Piolet Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

You've read (and read) about one of my two most memorable Washington Cabernets of the last year: Force Majeure Red Mountain 2021. This is the other one. While Piolet is still an up-and-coming label, winemakers Andy Ferguson and Alex Stewart are anything but upstarts—they cut their teeth in the cellar of Quilceda Creek, where they had the roles of Cellar Master and Winemaker, respectively. That's like going to check out a band you haven't heard of and arriving at the venue to find the two guitarists are Jack White and Jimmy Page. File under "obviously," these guys know how to make Cabernet. But even knowing the resumés, I was still floored. Often when I taste, I transcribe my handwritten notes into something more fluid. But with this wine, I think my handwritten note is complete, and says it best: “Wow, that’s ____ing insane, totally awesome Cabernet feel and fruit, gorgeously polished in every way. Intensity and big structure yet melty plushness. A magnificent wine.” (Also perhaps obvi