint of herbal flavors.  The oak is in balance with the dark fruit flavors.  The finish is long.

There is wide disagreement on ratings for this wine.  Wine Enthusiast rated it at only 86 points while Wine and Spirits rated it as 92 points and a best buy.  I totally disagree with Wine Enthusiast on this one.  The wine they describe was nothing like what I tasted.  The description of the wine by Wine and Spirits was accurate, in my opinion, although  I would not rate it as high because I would prefer a wine without the hint of herbal flavor.   This is a minor issue and we really like the wine.

I have to point out that this review only applies to the 2015 vintage since the blend in the 2016 vintage, which is also currently available, is totally different.

SC Wine Joe rating = 90 points



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