Cedergreen Cellars: An Integration of New World Styles



By Kori ~ June 16th, 2010.

Founded in 2002 by winemaker Kevin Cedergreen, Cedergreen Cellars is located in Kirkland, Washington, though, as is the case with most Washington State wineries, their fruit is sourced from eastern Washington. Kevin’s introduction to agriculture came at an early age, growing up on an orchard in eastern Washington. After college, Kevin 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. Before starting his own winery, Kevin worked at several wineries in Washington State and spent part of each year in New Zealand so that he could work harvest year-round. The experience he gained in Washington and New Zealand has given Cedergreen Cellars an integration of New World styles.

At first, Kevin focused exclusively on white wines but has since added red wines to his portfolio. I think that was a great decision. Dad (John) and I first met Kevin at the Cabernet Classic last fall. Recently, we tasted some of Cedergreen’s current releases in a blind samples tasting. We thought that the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon was excellent. We had tasted it at the Cab Classic, and it has only gotten better with additional time in the bottle. We also really enjoyed the 2008 Old Vine Chenin Blanc. I have a soft spot for Chenin Blanc, as it was one of the first varieties that I fell in love with when I first got into wine. Unfortunately, it is not a regular part of the portfolio for many wineries so I am always thrilled to find wineries that do produce it.

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.

2006 Cedergreen Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): Medium-deep red and very aromatic. Vegetal and mint aromas on the nose; coffee, tobacco, and black fruits on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high tannins. Well-balanced with good complexity and a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $29

2008 Cedergreen Old Vine Chenin Blanc (Columbia Valley, Washington): Very light straw yellow, almost white. Very aromatic with vanilla, guava, and papaya on the nose; melon and lemon zest on the palate. Dry and light-bodied with crisp acidity. Well-balanced with a long 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, $18

2006 Cedergreen Thuja Red Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium red in color. Perfume aromas lead to flavors of black fruits, coffee, and mint. Medium to full-bodied and crisp with medium, dry tannins and a long, slightly bitter finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $25; Available elsewhere, $21

2006 Cedergreen Merlot (Columbia Valley, Washington): Medium-deep red. Moderately aromatic with oak and red fruits on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied and crisp with medium, dry tannins and a long, slightly bitter 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


Filed under: American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Merlot, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Over $25, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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