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Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman wrote about this wine last fall, having found a great, drinkable Cabernet Sauvignon (which she loves) for a mere $20. I’ve recently revisited the wine, having a bottle from the list at T. Maccarone’s. The Bergevin Lane 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.

I agree with Catie (aka W5) that this is a great find, and I noted it on her blog. But I want to say that I think it’s drinking even better, six months later.

This is not a big tannic Cabernet, as everyone who’s tried it will tell you. But it allows you to taste the great Columbia Valley fruit. Fruit forward, as they say. Smooth and full of flavor, the 2004 vintage is a fine example of affordable elegance. Cherries, cherries, cherries, blackberries, vanilla… and I think the chocolate is a bit more pronounced than I remember. Soft tannins and dangerously easy drinking.

Here’s the technical breakdown: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, from Spring Creek Vineyards (just outside the Red Mountain AVA) and Stone Tree–Wahluke Slope. 14.2% alcohol, and either 500 cases or 1700 cases produced–sources can’t agree.

Bergevin Lane Vineyards has always fascinated me as a winery run primarily by women. For that alone, I would lean to support them, but their wine is good! And their blog is fun. And they’re in Walla Walla.

I stopped by their table briefly at Taste WA a couple weeks ago in the mad rush of people pushing and shoving to taste their wines. (Sometimes I think it should be called Crush WA.) Even through all the mayhem, I was able to have a few nice words with Steffan Jorgensen, the Danish winemaker. He and Amber Lane were both more than hospitable and I can understand why they were mobbed.

The night before at a gathering for wine geeks I met a woman, Victoria, who was gutted that BLV was sold out of their Rosé. Don’t despair, Victoria, these girls don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I’m sure there’s more killer wine to be released the beginning of May.*

I also have it on good authority that there’s a party coming up soon. Not the wine club party, which is sold out, but another gig here in town. Looks like a private concert on May 11 at T. Maccarone’s. (I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned the place before, and now twice in one post.) Hmm… could be fun.

*Nota Bene: Prepare for Spring Release Weekend and all that it entails.