The Inconceivable line is a set of wines produced by Middleton Family Wines. Utilizing the resources at their fingertips when it comes to sourcing grapes and the like, they set out to make some specific wines. In this case their goal was to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon that spoke strongly of Washington State’s Columbia Valley. Having previously sampled, and really enjoyed, the Inconceivable Chardonnay some months back, I was eager to try this Cabernet.
Inconceivable 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)
All of the fruit for this wine comes from a handful of vineyards throughout Columbia Valley in Washington State. It’s predominately Cabernet (80%), with smaller amount of Malbec (11%), Petit Verdot (7%), and Merlot (2%) blended in. After fermentation it was aged for 26 months in a combination of French and American oak; 45% of the barrels utilized were new. The wine is finish in screwcap. The deep, dark, inky hue is striking the moment the wine is poured. Blackberry and plum aromas light up the deep and somewhat brooding nose. Black cherry flavors dominate the full flavored palate along with bits of spice. Black tea, leather, and chicory characteristics are all in play on the finish which has good length. Firm acid keeps things in check here.
Ultimately this is a big mouthful of Cabernet for the money. It’s loaded with ripe and ready fruit. So if you like eager dark fruit in your Cabernet, here’s an example you’ll enjoy. That said it still has good proportion and balance. It’s delicious now and not intended for long them cellaring, but it’ll certainly drink well over the next 5 or 6 years. This would be a terrific wine to pair with smoked brisket, lamb burgers, or other full flavored foods.