2022 Abeja "Beekeeper's Red", Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USA

ABOUT THE WINE

Abeja’s “Beekeeper’s Red” is a carefully composed red blend showcasing the strength of Washington’s Columbia Valley and Walla Walla terroirs, with Cabernet Sauvignon typically forming the foundation alongside complementary Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine reflects Abeja’s philosophy of blending individual vineyard lots to create a complete, balanced expression rather than focusing on a single site.

The 2022 vintage offers impressive concentration and freshness, shaped by Washington’s warm days, cool nights, and long growing season. Aromas of ripe black fruits, violet, mocha, cedar, and warm spice lead into a structured yet approachable palate. Fine-grained tannins provide depth and aging potential, while natural acidity keeps the wine lifted and elegant.

Fruit is sourced from carefully selected vineyard sites, where sustainable farming practices emphasize vine health, low yields, and expressive fruit character. In the cellar, Abeja employs traditional, small-lot winemaking techniques, including gentle handling and aging in French oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop complexity while preserving purity of fruit.

Enjoy now for its plush texture and expressive character, or cellar over the next several years as it develops additional notes of tobacco, leather, dried herbs, and earth. Pair with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses, or herb-roasted dishes.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Founded in 2000 by Ken and Ginger Harrison on a historic century-old farmstead in Walla Walla, Abeja quickly became one of Washington State’s benchmark wineries. The name “Abeja,” Spanish for “bee,” reflects the winery’s respect for agriculture, sustainability, and the interconnected nature of the vineyard ecosystem.

Abeja’s winemaking philosophy centers on patience, precision, and expressing the character of exceptional vineyard sites. Through meticulous farming, selective harvesting, and minimal intervention in the cellar, the team crafts wines that combine Washington’s natural power with Old World-inspired balance and elegance.

Today, Abeja is recognized as one of Walla Walla’s premier producers, celebrated for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and limited-production blends like “Beekeeper’s Red.” The wines embody a style of quiet sophistication—concentrated but graceful, structured yet approachable, and deeply connected to the unique landscapes of eastern Washington.