Buried Cane Cabernet Sauvignon

Buried Cane Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington State, bottled at 13.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2016 vintage earned a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and the wine has drawn steady praise for its approachable, fruit-forward character and supple tannin structure.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Buried Cane, Richland, WA

Production & Heritage

Buried Cane takes its name from a time-honored Washington State viticultural practice: burying low-growing vine canes beneath the soil to shield them from punishing winter freezes. Once the cold passes, the canes are unearthed to begin a new growing season—a technique that speaks directly to the extreme continental climate of the Columbia Valley. The fruit is sourced from this vast AVA east of the Cascade Range, where warm days, cool nights, and long growing seasons produce intensely flavored Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with balanced natural acidity. The finished wine carries roughly 4 g/L of residual sugar, lending a very slight perception of roundness that amplifies its fruit expression without tipping into overt sweetness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Red fruits and florals lead the way—raspberry, red cherry, and violet—followed by darker notes of black cherry and fresh-roasted coffee. Background layers of cedar, juniper, and baking spice add complexity as the wine opens up.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-driven, with black currant and bing cherry front and center. Mid-palate, vanilla accents and a cocoa-like richness emerge alongside smoky cedar. The wine is medium-bodied with a round, approachable mouthfeel and supple, well-integrated tannins that provide structure without astringency.

Finish: Smooth and lingering, with red fruit and cedar trailing off gently. The tannins firm up just enough at the close to leave a clean, satisfying impression.

How to Drink Buried Cane Cabernet

This Columbia Valley Cab drinks well at a light chill—around 60–65°F—and benefits from a few minutes in the glass to let the floral and spice notes develop. Its moderate tannins and rounded body also make it a reliable cocktail and sangria base.

• Classic Red Sangria: The cherry and raspberry fruit holds up to citrus and brandy without getting lost.
• Kalimotxo: The wine's slight residual sweetness and soft tannins balance cola's carbonation and bitterness cleanly.
• Red Wine Spritz: Mixed with sparkling water and a dash of orange, the floral aromatics amplify into a refreshing warm-weather pour.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want a dependable, food-friendly red
• Introducing someone to Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon
• Casual gatherings and barbecues where approachability matters
• Building a by-the-glass rotation for entertaining at home

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Buried Cane Cabernet taste like? Buried Cane Cabernet Sauvignon leads with ripe raspberry, black cherry, and currant, supported by vanilla, cocoa, and smoky cedar. It is medium-bodied with round, supple tannins and a smooth finish.

How does Buried Cane Cabernet compare to Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are mid-range Columbia Valley Cabernets, but Buried Cane leans slightly softer and more fruit-forward with its 4 g/L residual sugar and moderate tannins. Columbia Crest Grand Estates typically shows a bit more oak influence and structured tannin grip.

Is Buried Cane Cabernet good for beginners? Yes—its approachable fruit profile, moderate tannins, and smooth finish make it an excellent entry point into Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon without overwhelming new wine drinkers.

Where is Buried Cane Cabernet made? Buried Cane Cabernet Sauvignon is produced and bottled in Richland, Washington, using fruit from the Columbia Valley AVA—a broad appellation in eastern Washington known for warm, arid growing conditions ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon.

What foods pair well with Buried Cane Cabernet? Grilled burgers or steaks match the wine's smoky cedar and dark fruit. Roasted lamb chops complement its spice and cocoa undertones. Aged cheddar or Gouda echo its vanilla notes. Mushroom risotto works with the earthy cedar element. Dark-chocolate desserts mirror the wine's cocoa-raspberry lane.

What sizes does Buried Cane Cabernet come in? Buried Cane Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Buried Cane Cabernet worth the price? Buried Cane positions as an affordable, everyday Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that consistently delivers ripe fruit, balanced tannins, and solid varietal character—strong value within the entry-level Washington Cab category.

Why Buried Cane Cabernet?

The name itself signals a genuine connection to Washington viticulture: the buried-cane technique is a real cold-climate survival strategy still practiced in the region, not a marketing invention. That authenticity extends to the glass, where the wine delivers honest Columbia Valley Cabernet character—dark fruit, cedar, moderate tannins—without excessive extraction or heavy oak. A Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and an 88-point score from critic Michael Godel confirm that this is a reliably well-made bottle. For drinkers exploring what the Columbia Valley can produce at an accessible price tier, Buried Cane earns its spot on the short list.