91 points from Courtney Humiston with James Suckling

Aromas are quite pretty, with roses, violets, and even some bitter oranges. Medium-bodied, showing fresh, juicy fruit flavors and a hint of cocoa. Drinkable and satisfying now.

Past vintage review: 93 from James Suckling

2021 Murray Cabernet Sauvignon: Generous, concentrated and intense, this mountain-grown wine wraps gorgeous raspberries, black cherries and tart cranberries in firm, fine-grained tannins that could carry it for a decade or two. Blended with 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. 

Red Mountain AVA 86%

Out of Line Estate Vineyard 67%

In 2005 we finished planting 10 acres of vineyard: 6 acres planted with 5 clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, 2½ acres planted with 4 clones of Merlot, and ½ acres of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot – with all of the plant material certified to be free of diseases and pests. Our vineyard rows are canted eleven degrees off of north-south. This orientation more evenly balances the sun exposure on each side of the vine row, increasing the exposure on the east and decreasing it on the west.

Tinte Vineyard (formerly E&E Shaw Vineyard) 19%

Planted in 1995 by Ed and Eve Shaw, Tinte Vineyard has been part of the Hightower story since 1999. Known for its intense color, concentrated dark fruit, and firm tannin structure, this site adds depth and character to our wines. Like every parcel on Red Mountain, it brings its own nuances, shaped by the Worden Silt Loam soils that force the vines to struggle and ultimately focus their energy into the fruit. We are grateful to the Shaws—not only for their vineyard, but also for Eve’s creative touch as the artist behind the original Murray label.  

Yakima Valley AVA 14%

Red Willow Vineyard 14%

With the first plantings completed in 1971, Red Willow is one of the oldest and most respected vineyards in Washington State. Now multi-generational grape farmers, the Sauer family’s experience has led to a reputation for outstanding fruit quality and dedication to doing it right, which pairs perfectly with Hightower Cellars’ commitment to quality and excellence. 

Red Willow is the western most vineyard within the Yakima Valley AVA, planted at a relatively high elevation of 1,100 to 1,300 feet. The parcel is underlain by Calcareous, volcanic soils with an influence of ancient riverbeds.

Tim & Kelly Hightower

Tim and Kelly Hightower founded Hightower Cellars in 1997 in Woodinville, Washington with a simple philosophy: "Get the best grapes and don't screw them up." With their grape supply primarily coming from Red Mountain, the husband and wife co-winemaking team set out to make high quality wine, beginning with their first vintage: 221 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Today Tim and Kelly aim to make wine that lets the powerful, concentrated fruit from Red Mountain speak for itself, producing wine with great character, that’s naturally beautiful and free from pretense. The result is a collection of well-balanced, nuanced wines that reveal something new and interesting each time you open a bottle. We like to think they’re wines with character through and through – in how they were made, how they taste, and in the connections they inspire.