From the Sky Down, "Conner Lee Vineyard," Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, 2021

Overview of the Wine
From the Sky Down – a collaboration with winemakers Bryan Otis (of Avallé) and Todd Alexander (Holocene & Force Majeure winemaker). It is a focused exploration of what is possible with single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from some of Washington State’s most exceptional vineyard sites. The debut release showcases three stunning wines from the 2021 vintage, sourced from Heart of the Hill Vineyard on Red Mountain, Conner Lee Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, and Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope. These wines highlight the unique characteristics of each site, demonstrating the incredible potential of Washington’s terroir.

Conner Lee Vineyard is a highly-regarded and sustainably farmed vineyard located in the Wahluke Slope AVA of the Columbia Valley in Washington State. This historic vineyard was established in 1980 with the assistance of renowned Viticulturist Dr. Walter Clore. Sandy glacial marine sediments left by the Missoula floods comprise the soils here and it is situated at an elevation of about 1100 feet.

Winemakers
Bryan Otis & Todd Alexander

Grape / Blend
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot

Origin
Columbia Valley, Washington

Tasting Notes
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Conner Lee Vineyard sports a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a great perfume of red and blue fruits, sappy herbs, spring flowers, and a kiss of graphite. 

99 Points - Owen Bargreen
Salty soils, ultra-refined tannins and a lengthy finish complete this beautiful wine that is drinking marvelously right now.

97 Points - International Wine Report
Resting for 22 months in 75% new French oak barrels, the 2021 Conner Lee Vineyard Cabernet boasts a brooding deep purple core with a neon purple rim in the glass. Earthy on the nose, with lovely dark fruit aromas that hit hard and don’t let go, you are then greeted with secondary notes of cassis, dusty country road, powdered graphite, new leather, and dried rose petals. Milk chocolate and sweet boysenberry are presented wonderfully on the palate. Tannins are present but not overly powerful, while acidity checks in on the elevated side. I adored the wet earth and espresso bean note on the back palate on the finish of this near-perfect wine. Bravo. Only 500 cases made.

97 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Conner Lee Vineyard opens with balsamic spice and dark chocolate, giving way to mentholated herbs and dried black cherries. Seductively smooth and supple, it impresses with ripe red and blue fruits accentuated by sweet spice. Violet pastille and hints of cocoa resonate over fine tannins as the 2021 tapers off with dramatic length. Classically structured yet remarkably fresh this possesses a seductive appeal that collectors will find hard to ignore.

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
With lots of varietal character, medium to full body, fine tannins, and a terrific sense of freshness and purity, it’s a seriously good Cabernet in the making that’s up with the crème de la crème.

96 Points - Decanter
From Cabernet vines planted in the Wahluke Slope site in the late 1980s, this vineyard has come to be known as one of Washington's finest. Likely a clone 8 Cabernet selection, winemaker Todd Alexander uses 70% new oak to build the mouthfeel of this wine. It's a wonderful Cabernet, generously aromatic with notes of violets, crushed pencil lead and fresh red berries. It offers an undeniable elegance. The palate clings to a savoury core of bay leaf and dried lavender with showy red fruits, hints of bright blood orange, and exotic spices. Delicious and layered. From the Sky Down is a collaboration between winemaker Todd Alexander and Bryan Otis.

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast
The exciting new joint venture between Matthews owner Bryan Otis and winemaker extraordinaire Todd Alexander is off to a banging start. The aromas of seared steak and boysenberry compote are joined by wisps of espresso and thyme. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity support flavors of black cherry, orange zest and cedar. Enjoy this seamless beauty from now to 2039.

93 Points - James Suckling
The inaugural vintage of this wine shows aromas of black raspberries, mulberries, tea leaves and black olives. It’s full-bodied but elegant, with fine-grained tannins. Mineral undertone. Some fruit from 1989 cabernet sauvignon vines. Drink or hold.

Product size: 750ml