Owning a winery was been a longtime aspiration of Drew Bledsoe, a former NFL quarterback, since it would allow him to combine his passion for fine wine and love of the Walla Walla Valley. Returning to his hometown in 2007, he planted his estate vineyard, McQueen, in SeVein Vineyards of Distinction. The following year, he launched Doubleback, an estate-focused winery, to produce ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley. It has since received numerous accolades including a spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.

The estate’s McQueen Vineyard spans 50 acres, planted to 14.4 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Acquired in 2011, the Bob Healy Vineyard is planted to 9.7 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

The 2019 Doubleback is a wine that exudes elegance and complexity. With a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 11% Malbec, and 1% Cabernet Franc, this wine showcases the best of Walla Walla Valley. Its deep purple hue invites you in, and the nose is filled with aromas of ripe cassis, graphite, spring flowers, and spicy oak.

On the palate, the 2019 Doubleback is medium to full-bodied, with a rich and velvety texture. The tannins are beautifully balanced, providing structure and depth to the wine. There is a pleasant mix of stone and ripe red fruit flavors, accompanied by a black-tea complexity that adds a layer of nuance.

This wine has been aged for 22 months in 57% new French oak, which imparts subtle notes of vanilla and spice. The oak aging also contributes to the wine's seamless integration and smooth finish. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but will also benefit from a few years of cellaring. With its ripe tannins and well-balanced acidity, the 2019 Doubleback has the potential to age gracefully for 15-20 years.

Critics have praised the 2019 Doubleback for its exceptional quality. James Suckling awarded it 91 points, noting the wine's silky tannins and pleasant black-tea complexity. Jeb Dunnuck gave it an impressive score of 94 points, highlighting its rich, medium to full-bodied character and beautifully balanced tannins.

The 2019 Doubleback is a limited production wine, with only 2,000 cases produced. It is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of Doubleback, a producer known for their commitment to quality. Whether enjoyed now or in the years to come, the 2019 Doubleback is a wine that will leave a lasting impression.