“Personally, I look forward to drinking this wine when I’m 105.”
—Jay Miller,
The Wine Advocate

Widowmaker

Produced: 2003 - present

Professional reviews and tasting notes from prior vintages:

2008

The 2008 Widowmaker En Chamberlin Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 50-60% new oak, something Baron uses judiciously. It is a very Left Bank Bordeaux styled wine combining power and elegance. It is likely to have a 20 year lifespan. 97 points. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

2007

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard is 100% varietal from a single parcel aged in 75% new French oak. The nose displays sandalwood, mineral, earth notes, Asian spices, incense, black currant, blackberry, and a hint of chocolate. Rich, dense, and layered, it displays remarkable elegance for its size. It will continue to evolve for 6-8 years and provide pleasure through 2027. 98 Points. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

Big and bracing, offering a plush mouthful of black olive-immersed blackberry, cherry, plum and spice flavors, finishing with savory herb character. Drink now through 2017. 91 points. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

2006

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard is 100% varietal from a single parcel aged in 75% new French oak. The nose surrenders a sensual perfume of smoke, crushed rocks, game, dried fruits, and a hint of chocolate. Rich, dense, and layered, it is the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. It will continue to evolve for 6-8 years and provide pleasure through 2026. 98 points. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

2005

The 2005 The Widowmaker is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the En Chamberlin Vineyard. Opaque purple, the nose reveals toasty oak, minerals, scorched earth, an amalgam of black fruits, plum, and licorice. Smooth-textured, opulent, and full-flavored, the oak is totally integrated and every element is in harmony. Give it 8-10 years in the cellar and drink it through 2030. 98 points. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

Smooth and generous, this offers a powerful blast of ripe cherry, rhubarb pie and strawberry jam, finishing with a meaty note. Has lots of personality, with a finish that won't quit. Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2013. 91 points. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

2004

The 2004 The Widowmaker "En Chamberlin Vineyard" is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak, 75% new. The most massive of Cayuse’s Bordeaux-styled wines, this purple-colored behemoth offers an imposing nose of pain grille, scorched earth, espresso roast, licorice, and black currants. Brooding on the palate, this amazingly rich and concentrated wine is an infant in terms of its development. There is enough structure to support 10-20 years in the cellar but there is so much extract and baby fat that the wine can be enjoyed now with a dry-aged prime ribeye. For those with patience, The Widowmaker (could this be a reference to the potential longevity of the wine?) should drink well through 2050. Personally, I look forward to drinking this wine when I’m 105. 97 points. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

This smells of herbs, but offers a mouthful of gorgeous plum and currant fruit on a supple frame. Finishes with harmony and a distinct stylishness. The savory notes add plenty of interest, and the oak integrates smoothly. Best from 2008 through 2014. 93 points. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

2003

Produced entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2003 The Widowmaker offers a nose of herb-laced dark fruits. Medium to full-bodied, dense, and boisterous, this outstanding effort is crammed with blackberries and spices. Projected maturity: 2008-2018. 90 points. –Pierre Rovani, The Wine Advocate

Supple, plush and immensely appealing for its range of blueberry, plum and currant fruit, shaded with a relatively low level of spicy oak, lingering seductively on the round, polished finish. This one has refinement and grandeur. Drink now through 2015. 93 points. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

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