Our Rating
Walla Walla Valley
73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 3% Malbec
Abeja produces focused estate and regional bottlings from Washington State, blending estate discipline with broader regional sourcing. The 2022 Beekeeper’s Blend showcases a classic Washington red combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Positioned as an approachable yet structured entry in the lineup, it highlights ripe dark fruit attributes paired with well-integrated oak influence.
Founded on a historic farmstead in the Walla Walla Valley, Abeja established its reputation through meticulously crafted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. While maintaining a strong estate vineyard focus, the winery produces select regional bottlings that capture the broader fruit potential of Washington State viticultural areas.
Specific winemaker details for this bottling were not provided in the primary record. Winemaking across the estate generally emphasizes balanced extraction, disciplined oak integration, and clear varietal character.
The fruit for the 2022 Beekeeper’s Blend is sourced from select vineyard sites across Washington State. The region’s long daylight hours and sharp diurnal temperature drops promote full phenolic maturity while preserving natural acidity across red varieties.
The wine is constructed from a traditional red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Aging included oak contact that imparts spicy cedar, mocha, and vanilla notes, complementing the natural structure of the fruit. Specific technical parameters regarding harvest dates, fermentation vessels, exact blend percentages, and oak duration were not detailed in the available logs.
Specific vintage conditions for the 2022 harvest relevant to this precise bottling were not provided in the technical record. Regional growing conditions across Washington State in 2022 allowed red varieties to achieve strong fruit depth and ripe tannin structure.z
Clear and deep ruby in color.
The nose shows medium-plus intensity with youthful characteristics. Aromas of blackberry, plum, cassis, and black cherry lead, followed by cedar, vanilla, baking spice, and mocha.
Dry and full-bodied with medium-plus flavor intensity and elevated alcohol warmth. Medium-plus tannins are structured yet supple, balanced by medium acidity. The flavor profile features ripe blackberry, plum, and cassis, layered with dark chocolate, vanilla, clove, and toasted oak.
The finish is medium-plus in length, remaining persistent and fruit-driven with lingering oak spice and warm dark berry notes.
The 2022 Beekeeper’s Blend offers a polished, rounded expression of Washington State red varieties. Its core of dark fruit, framed by structured tannins and toast-forward oak, makes it an appealing option for immediate consumption while retaining enough structural integrity to hold over the short term.
USA
Walla Walla Valley
73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 3% Malbec
14%
Now
