Greenwing Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Background & The Pour Man's Proof

You’ve almost certainly heard of Duckhorn. They're one of the big, respected names out of Napa Valley, famous for their Merlot (yes, the wine that Sideways tried to kill). "Greenwing" is their project in Washington State, specifically the Columbia Valley. So, why Washington? Think of it as a "Value-Driven Explorer's" dream: it gets more sun than Napa but has much cooler nights. This "land of extremes" is a fantastic place to grow Cabernet Sauvignon that’s ripe and fruity, but also has some backbone and structure.

Greenwing is Duckhorn's "outside-Napa" bet, and it’s priced to compete in that crowded under $25 space. It’s not their high-end Napa Cab, and it’s not their entry-level "Decoy" brand. It’s aimed right at people like us: drinkers who want a bottle that tastes expensive and serious, without the Napa price tag. The label has a duck feather on it (get it? Duckhorn... Greenwing), which is a nice nod. But we're not here for the label; we're here for the liquid.

Tasting Notes (in Plain English)

This isn't your classic, jammy, "fruit-bomb" California Cab. The first thing you'll notice is that it’s more "red" than "black." On the nose, it’s got a ton of bright cherry (think Rainier cherries, not cough syrup) and a bit of wild strawberry. There's also a really nice, earthy smell, like desert sage or a dusty road—that's the classic Columbia Valley "terroir" showing up.

When you taste it, that cherry flavor leads the way, but it’s backed up by richer plum and a hint of baking spice, like clove or cinnamon. It’s got a good, medium-to-full body—it feels substantial in your mouth, not watery. Most importantly, it's balanced. It's not a sweet, flabby wine, and the tannins (that grippy, dry feeling) are polished and smooth. It just tastes well-made, plain and simple.

Final Verdict: Would I Buy It Again?

Score: 4/5 (A Strong "Yes")

This is a "yes" for me, and it's a solid one. This wine dramatically over-delivers for its price, which is the bullseye for a "Value-Driven Explorer." It's not trying to be a massive Napa Cabernet. Instead, it’s a confident, elegant, and incredibly balanced wine that tastes like it should cost $15-$20 more than it does. It’s complex enough to make you stop and think, but smooth and fruity enough to just... well, drink.

It doesn't get a perfect 5-star "run-out-and-buy-it" score only because it’s not a mind-altering, life-changing wine. But it's an absolutely reliable, high-quality "house" Cabernet that you can (and should) buy with total confidence. It’s the perfect bottle to bring to a dinner party when you want to impress without looking like you're trying too hard. We'll be buying this one again.