While the AVA on the label is Columbia Valley, all of the grapes came from the Oregon side of the AVA. Echo West Vineyard near Hermiston, a site originally owned by retired NFL star Drew Bledsoe, contributed all of the Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and the Petit Verdot (8%) while Cushman blended in Merlot from Windhorse and Dry Hollow vineyards. Cushman, the man behind the No. 1 Platinum Award wine of 2022, creates a wine of richness and elegance that’s dominated by cherries. They lead the nose that includes blueberry, barrel spice, mint and dill seed. The plush red fruit profile provide boysenberry juice and a finish that carries along cherry skin tannins and vanilla.