2020 Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Washington, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

A collaboration between Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle and Tuscany’s Marchesi Antinori, Col Solare—Italian for “shining hill”—was created to produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from the Red Mountain AVA. The 2020 vintage reflects the region’s sunny, arid climate and mineral-rich soils, yielding small, intensely flavored berries with robust tannic structure and purity of fruit.

Composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon (typically 85–90%), the 2020 blend may also include touches of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, or Syrah, depending on the vintage. Grapes are sourced from Col Solare’s estate vineyard and select high-elevation sites across Red Mountain, where intense sunlight, low rainfall, and diurnal shifts help create concentrated, age-worthy wines.

Fermentation is done in stainless steel, followed by 20 months of aging in 100% French oak (around 85% new), contributing polish and depth without overwhelming the fruit. Aromas of blackberry compote, cedar, and mocha lead to a powerful yet refined palate, with structured tannins, layered complexity, and a long, savory finish.

This wine pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, rosemary lamb chops, or aged cheddar and is built to improve with a decade or more of cellaring.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Founded in 1995, Col Solare represents a transatlantic partnership between two wine powerhouses: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington’s flagship winery, and Marchesi Antinori, one of Italy’s most historic wine families. Their shared vision was to craft a benchmark New World Cabernet rooted in the unique terroir of Red Mountain—Washington’s warmest and most prestigious AVA for Bordeaux varietals.

The winery's Red Mountain estate vineyard is meticulously farmed using sustainable practices, emphasizing low yields, precise canopy management, and hand-harvesting to ensure optimal ripeness and balance. The winemaking philosophy marries Antinori’s Old World elegance with New World ripeness, producing wines that are powerful, structured, and refined.

Today, Col Solare stands as one of the most iconic producers in Washington State, crafting Cabernet Sauvignons that are both age-worthy and expressive of their rugged, sun-drenched origins.