Wine of the week: Purple Star 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon @PurpleStarWines

This year I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kyle and Amy Johnson of Purple Star Wines. We keep meeting each other at Washington wine tasting events. I've enjoyed several bottles of Purple Star at home and promised I would start writing about their wines. Kyle has over 10 years of Washington winemaking experience and it shows in the quality of his wines. In 2008, he and Amy decided to start their own label emphasizing family, friends and the enjoyment of wine, Purple Star Wines.

January 2013 - Kyle and Amy Johnson at Washington State Wine Awards.

May 2013 - Amy and Kyle Johnson at Revelry on Red Mountain.

August 2013 - Amy Johnson pouring Purple Star at Cheese Louise in Richland.

September 2013 - Amy and Kyle also poured at the Red Mountain Block Party.

Kyle and Amy are also good people. Purple Star Wines donates 15% of Purple Star Wines’ proceeds to Seattle Children’s Hospital to benefit uncompensated care—a gesture they hope will lighten the financial burden of families overwhelmed by the expenses associated with critical medical care. It’s their way of “paying it forward.”

Tasting Notes Purple Star 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Color: Ruby with garnet highlights.
Nose: Dark fruit, espresso, cocoa, pepper mill, whiff of violets.
Palate: Dark cherry, ripe blackberry, medium body, balanced acid and tannin, good mouth feel, tasty at opening, medium finish. With some air this wine really opened up nicely, captivating lush nose, rich palate and bigger finish. Very dark color too. Lovely focus in the front palate, with a dry brightness, lip smacking occurred.

Thoughts: An excellent choice for grilled steaks, I enjoyed this wonderful Washington Cabernet Sauvignon at home. The price was friendly too. It would be lovely with a Prime Rib roast this holiday season. Definitely a worthy "Wine of the Week." Recommended.

Note: Purple Star has recently moved into a tasting room in Vancouver, Washington with several other Washington wineries. If you are in the Portland, Oregon area there's no excuse for not discovering the wonder of Purple Star Wines. Address below.

Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.5% Merlot, 7.5% Petit Verdot.
50% Wahluke Slope - Milbrandt Vineyards
40% Yakima Valley - Olsen Brothers Vineyards
10% Red Mountain - Kiona Vineyards
Closure: Natural cork
ABV: 14.2%
Paid: $15.95
1036 Cases Produced

Purple Star Wines
VISIT FOR A TASTING
1812 Washington St.
Vancouver, WA 98660
(360) 693-2700
Friday 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
*Open First Friday until 9:00PM
Saturday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Or by appointment.

INFO@PURPLESTARWINES.COM
www.purplestarwines.com
@PurpleStarWines




Native Sun by Purple Star Wines.

I would also like to recommend the Purple Star Syrah and Rose. Both of these wines are very good, so demand is strong. You may have difficulty tracking them down. If you see them buy them. Kyle and Amy also have another label for their "super premium" red wines called "Native Sun." They are a product of Kyle's passion and therefore extremely limited production and more expensive, but so worth it. Stunning wines.

Cheers!