Badger Mountain Organic Cabernet Sauvignon

Badger Mountain Organic Cabernet Sauvignon is a certified organic, no-sulfites-added Columbia Valley Cabernet in a 750ml bottle. Produced by Washington State's first certified organic winery, this estate-grown red stands apart for its clean-farming philosophy and fruit-driven purity, earning an 87/100 aggregate score on Wine-Searcher for the 2018 vintage.

Quick Facts: Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Style: No Sulfites Added (NSA)  |  Winery: Badger Mountain Vineyard, Kennewick, WA

Production & Heritage

Badger Mountain holds the distinction of being the first certified organic winery in Washington State, farming estate vineyards in Kennewick within the broader Columbia Valley AVA. All fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from estate-grown, certified organic vines, and the wine is produced without the addition of sulfites — a hallmark of the winery's NSA (No Sulfites Added) program. This approach appeals to drinkers seeking wines made with minimal intervention and no added preservatives, resulting in a style that foregrounds pure varietal expression.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright blueberry and black cherry, followed by a deeper layer of tobacco and vanilla. Hints of salted caramel emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The palate is fruit-forward from the entry, leading with ripe black cherry and boysenberry. Mid-palate, dark chocolate and coffee flavors develop alongside sweet black currant and subtle earthy undertones. A touch of baking spice and graphite add structure through the back palate.

Finish: Medium in length with a burst of lingering berry fruit and soft cocoa. Dried herbs and a whisper of leather round out the final impression.

How to Drink Badger Mountain Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — and benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of air, either decanted or simply opened and left to breathe. Its fruit-forward profile and soft tannins also make it versatile in cocktails and mixed drinks. A Cabernet Sangria highlights its berry intensity alongside fresh citrus and stone fruit. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) plays off the chocolate and spice notes in a casual, refreshing format. A New York Sour substitutes this Cab as a rich float atop a whiskey sour, where the dark fruit adds visual drama and flavor depth.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want organic wine without compromising flavor
• Gifting to health-conscious wine drinkers who avoid sulfites
• Exploring Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon at an accessible price point
• Stocking a home bar with a reliable, food-friendly organic red

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Badger Mountain Cabernet taste like? It is a fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon dominated by black cherry, blueberry, and boysenberry, with secondary notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and baking spice. The absence of added sulfites gives it a fresh, clean character with soft tannins.

How does Badger Mountain Cabernet compare to Kirkland Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are Columbia Valley Cabernets positioned as everyday wines, but Badger Mountain is certified organic with no sulfites added, while Kirkland's version is conventionally produced. Badger Mountain tends toward brighter, more fruit-driven flavors, whereas Kirkland's bottling often leans slightly more structured with firmer tannins.

Is Badger Mountain Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes — its ripe fruit profile and gentle tannins make it approachable on its own, especially after a brief rest in the glass to allow the aromatics to open fully.

Where is Badger Mountain Cabernet made? It is produced at Badger Mountain Vineyard in Kennewick, Washington, within the Columbia Valley AVA, using 100% estate-grown organic Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

What foods pair well with Badger Mountain Cabernet? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's dark berry notes and herbal undertones. Mushroom risotto echoes its earthy mid-palate flavors. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda contrast the fruit sweetness with savory depth. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the cocoa and coffee notes on the finish. Herb-crusted roast chicken works with the wine's soft tannins and spice.

What sizes does Badger Mountain Cabernet come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Badger Mountain Cabernet worth the price? Badger Mountain Cabernet positions as an entry-level organic wine, delivering certified organic and no-sulfite-added credentials at a price point well below most organic competitors — strong value for drinkers prioritizing clean-farming practices.

Why Badger Mountain Cabernet?

Badger Mountain's claim as Washington State's first certified organic winery is not just branding — it reflects decades of commitment to chemical-free viticulture in one of America's most productive wine regions. The no-sulfites-added production method sets this bottle apart from the vast majority of Cabernet Sauvignons on the market, organic or otherwise, making it a genuine rarity for sulfite-sensitive drinkers. With an 87/100 aggregate score for recent vintages on Wine-Searcher, it demonstrates that organic farming and accessibility do not require sacrificing quality. For anyone building a cellar or daily rotation around clean, transparent winemaking, this Columbia Valley Cabernet earns serious consideration.