Latah Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Mike and Natalie, a father-daughter winemaking duo, are passionate about their collection of red wines, but they also enjoy experimenting with new varieties. This enthusiasm led them to create their Reserve Program, aimed at offering small-lot, high-quality wines that are not commonly produced.  The inspiration came from Natalie’s desire to explore different varietals beyond their usual selections. By crafting 5 barrels or fewer of each distinct varietal, they ensure special care and attention is dedicated to these wines, which is why they proudly bear the Reserve label.

After nearly 15 years, Cabernet Sauvignon was reintroduced to their wine list with the 2014 vintage, and Mike and Natalie discovered their excitement for its return! Thanks to their exceptional grape growers, they have secured an agreement to source Cabernet grapes every few years. This arrangement allows them to uphold their reserve focus for this varietal.  This wine was also used as the base for their 2021 Natalie’s Nectar, so they produced more than their typical allotment.

Natalie’s Tasting Notes

Given that Washington State Cabs can often be quite tannic, I wanted to make sure this wine underwent oak barrel aging, as well as some significant bottle aging to mellow those tannins before its release. This rich, ruby-hued wine opens with enticing scents of blackberry and luxurious leather. Upon tasting, your palate is enveloped by flavors of dark cherry, sage, and raspberry, intertwined with hints of toasted oak that linger long after each sip. With 14 months of aging in oak barrels and 8 months of aging in the bottle, the tannins have mellowed, resulting in a velvety smooth texture

Food Pairing

Because Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure is so well-rounded, it is a wine that pairs with almost anything. One of our favorites, that is an unusual selection, is Ellena’s Mediterranean Watermelon Salad recipe available online and in her latest cookbook.

Winemakers

Mike Conway & Natalie Conway-Barnes