Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
75cl * 14.5% ABV * Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USA
During the peak of his acting career, Hollywood star Kyle MacLachlan found himself homesick for the dramatic beauty of his hometown Yakima, Washington in the Pacific Northwest and its farmsteads, antique stores, and winery tasting rooms. In 2005, after a fateful visit to Dunham Cellars in Walla Walla while exploring with his father, MacLachlan embarked on a collaboration with winemaker Eric Dunham. “Exit, pursued by a bear” is an unexplained and most absurd stage direction from Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. It felt a fitting name for paying homage to not only the careful study, focus and intense dedication of required of an actor, but also to winemaking.
A playful sibling to the Pursued by Bear Cabernet Sauvignon, the Bear Cub is a bright, hedonistic wine that offers fresh fruit flavours now but also has enough structure to age beautifully over time. Grapes for this 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot blend are sourced from three distinct appellations which adds complexity. Aged for 20 months in 100% French oak, the 2020 Bear Cub is bursting with black fruit and an appealing hint of cedar. Juicy summer berries, black currant, ripe plum and streaks of shaved cocoa are richly expressive on the palate. Smooth and easy to drink with a finish that lasts.
Pair with braised beef short ribs, grilled rib-eye steak roasted vegetable tarts, or aged Gouda cheese.
Wine Geek Fact: Mr MacLachlan's serious interest in wine was sparked when director David Lynch gifted him a bottle of Château Lynch-Bages for landing the part of Paul Atreides in Dune.