Washington Wine Club: May 2025

Click the link to read about this month’s club!

SAGEBREAKER 2021 HORSE HEAVEN HILLS BORDEAUX RED BLEND WASHINGTON

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition: 75% Cabernet Sauv & 25% Merlot

Location: Horse Heaven Hills, WA

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar until 2040

A Few More Details: 

Estate grown and bottled on ground our great-grandfather broke from sagebrush–ground we have farmed for generations, ground we know. 

Ratings: 96 International Wine Report

Ratings: 93+ Jeb Dunnuck

Ratings: 93 Decanter

Tasting Notes 

This particular blend showcases aromas of rose petals, dark berries, baking spices, and herbs, with a palate revealing dark berries, plum, sweet cherry tobacco, and dark chocolate.

Food Pairing

  • Beef Bourguignon: The wine’s depth complements the richness of this classic French stew.​
  • Roasted Lamb: Its herbal notes align well with rosemary and garlic-seasoned lamb.​
  • Seared Duck Breast: The wine’s fruitiness balances the gamey flavors of duck.​
  • Mushroom Risotto: Earthy mushrooms and creamy risotto enhance the wine’s dark chocolate and spice nuances.​
  • Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: A vegetarian option that mirrors the wine’s earthy tones.

From them to you:

Trothe wines are sourced exclusively from Andrews Family Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills. This is ground our great-grandfather broke from sagebrush, ground we have farmed for generations, ground we know. Our faith in this land runs deep, and we trust that if we hold our work to uncommon standards, we will produce uncommon results. Our vineyards occupy 1,300 acres in the heart of the Horse Heaven Hills. They have been owned and operated by the Andrews family since 1994, on land our family has farmed for generations. Our approach is defined by respect for the land, confidence in our vision, and uncompromising care in every detail. We are proud to have provided grapes to some of Washington’s most acclaimed winemakers and to have been part of some of the most awarded wines our state has produced. Farming—like winemaking—is a continuous learning process. We believe it is essential to balance tradition with innovation to ensure this land will be here for the generations that follow us. We walk these rows every day, weighing the wisdom of experience against the unique demands of each season. When the land speaks, we listen, because the needs of each vine are more important than egos or routines.

Source: https://trothe.com/sagebreaker/

Silver Raven Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon & small amount Malbec

Location: Horse Heaven Hills, WA (Single Vineyard)

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar until 2028

A Few More Details: 

Often depicted in the traditional storytelling and carvings of the Pacific Northwest, the raven can symbolize wisdom and reflect the complexity and beauty of nature. Bold hues of blues and greens celebrate the distinctive rivers, mountains, forests and coastline of the Pacific Northwest.

The grapes for Silver Raven come from the premiere Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The grapes are machine harvested with the latest Pellenc harvester technology guaranteeing that only perfect berries are picked.

Tasting Notes from the Producer:

Bouquet: Cherry, cedar, and violet.

Taste: Stunning structure and balance with flavors of currant and blackberry.

Food Pairing

  • Burgers: This Cabernet is phenomenal with burgers. The wine’s robust flavors stand up well to the savory richness of grilled beef patties, especially when topped with sharp cheeses or caramelized onions. 
  • Grilled Steaks and Lamb Chops: The wine’s firm tannins and dark fruit notes pair beautifully with grilled red meats like ribeye steaks or lamb chops. The char from grilling enhances the wine’s complexity. ​
  • Hearty Roasts: Slow-cooked beef roasts or pot roasts with root vegetables complement the wine’s depth, allowing its fruit and oak nuances to shine.​
  • Rich Pasta Dishes: Dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or lasagna, with their robust tomato-based sauces and meats, align well with the wine’s acidity and body

From them to you:

One of the most pedigreed brands in all of Washington state, Pacific Rim is the heritage brand for Banfi’s domestic portfolio. It continues to evolve with sister brands Rainstorm, Silver Raven, and Thick Skinned, exploring the most renowned AVAs of the Pacific Northwest: Willamette Valley, Oregon, and Washington’s acclaimed Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain.

At Pacific Rim & Co., sustainability isn’t just a practice—it’s a promise. We are deeply committed to preserving the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, ensuring that every bottle of our premium wine reflects both quality and responsibility. Our mission is to craft exceptional wines while upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship.

We are committed to clean, natural fermentation, renewable energy, responsible local sourcing, and smart water and energy conservation to protect our planet for future generations.

Source: https://banfiusa.com/united-states/silver-raven-cabernet-sauvignon/