Washington State Cabernet Sauvignons are among the best in the world, and they are much better values (higher QPR) than most Cabs in other wine regions of the world. Recently, we had what turned out to be a Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon showdown in one of our double blind private tasting dinners featuring the 2007 Skylite Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2007 Zero One Vintners The Wild Sky Cabernet Sauvignon. They are both from the highly acclaimed 2007 vintage which I personally believe may ultimately be considered the best ever in Washington State. The 2007 growing season in Washington State enjoyed near perfect conditions. Hot summer weather segued into cool but dry weather in September and October which allowed the grapes to be harvested under ideal conditions. We had not previously tasted either of these wines, but both were excellent and paired well with our mid-week comfort food meal of pot roast, carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans. For a more complete description of how we set up these private tastings, please refer to How We Taste.

Skylite Cellars, founded in 2003 by Tom and Cheryl Hodgins, is located in Walla Walla, Washington. Robert Smasne serves as winemaker. In 2000, prior to founding Skylite, the Hodgins and some of their friends invested in Ash Hollow Vineyard. We had the pleasure to visit Skylite Cellars during the Wine Bloggers Conference last summer.

Zero One Vintners is owned by Atlas Drinks, LLC, and its wines are produced at Wahluke Wine Company, a custom crush facility in Mattawa, Washington, by winemaker Gordy Hill. The Wild Sky Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is named for a wilderness area in Washington State, and Zero One Vintners donates a portion of the Wild Sky proceeds to Leave No Trace, an educational non-profit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment of the environment.

Not only did both wines receive a Quality rating of 4 stars (out of 5), but they also received a QPR rating of 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5). I would encourage you to try either of these wines (if you can get your hands on them) as they are excellent examples of the quality of Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

2007 Skylite Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley, Washington): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark, inky purple. Very aromatic with black fruits, licorice, and oak notes on the nose. Blackberry and black currant come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and smooth tannins. Well-balanced and complex with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $32

2007 Zero One Vintners The Wild Sky Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley, Washington): 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot. Deep, dark purplish red. Very aromatic with black fruits, spice, and vegetal aromas that lead to black fruits, spice, coffee, and chocolate flavors. Full-bodied with lively acidity and chewy tannins. Well-balanced and complex with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Garagiste (Seattle, Washington), $24.91

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