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We made this Cabernet Sauvignon in the more fruit-forward, slightly less tannic style that Su prefers. "su_m” refers to an email address Su uses. It’s a fun way to get her name on the label. The wine comes from grapes grown in Block 45 of Les Collines Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. In French the term “Les Collines” translates to “the hills” and, accordingly, this vineyard sits in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Due to its elevation, Les Collines has one of the longest growing seasons in the Columbia Valley. This extended season ensures that the grapes have the best opportunity to reach full physiological ripeness.
AWARDS
Northwest Wine Report, April 13, 2026 - 91 pts, Critic's Choice. The editor wrote: “All of the fruit for this wine comes from a site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. It was blended with bits of Merlot (3%) and Malbec (2%) and aged 23 months in once-used French oak. The aromas bring notes of cocoa, chocolate, dark cherry, dried herb, cinnamon stick, and anise. The palate delivers on that promise, showing freshness and vitality. It’s an attention-getter. 14.4% alcohol."
Oregon Wine Press, March 2026 - Cellar Selects Award. The editors wrote: “Fragrances of blackcap raspberry and blueberry are layered with mocha, vanilla and cinnamon. Each juicy sip is approachable, delivering a fresh berry medley with soft vanilla undertones. Easy-drinking and quaffable, this Cab concludes with a cinnamon-spiced accent.”
TECHNICAL NOTES
Growing Season - The 2022 growing season in Washington was notable for a cool, wet spring, a hot, but brief, summer, and nearly-unprecedented warm finishing weather in late September and almost all of October. The season started out with a cold, wet winter, putting significant moisture into the soil. The cool, high soil moisture conditions, combined with the extremely small crop in 2021, contributed to a sizable crop in 2022. Growers spent significant time working to control vigor. Summer temperatures finally arrived after the third week of June. July and August had above average heat. However, the growing season was still two to three weeks behind recent years. In September ideal growing conditions settled in resulting in near-perfect finishing weather. Growers who managed to thin appropriately delivered exceptional flavors at lower Brix and higher natural acidity. 2022 is expected to be a very high-quality vintage for white wines and a standout vintage for higher end reds. (Summarized from reports by the Washington State Wine Commission.)
Composition - 95% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clone 8), 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec
Winemaking - Grapes for this cab were harvested on October 18th and inoculated with CVRP yeast on October 20th. During 17 days of primary fermentation the must was mixed twice a day by a combination of punch downs and pump overs. The must was then pressed and wine racked to tote. After settling, wine was racked to barrel where malolactic fermentation occurred. The wine aged for 23 months in once used French oak barrels and was racked three times prior to bottling on September 25th, 2024. The wine was not fined or filtered.
Notes from the Tasting Panel - In the glass, the 2022 su_m presents deep ruby with a super dark core. On the nose, it offers an array of black cherry, black currant, cherry cola, and anise aromas, complemented by notes of menthol, sage, vanilla, cocoa, and oak spice. On the palate, concentrated black cherry hits first followed by black plum, dark raspberry, and currant. Fine tannins and bright acid fill-out this medium-bodied cab as cocoa powder, dusty baker's chocolate, cinnamon, and allspice contribute to a delicate and long finish.
Cooperage - Orion (once used)
Numbers - Alcohol 14.4%, pH 3.68