2009 Quilceda Creek - Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
Wine Advocate | Rating: 99
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot) is a ripe, flamboyant and brilliantly proportioned effort that oozes kirsch, licorice, lead pencil shavings and dried spice on the nose. Showing the perfume and headiness of the vintage, it nevertheless stays vibrant and lively on the palate while delivering layers of fruit and texture. While formidably structured and tannic, it can be enjoyed now due to the overall tannin quality and purity of fruit. It will evolve and drink well for over two decades. Drink now-2029.Drink Dates: 2013-2029International Wine Cellar | Rating: 95
(includes 2% merlot; 90% estate grown fruit from Champoux, the rest from Klipsun and Tapteil): Deep ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and sandalwood on the nose. Offers uncanny sweetness and depth, not to mention great breadth of texture to the plush flavors of dark berries, chocolate and expensive oak. At once chewy and seamless cabernet, finishing extremely long and smooth, with big but thoroughly suave tannins.Author: Stephen TanzerIssue: November/December 2012Wine Spectator | Rating: 96
Pure and impressively expressive, with focused currant, plum, blackberry and black olive aromatics turning on the palate to a more complex profile, weaving in coffee, creI?me bruI?leI_e and chai tea notes, all wrapped in a polished texture. The finish doesn't want to quit.Drink Dates: 2015-2024Author: Harvey Steiman
Self | Rating: 95
Drink Dates: 2012-2024Author: Jason RSelf | Rating: 95
Drink Dates: 2012-2024Author: Matt OSelf | Rating: 91
Not the Wow factor I expected. Flavors were nice, mouthfeel was a little thin. Good, but I've had better bottles from Quilceda CreekAuthor: Jeffrey M989
See other similar producers:Cadence Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon is a thick-skinned variety that is high in color, flavor, tannin, and body, displaying aromas of black currant, blackberry, violet, bell pepper, and black cherry. It is late-ripening and therefore struggles to grow in cool climates. Quality can vary tremendously depending on terroir, vineyard management, and winemaking style, with the highest quality wines coming from the Haut-Médoc and Graves in Bordeaux, and Napa and Sonoma in California.
The powerful flavors, tannin, and body of Cabernet Sauvignon make it well suited to ageing and allow it to stand up to a large proportion of new oak without overpowering the wine. 225-litre barriques are the most popular size barrel and French oak is commonly used by the best producers to add structural complexity and flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and clove to the nose and palate. The best wines, many of which are below, can age further in the bottle for decades.
Old-World Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with Merlot, which ripens earlier than Cabernet and adds plum, softer tannin, and lighter body to this Bordeaux blend. These wines typically have earth-driven aromas such as wet leaves and truffle along with bell peppers and leather. First-Growth producers such as Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Margaux consistently produce some of the highest-quality Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends.
New-World Cabernet Sauvignon is seen both as a blend and single varietal. Warmer climates and long sunlight hours result in an extended growing season, bearing grapes with richer fruit, bigger tannin, higher alcohol, and lower acidity than their Old-World counterparts. Some of the best expressions of these full-bodied wines come from producers like Screaming Eagle, Hundred Acre, Schrader and Scarecrow.
All Cabernet Sauvignon pairs phenomenally well with meat-forward dishes such as rib-eye steak, short ribs, lamb shank, or a cheeseburger. Vegetable-forward dishes featuring mushrooms are also a great choice for this variety.
Collector Data For This Wine
- 1731 bottles owned
- 237 collectors
- Average collector rating: 94
(Out of 237 collectors)