2020 Altimus Cabernet Sauvignon

^AVA Red Mountain

Impeccable Cabernet Sauvignon with power, precision and superior character

95 Points

95 Points, Jed Dunnuck “The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard offers a similar pure purple hue but gives up more crème de cassis, crushed stone, graphite, and spring flower-driven aromas and flavors. With the vintage's ripe yet more focused, elegant profile, it's medium to full-bodied, has plenty of tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. There are enough tannins to warrant 2-4 years of bottle age, and this will see its 20th birthday in fine form.” 96 Points, International Wine Report “A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot that is aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak barrels and then rests in bottle for an additional 15 months, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Klipsun sports a dark garnet-ruby core with a lighter purple rim. An incredible effort in a challenging vintage, this one shines more brightly than others. Mulberry fruits, Red Mountain sagebrush, Blood orange zest, sandalwood, and cedary herbs are all presented nicely in the glass and work wonderfully together with the grippy, sweet tannins and mouthwatering acidity. Better in 2024. Highly recommended.” 93 Points, VINOUS “A cooling whiff of confectionary spice and minty herbs gives way to wild blueberries, currants and sage as the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon blossoms in the glass. This is velvety in texture, with waves of red and black fruit enveloping the palate with dark chocolate saturation and fine tannins. The 2020 leaves a peppery tinge to linger on, finishing gently tannic yet surprisingly fresh and with a pleasantly chewy sensation.” 93 Points, Wine Spectator “This powerfully built version offers deep and intense flavors of currant, cedar and dusty herbs that are framed by muscular tannins. Needs time in the cellar. Best from 2025 through 2032.”

Remarkably balanced with impeccable herculean character, Klipsun Altimus Cabernet Sauvignon stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest wines from the world’s most renowned Cabernet regions

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The finest Cabernet Sauvignon imaginable from the Klipsun Vineyard, Red Mountain and Washington.

Appelation

Klipsun Vineyard, Red Mountain AVA

Varietals

96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot

Alcohol

13.9%

Aroma

Blackberry, mulberry and olallieberry with a spicy oak note. As the wine ages, the aromas will meld into a medley of fruit, spice and aromatic dry herbs.

Flavor

Rich blackberry and a hint of wild sage. Pleasant acidity and a rich, balanced mouthfeel followed by a well-developed mid palate. The result is a tannin structure that is evident but seamless. The finish is smooth and lingering.

Aging

19 months in 100% new French oak, 15 months in bottle.

Cellaring

Age 10 years to experience the best fruit intensity or 15-20 years to develop more of the unique aromas of Red Mountain. As the wine ages in the bottle the oak & fruit aromas will meld into a complex medley of cedar and cigar box.

Vintage Notes

The 2020 growing season in Red Mountain was relatively warm and produced some of the highest-personality wines. This year, we chose to blend in just 4% Merlot, allowing the exceptional quality of our iconic Cabernet Sauvignon to shine. This small addition of Merlot beautifully harmonizes the riper berry fruit aromas of the Cabernet. While we typically include Syrah for added spice, this vintage stands out so distinctly that it wasn’t necessary.

2016 Vintage 2017 Vintage 2018 Vintage 2019 Vintage