Current Releases from Cedergreen Cellars



By Kori ~ July 27th, 2011.

Winemaker Kevin Cedergreen founded Cedergreen Cellars, located in Kirkland, Washington, in 2002. He grew up on an orchard in eastern Washington. After college, he worked as a landscape architect in Seattle. In the mid-90’s, Kevin and his wife decided it was time for a change, and they wanted to do something that would allow them to spend time in both eastern and western Washington. Starting a winery seemed to be a good fit. To learn the nuts and bolts of winemaking, Kevin took extension courses through UC Davis. Prior to starting his own winery, he worked at several wineries in Washington State and spent part of each year in New Zealand so that he could work harvest year-round.

Recently, we had the opportunity to taste some of Cedergreen’s current releases in a blind samples tasting. We were especially impressed with the 2007 Thuja Red Wine, which is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. We also really enjoyed the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 Old Vine Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is a sentimental favorite of mine because it was one of the first varieties that I fell in love with when I first got into wine. Very few wineries in Washington State produce a Chenin Blanc so I look forward to the release of Cedergreen’s Old Vine Chenin each year.

If you have not had any Cedergreen wines, I encourage you to give them a try if you see them on the shelf at your local wine shop. You’ll recognize them by the distinctive red square on their labels.

2007 Cedergreen Thuja Red Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep ruby red. Nice nose with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and pencil shavings. Red and black fruits as well as cinnamon come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with crisp acidity and medium to high tannins. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $25

2007 Cedergreen Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep, dark red in color. Very aromatic with oak and black fruits on the nose. Blackberry, black cherry, and spice dominate the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $29

2009 Cedergreen Old Vine Chenin Blanc (Columbia Valley, Washington): Very light straw yellow, almost white. Very aromatic with lemon, tropical, and mineral notes on the nose. Lemon drops, lime, and a hint of melon come through on the palate. Dry and light-bodied with crisp acidity and a long, refreshing finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $17; Available elsewhere, $17

2009 Cedergreen Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley, Washington): Very light straw yellow, almost white. Nose is a bit tight at first, and then some floral aromas and faint citrus notes come through. Citrus fruit and honeysuckle dominate the palate. Dry and light-bodied with lively acidity and a medium to long finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $14

2007 Cedergreen Merlot (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep red in color. Aromatic with oak, smoke, and beef jerky on the nose. Black plum, beef jerky, and smoke come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 1 bang for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $36; Available elsewhere, $36


Filed under: American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Over $25, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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