Cimento Wines
Stone Valley Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Oregon, USA
One of two Cimento wines I got (both 2021s, inaugural vintage) to see what this new brand is trying to do in Washington/Walla Walla. Todd Alexander made the 2021s but starting with 2022, Anthony Yount took over.
100% Cabernet from Washington/Walla Walla The Rocks region. Double decanted an hour before being out back in the decanter and consumed over the next three hours.
Reticent and shy for a few hours, it finally poked out for a short window…red/black in the glass, slightly reductive aromatics followed by some smoked meat, herbs, brambly red and black berries. Medium weight on the palate, the depth seemed like it was missing something until day two. Unlike the Syrah, there was a (welcomed) vein of Rocks funk with some pepper, iron and green accompanied by the graphite, coffee grounds, cassis, red and black fruits. Extremely broad shoulders with structure (tannin and acid) to cruise for a long time. Followed over two days and the profile unfurled and showed a bit more complexity the second day. Lots of time in bottle needed for this to show its true potential.
Just like the 2021 Cimento Syrah, this is $225. While this wine wasn’t as immediately enjoyable as the Syrah, the bones are here for this to evolve in to being worthy of that price point. For my palate, this is better than what I get with Quilceda Creek as the thin vein of Rocks funk brings intrigue for a Cabernet that I haven’t found (that isn’t full on like from the Cayuse lineup à la Camaspelo, Widowmaker).
One of two Cimento wines I got (both 2021s, inaugural vintage) to see what this new brand is trying to do in Washington/Walla Walla. Todd Alexander made the 2021s but starting with 2022, Anthony Yount took over.
100% Cabernet from Washington/Walla Walla The Rocks region. Double decanted an hour before being out back in the decanter and consumed over the next three hours.
Reticent and shy for a few hours, it finally poked out for a short window…red/black in the glass, slightly reductive aromatics followed by some smoked meat, herbs, brambly red and black berries. Medium weight on the palate, the depth seemed like it was missing something until day two. Unlike the Syrah, there was a (welcomed) vein of Rocks funk with some pepper, iron and green accompanied by the graphite, coffee grounds, cassis, red and black fruits. Extremely broad shoulders with structure (tannin and acid) to cruise for a long time. Followed over two days and the profile unfurled and showed a bit more complexity the second day. Lots of time in bottle needed for this to show its true potential.
Just like the 2021 Cimento Syrah, this is $225. While this wine wasn’t as immediately enjoyable as the Syrah, the bones are here for this to evolve in to being worthy of that price point. For my palate, this is better than what I get with Quilceda Creek as the thin vein of Rocks funk brings intrigue for a Cabernet that I haven’t found (that isn’t full on like from the Cayuse lineup à la Camaspelo, Widowmaker).
Inaugural vintage. It has the bones right now but I think it won’t show is colors for at least 5 more years. Old school style that needs maturity. Don’t we all 😜
Inaugural vintage. It has the bones right now but I think it won’t show is colors for at least 5 more years. Old school style that needs maturity. Don’t we all 😜
Mar 7th, 2026