Canoe Ridge The Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon

Canoe Ridge The Expedition Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-forward Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon from Horse Heaven Hills, bottled at 13.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2023 vintage earned 91 points from James Suckling, who praised its full body, fine tannins, and deep core of dark fruit.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: Cabernet Sauvignon Blend  |  Winery: Canoe Ridge Vineyard

Production & Heritage

Canoe Ridge Vineyard takes its name from a landmark along the Lewis and Clark expedition route in Washington's Columbia Valley. The Expedition tier draws its fruit primarily from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA—roughly 93% from the Benches sub-area, with the remaining 7% sourced from the Goose Ridge area of the broader Columbia Valley. The wine undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation and ages for nine months in 100% American oak barrels, a regimen that builds structure while preserving the ripe, generous fruit character the region is known for. Depending on the vintage, the blend has featured either a small percentage of Syrah or Merlot alongside the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Black currant and cherry lead the nose, followed by layers of lavender, dried flowers, and baking spice. A subtle green herbal quality and hints of cut grass add complexity beneath the ripe fruit.

Taste: The entry is plump and juicy, with red currant and smoky plum dominating the early palate. Mid-palate, blueberry fruit leather and Bing cherry flavors emerge alongside a gentle ginger warmth. At its peak, the wine shows an opulent, full-bodied character with well-integrated tannins and traces of vanilla from the American oak aging.

Finish: Deep and velvety, with soft, ripe tannins carrying the wine through a lingering conclusion. Subtle chocolaty nuances and sweet spice notes persist as the fruit slowly fades.

How to Drink The Expedition Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at a slight cool—around 60–65°F—and benefits from 20 to 30 minutes of breathing time, whether decanted or simply opened in advance. Its fruit-forward, approachable style also makes it a reliable wine for food-friendly occasions.

• Classic pairing with grilled red meat: The ripe tannins and dark fruit profile mirror the char and richness of a well-seasoned ribeye or lamb chops.
• Red wine sangria: The jammy berry character and soft structure hold up beautifully when combined with fresh citrus, stone fruit, and a touch of brandy.
• Casual pizza night: A pepperoni or sausage pizza finds an easy companion in this wine's spice and plum notes without overwhelming the palate.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want quality without ceremony
• Introducing someone to Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon
• Backyard barbecues and casual gatherings with grilled meats
• Building a case of reliable, everyday red wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Expedition Cabernet taste like? It delivers ripe black currant, smoky plum, and cherry flavors with soft tannins, a touch of vanilla from American oak aging, and a velvety, lingering finish. Expect a full-bodied but approachable style that leans into generous, jammy fruit.

How does The Expedition Cabernet compare to Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon? Both wines are sourced from Horse Heaven Hills and share a fruit-forward, accessible personality at a similar value tier. The Expedition tends to emphasize smoky plum and spice from its American oak program, while the H3 often presents a slightly brighter red-fruit profile.

Is The Expedition Cabernet good for beginners? Yes—its soft tannins, ripe fruit, and lack of aggressive oak or high alcohol make it a welcoming entry point for anyone exploring Cabernet Sauvignon. The 13.9% ABV keeps it balanced and easy to enjoy without much wine experience.

Where is The Expedition Cabernet made? It is produced by Canoe Ridge Vineyard in Washington State, with fruit sourced primarily from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA within the larger Columbia Valley region. The Horse Heaven Hills sit along the Columbia River and benefit from warm days, cool nights, and consistent wind that concentrates flavor in the grapes.

What foods pair well with The Expedition Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak matches its dark fruit and tannin structure. Braised short ribs echo the wine's smoky, spiced character. Aged cheddar or Gouda complement the vanilla and plum notes. Herb-crusted lamb benefits from the wine's baking-spice undertone. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the subtle chocolaty nuances on the finish.

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

Is The Expedition Cabernet worth the price? It positions as a strong entry-level to mid-range Washington Cabernet, punching above its weight with a 91-point James Suckling score and consistent Wine Enthusiast ratings in the high 80s to 90 range. For everyday drinking and casual entertaining, it delivers genuine varietal character and regional identity without straining the budget.

Why The Expedition Cabernet?

Horse Heaven Hills has emerged as one of Washington's most respected Cabernet Sauvignon sources, and The Expedition captures the AVA's signature combination of ripe fruit intensity and balanced structure at an accessible price point. The nine-month aging program in 100% American oak adds vanilla and spice without overwhelming the fruit, a deliberate stylistic choice that keeps the wine versatile at the table. A 91-point score from James Suckling on the 2023 vintage confirms that the quality here is not incidental. For anyone seeking a dependable, well-made Washington Cabernet that reflects its terroir, The Expedition earns its place in the everyday rotation.