If you are a fan of the rich yet supremely well-balanced red wines from the Pacific Northwest, you've undoubtedly become familiar with Corliss Estate, owned by Michael and Lauri Corliss.

This pioneering couple is dedicated to the craftsmanship of red wines that are pure expressions of variety and terroir, and they have achieved iconic status through meticulous viticultural practices, such as sustainable farming, rigorous fruit selection, and native yeast fermentation.

While most of their cuvées cost upwards of $100 per bottle, today's wine is priced in the affordable zone - and it is fantastic!  Aged in French oak for 22 months and blended with 14% cabernet franc, 4% petit verdot, and 2% merlot, it has a dark cherry color that is echoed in its aromas, with notes of tobacco, cedar, and a hint of chocolate. It opens your palate with firm but plush tannins and bright fruit flavors of red currants and cherries before moving into a juicy mid-palate complemented with tobacco, sweet oak, and a firmly structured finish. (winery notes)

Check out the press!

90 points, Robert Parker:
"The 2018 Secret Squirrel Cabernet Sauvignon is fresh, expressive, and pure, with an open-knit, succulent core. Medium to full-bodied, fresh, and juicy with fine-grained tannins, this wine over-delivers for the price and will outperform the competition once released. Buy it by the case." 

90 points, James Suckling:
"Blackberries, graphite, bay leaves, violets, and citrus pith on the nose. Attractively mineral, with a medium to full body, tight tannins, and excellent balance. Drink or hold."

We have a few bottles of the 2017 vintage left! Buy any combination of the two vintages while they last so you can elevate a special meal with a vertical tasting!

92 points, Owen Bargreen/Washington Wine Blog: 
“Deeply concentrated and full of finesse, the outstanding 2017 Secret Squirrel Cabernet Sauvignon offers seriously good value under 30 bucks. Cassis, anise, and garrigue notes hit the palate, alongside shades of chocolate and coffee ground undercurrents. Full-bodied, give this beautiful wine an hour of air if consuming in its vibrant youth. Drink 2021-2031” 

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.9%

Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Corliss Estates
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Grape Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2018
Wine Style: Red, full-bodied
Winemaking Techniques: Aged in French oak barrels, enhancing complexity and texture
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork