Substance CS Cabernet Sauvignon

Substance CS Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington's Columbia Valley, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A former Wine Spectator Top 100 selection (#49 for the 2017 vintage) and recipient of 93 points from James Suckling (2021 vintage), this wine consistently punches above its weight class in critical circles.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winemaker: Charles Smith

Production & Heritage

Charles Smith, one of Washington State's most recognized winemakers, built the Substance label around a straightforward philosophy: small-batch winemaking integrity executed at scale. The fruit is sourced from four distinct Columbia Valley vineyards — Goose Ridge, Painted Hills, Badger Mountain, and Sportfisher — giving the blend geographic complexity across the appellation. The wine undergoes 100% whole berry fermentation with native yeast and spends 35 days on the skins during maceration, followed by 11 months of barrel aging in 50% new oak. It is bottled unfiltered and unfined, preserving the full textural character of the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Violets and blackcurrant rise first, followed by layers of dark chocolate, cedar, and a subtle trace of pencil shavings. A wisp of fresh herbs and mint lingers beneath the primary fruit.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with cassis, black plum, and ripe blackberry dominating the front palate. At mid-palate, flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla, and freshly ground black pepper build density and structure. Raspberry and wild herb notes add complexity through the peak, with the native-yeast fermentation lending a slightly textured, earthy grip.

Finish: Medium-long and layered, with sage, nutmeg, and lingering blackcurrant trailing off against fine-grained tannins. The unfiltered character gives the finish a satisfying weight that doesn't feel heavy.

How to Drink Substance CS

This Cabernet is built for drinking neat at cellar temperature (60–65°F), where the aromatic complexity has room to open up fully. A brief decant of 30 minutes can soften the tannins and bring the herbal notes forward. For cocktails and mixed serves: a Cabernet Reduction Sangria benefits from the wine's deep fruit core and spice; a New York Sour gains body and color from its concentrated blackberry character; and a simple Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well given the wine's bold, structured profile.

Best For

• Weeknight steak dinners where you want serious wine without a serious price tag
• Introducing a friend to premium Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon
• Building a mixed case of high-scoring everyday reds
• Blind tasting nights comparing Columbia Valley Cabernets

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Substance CS taste like? Substance CS leads with ripe blackcurrant, cassis, and black plum, supported by dark chocolate, cedar, and a savory herbal undertone. The native-yeast fermentation and unfiltered bottling give it a textured, earthy quality that distinguishes it from more polished, commercially styled Cabernets.

How does Substance CS compare to other Columbia Valley Cabernets? Substance CS stands apart through its whole berry native-yeast fermentation and unfiltered, unfined bottling — techniques more commonly associated with small-production wines. Its critical scores (93 points James Suckling, 91 points Wine Enthusiast Best Buy) position it as one of the higher-rated Columbia Valley Cabernets at its value tier.

Is Substance CS good for sipping neat? Yes — its layered aromatics, structured tannins, and medium-long finish make it well-suited to drinking on its own, especially with a short decant to let the herbal and spice notes develop fully.

Where is Substance CS made? Substance CS is produced by winemaker Charles Smith using fruit sourced from four Columbia Valley vineyards in Washington State: Goose Ridge, Painted Hills, Badger Mountain, and Sportfisher. Columbia Valley is Washington's largest AVA, known for warm days, cool nights, and volcanic soils that favor Cabernet Sauvignon.

What foods pair well with Substance CS? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's bold tannins and dark fruit. Braised short ribs mirror its earthy, savory depth. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa and vanilla notes from oak aging. Aged cheddar or Gruyère balances the wine's structure with rich fat. Herb-crusted lamb chops play off the sage and fresh herb character in the finish.

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

Is Substance CS worth the price? Substance CS positions as a high-value Cabernet Sauvignon, consistently earning critical scores between 88 and 93 points and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy designation. For a wine made with native-yeast fermentation and bottled unfiltered and unfined, it delivers a level of winemaking ambition rarely seen at this value tier.

Why Substance CS?

What separates Substance CS from the crowded field of sub-premium Cabernet Sauvignon is Charles Smith's insistence on traditional winemaking at scale — native yeast, whole berry fermentation, extended maceration, and no filtration or fining. These are techniques typically reserved for wines at two or three times the price. The results have not gone unnoticed: a Wine Spectator Top 100 placement, 93 points from James Suckling, and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy designation across multiple vintages. For drinkers who want a Columbia Valley Cabernet with genuine winemaking substance behind the label, the name is not accidental.