A Wine for Tonight: 2010 Milbrandt Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon



By Kori ~ November 28th, 2012.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2010 Milbrandt Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley of Washington State.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$20
  • Must be widely available

Brothers Butch and Jerry Milbrandt planted their first vines in Washington’s Columbia Valley and Wahluke Slope in 1997. Today, Milbrandt Vineyards is comprised of 2,000 acres of estate vineyards. After selling their grapes to wineries throughout Washington for years, the Milbrandts launched their own winery in 2005. Joshua Maloney, who previously worked for wineries in California and then as Chateau Ste. Michelle’s red winemaker, joined Milbrandt Vineyards as Director of Winemaking in 2011. The Milbrandt Vineyards tasting room is located in Prosser, Washington.

“Our Cabernet Sauvignon is dark, harmonious and complex with flavors of black cherry, plum, cassis, coffee mocha, and a touch of mint.” –Winemaker Joshua Maloney

2010 Milbrandt Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot, and 5% Syrah. Deep, dark red in color. Aromatic with black cherry, black plum, and oak on the nose. More black fruit as well as chocolate and cinnamon come through on the palate. Full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high, smooth tannins. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Total Wine & More (Bellevue, Washington), $10.99; Available elsewhere, $11 to $16


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

Reader's Comments

  1. The Winey Mom | November 28th, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    So glad you reviewed this wine! It just came in to my favorite wine shop. They haven’t had a tasting yet, so this helps big time! Cheers!

  2. Kori | November 28th, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    The Winey Mom,
    Happy to help! Hope you enjoy this wine too. Cheers!

  3. Peter G McDermott | March 20th, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    We just enjoyed this with dinner tonight. Absolutely delicious!

  4. Kori | March 22nd, 2013 at 6:44 am

    Glad to hear it. Cheers!