Forgeron Cellars – founded in 2001 – is a Walla Walla, Washington winery. Marie-Eve Gilla is part owner and winemaker. The winery makes a full complement of reds, including a Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, and Roussanne.

Surprisingly, this 2003 Cabernet – which was released two years ago – is still available from the winery and in wine stores. It is an excellent, elegant wine that I would expect to only get better over the next three to five years and is worth seeking out.

Forgeron’s 2005 Zinfandel came in second in our reader survey for wine of the year for 2008.

Wines:

Score

Name

Notes

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Forgeron Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Leaps from the glass with raspberries and red fruit. Exceptionally smooth and balanced. As the wine opens up, strawberry leaf and cherry cordial come through on a nose that increases in complexity with anise and smoke. This wine is far from its peak. 85% Cabernet; 10% Merlot; 5% Cab Franc. Pepper Bridge, Klipsun, and Alder Ridge vineyards. 14.2% alcohol.

$30