Red Mountain Cabernet You’ll Want by the Case
If you’ve ever tasted the wines of Corliss Estate, you know they’re among the most coveted bottles in Washington State—powerful, precise, and built for the long haul. But what if you could experience that same level of pedigree and craftsmanship at a fraction of the price? That’s where Secret Squirrel comes in.
The 2018 Secret Squirrel Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from many of the same vineyards that supply Corliss, including prized parcels on Red Mountain. This AVA is Washington’s crown jewel for Cabernet Sauvignon, producing fruit with remarkable intensity, ripeness, and structure, thanks to its warm climate, long growing season, and mineral-rich soils. The result is Cabernet with both richness and lift—power without heaviness, precision without austerity.
In the glass, the wine overdelivers at every level: dark blackberry and cassis, graphite, and a subtle dried herb character, wrapped in polished tannins and a long, savory finish. It’s Cabernet with real gravitas, built from impeccable fruit sources, yet priced to be opened often.
The “Secret” in Secret Squirrel is no secret at all—it’s Corliss’ way of offering the same obsessive attention to detail and terroir expression in a bottling that’s approachable both in style and price. That makes it one of the best values not just in Washington, but in domestic Cabernet, period.
The 2018 vintage is entering its sweet spot right now—supple, layered, and ready to enjoy, yet with years of life ahead.
For those who know Corliss, this is your chance to bring that same Red Mountain beauty to the table for a weekday dinner, a weekend gathering, or a case purchase that rewards you every time you pull a cork.
Winery Vintage Notes:
The year was marked by a colder winter than the previous one with two snow events and heavy rains which made up for the water deficit of the previous year. The spring was quite rainy, a factor that required great attention to avoid the establishment of plant diseases. The month of July had some very strong storms with uneven consequences. The beginning of August was characterized by intense heat without having repercussions on the water stress of the plants. The harvest began on August 16th, with the grapes used for the Alta Langa, to continue with the white grape varieties harvested in September and the red grape varieties harvested in late October.
