2011 Sparkman Cabernet Sauvignon Rainmaker

The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Rainmaker offers up classic graphite, tobacco leaf, licorice and underbrush like qualities in its medium-bodied, focused and streamlined personality. Certainly excellent in the vintage, it stays fresh and lively on the palate and has fine tannin that frame the finish nicely. Made from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec that spent 20 months in 92% new French oak, it’s a serious, age worthy effort that will have 12 to 15 years of longevity. This was a superb lineup from this estate, which is run by the Sparkman family. The wines are classy all around and should evolve gracefully. Tel. (425) 398-1045; www.sparkmancellars.com