Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Red Mountain AVA is Washington State’s smallest but most celebrated appellation, renowned for producing structured, intensely flavored wines. Located in the southeast corner of the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain benefits from a warm, arid climate with long sunny days and cool nights, creating ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The volcanic soils of the region, rich in nutrients but with excellent drainage, encourage low yields and concentrated berries. The growing season featured warm days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while preserving their natural acidity and aromatic complexity. This vintage offers a balance of ripeness, vibrancy, and intensity unique to Red Mountain.

Winemaking

Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, and 1% Malbec, reflecting a thoughtful approach to blending for depth and nuance. The grapes were handpicked and meticulously sorted to ensure optimal quality.

Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 40% new oak and 60% neutral oak. This careful oak regimen added layers of complexity, including subtle notes of hazelnut and cocoa, while enhancing the wine’s structure and elegance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with a vibrant, saturated core.
• Aroma: Aromas of ripe strawberry, Bing cherry, and grenadine, complemented by hints of blueberry, huckleberry, and subtle oak tones of slivered almond and hazelnut.
• Palate: A lush and supple palate with layered flavors of red licorice, orange zest, and candied grape, transitioning into darker tones of black plum, cocoa, berry pie, and baking spices.

Did You Know?

Canvasback is part of the prestigious Duckhorn Portfolio, which has a legacy of crafting exceptional wines across the U.S. The Red Mountain AVA, where Canvasback focuses its efforts, is recognized as one of the most sought-after regions for premium Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye steak with herb butter: The wine’s tannins and dark fruit flavors complement the richness of the steak.
• Roast duck with cherry glaze: Its vibrant red fruit and spice notes enhance the savory and sweet flavors of the dish.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms harmonize with the wine’s depth and complexity.
• Dark chocolate truffles: The cocoa and berry notes in the wine pair beautifully with rich, dark chocolate.

History of Canvasback

Founded in 2012 by the Duckhorn Portfolio, Canvasback was established to showcase the extraordinary potential of Red Mountain AVA, one of Washington State’s most celebrated wine regions. Known for its ideal terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain boasts southwestern-facing slopes, wide temperature swings between day and night, and nutrient-rich volcanic soils that create wines of unparalleled intensity and complexity​​.

Canvasback’s journey began with sourcing grapes from top growers in Red Mountain, including vineyards like Klipsun, La Coye, and Quintessence. In 2013, Canvasback solidified its roots by acquiring the Longwinds Vineyard, a coveted 20-acre site on the mountain. Guided by viticultural expert Dick Boushey and founding winemaker Brian Rudin, the estate planted its first vines in 2014​.

Today, Canvasback’s winemaking is led by Joseph Czarny, a skilled winemaker with experience in top wineries across the US, Australia, and New Zealand. His small-lot, vineyard-focused approach ensures wines of remarkable complexity and precision​.

Region and Vineyards

Red Mountain AVA, located in Eastern Washington, spans a mere 4,000 acres but is one of the most sought-after regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Its desert climate, with over 40°C temperature swings between day and night, allows grapes to ripen fully while preserving acidity. The mineral-rich volcanic soils of Red Mountain, combined with only 150 mm (6 inches) of annual rainfall, demand precision irrigation, resulting in concentrated and structured fruit​​.

Canvasback’s flagship Longwinds Vineyard, situated near the top of Red Mountain’s slope, is a testament to the region’s potential. This site contributes to the winery’s signature style: bold, fruit-driven wines with excellent aging potential.

Wine Range of Canvasback

Canvasback specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon as its hallmark wine, earning acclaim for its bold structure and depth. Beyond Cabernet, Canvasback has expanded its portfolio to include Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc, sourced from Washington’s finest appellations, showcasing the diversity of the state’s terroirs​​.

Did You Know?

The name Canvasback was inspired by the Canvasback duck, native to the Pacific Flyway and a tribute to Duckhorn Portfolio’s tradition of waterfowl-themed branding.