2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
Buying options
Tasting notes
Generous on the nose, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with stewed fruit and lavish French oak tones. The wine is beginning to peak, as soft wilted plum flavors sway on the palate before moving to plum reduction, cooked fruits, baked cherry skin and reduced blackberry jus, showing the evolution of the bottle. I've had the pleasure of sampling this bottle many times before, but now, the wine is coming to the end of its life and should be consumed in the next couple of years. If this is in your cellar, start thinking about that special occasion to open it. What better way to honor this wonderful wine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Dense with incredible tension and viscosity. From an outstanding, warm vintage in the Columbia Valley, this shows off intense Asian spices, wild blackberry cobbler, sage, cassis and scorched earth aromas. The long, lingering palate is dense but balanced, with light tannins and bright minerality supporting flavours of creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, blueberry compote and sage. A stunning wine at 14 years old that will continue to evolve well for at least another decade.
Small berries and a tannic vintage. Small percentage of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 88% Champoux in the Horse Heaven Hills and 12% from Red Mountain vineyards. 22 months in new French oak. Both red and dark fruit on the nose. Such restraint even though you know this has great fruit depth. Smooth, deep-pile velvety tannins. Thick but not heavy. Savoury and very dry but in no way drying. Firm suede-like tannins and these tannins are perfectly enhanced by the acidity. (JH)
Small berries and a tannic vintage. Small percentage of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 88% Champoux in the Horse Heaven Hills and 12% from Red Mountain vineyards. 22 months in new French oak. Both red and dark fruit on the nose. Such restraint even though you know this has great fruit depth. Smooth, deep-pile velvety tannins. Thick but not heavy. Savoury and very dry but in no way drying. Firm suede-like tannins and these tannins are perfectly enhanced by the acidity.