2017 Gard Vintners The Don Red Wine Columbia Valley 750 ml

750 miles and at least $25 per bottle. 

That’s what separates Napa from Washington’s Columbia Valley, the source of the 2017 Gard Vintners The Don—a Cabernet-based red we pegged at about $50 as our first long-lingering sip faded. But once Eduardo revealed it was from Washington State, we adjusted our estimate down, settling on $30.

Gard winemaker Aryn Morell is a Washington native, but he started his career in the most hallowed of California Cabernet locations: at Silver Oak. Then, after working a Napa Valley job that gave him a glimpse behind the scenes at Joseph Phelps, Quintessa, Hundred Acre, and Chappellet, he took his talents home to the Northwest.

The fact that we scored an exclusive on The Don for under $20 is proof that Washington Cabs are some of the best values in the wine world. Crafted by “one of Washington’s most talented and versatile winemakers,” according to Vinous, this bottle is a strong argument that Wine Access red wine lovers should clear out some room in the cellar, in a cool closet, or anywhere they can squeeze a case. Trust us, it won’t take up space for long.  

This is the epitome of a small-production red from a well-established farming family and a rising-star winemaker for just $18.99.

The Don’s bargain price will be the furthest thing from your mind, once you pour your first glass of this estate-grown red into an oversized Riedel stem, and revel in the broad and generous aromas of dark fruits adorned by roasted espresso and incense. It’s rich and powerful but still elegant on the palate, full of black plum, framboise, and blackberry compote gliding into a silky finish, accented by a handful of mint and chocolate.

To make this wine, Aryn joined forces with the Lawrence family, who have been farming in the Columbia Valley for 40 years. Every drop of wine he makes at Gard comes from the Lawrences’ sustainably farmed vineyards, most of which sit in the rapidly rising Royal Slope AVA. 

Made official in 2020, you may not know Royal Slope, but you’ll be hearing about it more in the future. Sitting north of the established Wahluke Slope AVA, Royal Slope looks south upon the Saddle Mountains from the Yakima Fold Belt, a geographical feature that gives the AVA some elevation—from 610 feet up to 1,756 feet at the highest point—and a south-facing orientation, which makes it perfect to soak up the sun from way up near the 47th parallel. 

The result is a long growing season that gives the Cabernet, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec, which grow in deep and well-draining glacial soils, the opportunity to ripen perfectly. For the 2017 The Don, Aryn tapped the Lawrences’ Scarline, Solaksen, Laura Lee, and Corfu Crossing sites, fermenting the wine in a combination of stainless steel and concrete. After aging in 225-liter oak barrels, Aryn blended the wine, then aged it further—half in barrel, half in tank. 

The result is a red with lively primary fruit from the increased time in tank, accented by beautiful barrel notes. A stunning value from the Northwest, priced to pack away by the case!