2018 Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley

The Columbia River Basin covers 258,000 square miles and includes parts of seven states and one Canadian province. In its 1,200-mile course to the ocean, the river flows through four mountain ranges and drains more water to the Pacific Ocean than any other river in North or South America.

In addition to quenching the thirst of countless communities along the way, the river nourishes one of America’s largest wine regions. The Columbia Valley AVA in Washington state covers just over 11 million acres, of which about 40,000 are under vine.

Cabernet Sauvignon has become a major star in the Columbia Valley, and Cigar makes outstanding renditions of the variety. The 2018 vintage, for example, is lush and concentrated, showcasing floral aromas, assorted berry and red fruit flavors, along with a kiss of vanilla — perfection in a wine glass.