2018 K Vintners Substance Vineyard Collection Jack's Cabernet Sauvignon

“K is the beginning. K was the opportunity. K was the moment. K is ground zero. 'X' marks the spot for my wine world and my emotional world in wine, which begins in Walla Walla, Washington." ~Winemaker, Charles Smith

Charles Smith opened his first winery In Walla Walla, Washington State, in December 2001 and called it K Vintners. His debut release, the K Syrah from Walla Walla Valley, marked the beginning of his winemaking style: Making small batches of Syrah and Cabernet from single vineyards and creating blends of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Viognier. These wines are carefully made, with hand-picked grapes, natural yeast fermentation, and gentle pressing.

Charles Smith is a very recognized name in the wine industry. He was named “Winemaker of the Year” by both Wine Enthusiast in 2014, and Food & Wine in 2009. In 2008, K Vintners was celebrated as one of the "Best New Wineries of the Last Ten Years" by Wine & Spirits magazine and as their "Winery of the Year." His wines consistently earn praise from top wine publications like Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine & Spirits. He has an impressive record of 165 scores of 95 points or higher, along with 632 scores of 90 points and above.

Planted in 1999, Jack's Vineyard is located on the flat floor of the Walla Walla Valley. This area used to be a riverbed and has rocky soil. The vineyard has a mix of loamy soil with cobbles, gravel, and sand. The vines here grow with less vigor, which actually makes the flavors more concentrated in the rocky soils of this valley part.

Aging: 22 months barrel-aged on lees in 58% new oak.

Tasting Notes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Full in the nose, revealing black plum, charcoal, pencil lead, and cold stone, to fill out the beginning. Multi-layered in the mouth, the aforementioned and adding pan grill, dried rose petals, and undergrowth. Elevated and fascinating as it is complex and satisfying.