2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage Notes
The 2012 vintage was a big relief to all our growers. Normal is good when it comes to growing things. We got the heat when we needed it in July and August to keep berry size small, and then it cooled off from the end of August all the way to the third week in September with not a single heat spike to avoid any raisining. Then, to top it all off, it stayed warm through the third week in October. What more could you ask for? Muscular tannins and superb concentration characterize the 2012’s. Some of the best (although it is hard to beat the 2010’s) and most structured wines to date. These wines benefit from decanting and will reward those patient enough to cellar until 2022 and beyond.
Blend Details
96% Cabernet Sauvignon
4% Merlot
Appellation
68% Red Mountain
32% Horse Heaven Hills
Vineyards
57% Klipsun
28% Alder Ridge
11% Tapteil
4% Canoe Ridge Estate
Harvest Dates
September 21 – October 11, 2012
Aging Profile
21 months in new (34%)
single use (17%) and
neutral (49%) French oak barrels
Alcohol
14.5%
Release Date
Fall, 2015
Production
212 cases of 750mL bottles
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Pamplin Family is a beauty. Blended with 4% Merlot and aged 21 months in 34% new French oak, it offers beautiful black and blue fruits, violets, sappy flowers and a kiss of menthol in a medium to full-bodied, elegant, graceful and impeccably balanced package. It will have 10-15 years of drinkability. (Jeb Dunnuck)
Lithe, glassy and expressive, layering black cherry, black tea, leather and spice flavors with some welcome transparency, persisting beautifully on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 212 cases made. (Harvey Steiman)
High-toned blackberry and dried herb aromas mix with barrel spices, still seeming quite locked up. The flavors are tart, dark and reserved, showing depth and exceptional polish. It’s a very pretty offering of this often bold variety, a thinking person’s wine and one for the cellar. Best after 2020. (Sean Sullivan)
Top 100 Wines in Washington: Top 15 Cabernet Sauvignon Wines 2016 – Seattle Met
Pamplin – one of several Oregon wineries using exclusively Washington fruit – often flies below the radar, but its wines consistently impress. Here tightly wound aromas of blackberry, barrel spice and dried herb lead to a polished array of dark fruit flavors.
