Cadaretta: Current Releases of Cabernet Sauvignon and SBS



By Kori ~ July 9th, 2012.

Cadaretta, located in Walla Walla, Washington, is owned and operated by the Middleton family. The Middleton family has a long history in Washington State. They started the Anderson & Middleton forestry products company in Hoquiam, Washington, in 1898. In fact, Cadaretta is named for a ship that once carried their goods to market. The family diversified into wine grapes in California over 20 years ago. They brought their grape and wine experience back to Washington with the founding of Cadaretta in 2005.

Executive winemaker Larry Cherubino of Australia directs winemaking, vineyard selection, and cultural practices for Cadaretta. Brian Rudin is Cadaretta’s resident winemaker who focuses his efforts on the day-to-day winery operations. All of the Cadaretta wines are packed in six-pack boxes, but they produce the equivalent of 4,500 cases per year.

Recently, we had the opportunity to taste their 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2011 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend in a blind samples tasting. Both wines are very good, but we were especially impressed with the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is excellent and delivers serious bang for your buck.

2008 Cadaretta Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Merlot. Deep, dark red. Nice nose with licorice, black fruit, and smoked meat aromas. More black fruit, licorice, and smoked meat, as well as black pepper and a touch of chocolate come through on the palate. Full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high, dry tannins. Well-balanced with a long, lingering finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $40; Available elsewhere, $30 to $40

2011 Cadaretta SBS Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon (Columbia Valley, Washington): 76% Sauvignon Blanc and 24% Semillon. Very pale straw yellow in color. Aromatic with minerality, lemon, and a touch of peach on both the nose and palate. Dry and light to medium-bodied with lively acidity and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 2 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $23; Available elsewhere, $25


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

Reader's Comments

  1. Fine Wine Online | July 15th, 2012 at 8:08 pm

    Cadaretta one of the finest one loved it….