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Domaine Magdalena Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes — 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region — Red Mountain AVA, Washington State
Tasting Notes — Deep ruby with an Old World restraint that stops you in your tracks. Cassis, dried herbs, plum, green peppercorn, and a whisper of tobacco and licorice on the nose — more Bordeaux than Napa, more precision than power. The palate is soft and supple, with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long, food-friendly finish that reveals new layers over the course of an evening. This is a Cabernet that rewards patience in the glass and in the cellar.
The Wine — 100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon from four acres of hand-farmed vines on the rugged slopes of Red Mountain, one of Washington's most prized AVAs. At just 13% alcohol and with no new-oak bravado, this is a deeply unfashionable Cabernet in the best possible sense — built for the table, not the trophy shelf. Fewer than 600 cases are produced each year.
Farming — Demeter certified biodynamic since 2011 — one of the earliest biodynamic certifications on Red Mountain. The vineyard essentially runs wild through the growing season, with minimal inputs and all work done by hand. No pesticides, no herbicides, no synthetic fertilizers. Maggie and Christophe live on the property and raise their family among the vines, which is as good a reason as any to farm as cleanly as possible.
Winemaking — Hand harvested, spontaneous native yeast fermentation for both primary and malolactic fermentation. Pressed to barrel and aged on the gross lees for 15 months in 80% neutral American oak and 20% new American oak. 100% unfined and unfiltered. Nothing added, nothing taken away.
The Producer — Maggie Hedges planted Domaine Magdalena in 2005 — instead of a honeymoon, she and her husband Christophe put everything into a piece of land on Red Mountain and started farming. Over the following decade she learned the vineyard intimately before making the first vintage in 2014. Maggie is the winemaker, with her sister-in-law Sarah Hedges Goedhart also involved in the winemaking process — bringing a quietly collaborative, family-driven approach to one of Washington's most singular small estates. The result is a Cabernet with what one importer aptly calls a "pre-Parker style" — nuanced, terroir-driven, and built to age beautifully rather than impress immediately. A genuine hidden gem of Washington wine.
Drink It With — Braised short ribs, rack of lamb, roasted duck, aged cheddar, or any meal significant enough to deserve a wine that gets better with every sip.
Domaine Magdalena Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes — 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region — Red Mountain AVA, Washington State
Tasting Notes — Deep ruby with an Old World restraint that stops you in your tracks. Cassis, dried herbs, plum, green peppercorn, and a whisper of tobacco and licorice on the nose — more Bordeaux than Napa, more precision than power. The palate is soft and supple, with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long, food-friendly finish that reveals new layers over the course of an evening. This is a Cabernet that rewards patience in the glass and in the cellar.
The Wine — 100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon from four acres of hand-farmed vines on the rugged slopes of Red Mountain, one of Washington's most prized AVAs. At just 13% alcohol and with no new-oak bravado, this is a deeply unfashionable Cabernet in the best possible sense — built for the table, not the trophy shelf. Fewer than 600 cases are produced each year.
Farming — Demeter certified biodynamic since 2011 — one of the earliest biodynamic certifications on Red Mountain. The vineyard essentially runs wild through the growing season, with minimal inputs and all work done by hand. No pesticides, no herbicides, no synthetic fertilizers. Maggie and Christophe live on the property and raise their family among the vines, which is as good a reason as any to farm as cleanly as possible.
Winemaking — Hand harvested, spontaneous native yeast fermentation for both primary and malolactic fermentation. Pressed to barrel and aged on the gross lees for 15 months in 80% neutral American oak and 20% new American oak. 100% unfined and unfiltered. Nothing added, nothing taken away.
The Producer — Maggie Hedges planted Domaine Magdalena in 2005 — instead of a honeymoon, she and her husband Christophe put everything into a piece of land on Red Mountain and started farming. Over the following decade she learned the vineyard intimately before making the first vintage in 2014. Maggie is the winemaker, with her sister-in-law Sarah Hedges Goedhart also involved in the winemaking process — bringing a quietly collaborative, family-driven approach to one of Washington's most singular small estates. The result is a Cabernet with what one importer aptly calls a "pre-Parker style" — nuanced, terroir-driven, and built to age beautifully rather than impress immediately. A genuine hidden gem of Washington wine.
Drink It With — Braised short ribs, rack of lamb, roasted duck, aged cheddar, or any meal significant enough to deserve a wine that gets better with every sip.