The Columbia Valley was carved by cataclysmic ice age floods that tore across the Pacific Northwest, transforming the landscape, and blanketing the valleys with silt carried from hundreds of miles away. As the last ice age came to a close, the glacial dam holding back Lake Missoula would periodically burst, releasing a 400-foot wall of water that tore across the Pacific Northwest at up to 80 miles an hour. The floods devastated everything in their path and reshaped the landscape all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

But from this upheaval, new life was born. The floodwaters scoured soil and sediment from the land as they went, pooling and eddying through what is now the Columbia Valley. When the water ultimately receded, the valley was blanketed in a deep layer of nutrient-poor but well-drained silt. Pair that with Eastern Washington’s reliable sunshine and wide temperature swings, and you have near perfect conditions for growing grapes. And so, ancient lakes become modern vineyards.

Cataclysm pays homage to the forces that continue to shape and reshape the earth beneath our feet. We will taste:

Cataclysm Chardonnay 2020 — Chablis style with aromas of quince, Bosc pears, and crème brulée. Viscous and lingering, the palate has a silky entrance with bright and playful acidity. Flavors of Washington’s famous apples, melon, vanilla and spice play on the taste buds. A touch of oak. 13% ABV. $22.99/$7.50

Cataclysm Red Blend 2019 — Inspired by the boldness of traditional Bordeaux, this blend puts a little chaos in the mix with a hint of Washington Syrah. Aromas of chocolate, fig, stewed cherries and blackberries mix with vanilla and cassis. Notes of Marionberry and blueberry on the palate. This is a deeply structured blend with a velvety mouthfeel that lingers with toasty oak and spice. Blend: 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Syrah. 14.5% ABV. $23.99/$8

Cataclysm Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — Full-bodied and balanced with earthy minerality and concentrated dark fruit. Aromas of bramble berries, deep plum and cherry mingle with rich tobacco and herbs. Flavors of currant and cherry on the palate mixed with pencil lead, vanilla and spice. Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot. 13.9% ABV. $23.99/$8

All are rated 90 by James Suckling! See you Friday!