In France, the Bordelais traditionally blend their Cabernet Sauvignon with varieties like Merlot, to round it out. In the US however, they confidently celebrate the purity of Cabernet on its own. And this wine shows exactly why it works - it has lifted, sweet-fruited aromatics, a generous, silky palate and woody undertones.

Charles Smith of Wines of Substance started his career in the music industry, touring Europe as a rock band manager before immersing himself in the emerging music scene in Seattle. His burgeoning interest in wine led him to Walla Walla in Washington State, and to making his first wine in 1999. He’s now fully established as one of the largest producers in the state, and makes wines that deliver consistently great value.