2016 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
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Tasting notes
Lovely aromas of black and purple fruit, tobacco leaf and sage. Full-bodied with fine, smooth tannins that are soaked in ripe, dark fruit. So much complexity and intensity here. Focused and structured, with a guiding note of black and red currant. Suede and coffee. Very long finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Flirting with perfection, instantly impressive and marked with impeccable shine and polish, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon from Champoux vineyard (90%) and Mach One vineyard (10%). The Cabernet explodes out of a glass with exuberance and power, prancing with layers of juicy black fruit, plum compote, black raspberry jus and hints of cinnamon-spiced black cherries. Full-bodied and with a ripe attack, velvety tannins sway with a glossy mouthfeel that is seductive and hedonistic, and the wine displays a balanced structure with a generous frame. It somersaults to an ever-evolving finish that bursts with layers of complexity, finesse and richness. What a stunning bottle! Bravo! Two thumbs up! Only 4,125 cases were made for the world. (AM)
Sourced mainly from the Champoux vineyard (90%) with a smaller part from the Mach One vineyard, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley utilizes clones 4, 8, 191, 337 and 685 with mostly clone 8 selections in the blend. Incredibly aromatic right now, it shows gorgeous black rose petals, crème de violette, sagebrush, black walnut, sandalwood and blueberry compote tones, giving a level of aromatic complexity that is unrivaled in the state. The palate is silky and elegant with a downright soft texture. Deeply concentrated and wonderfully structured, with smooth tannins, this gorgeous wine is already beautifully evolved at the two-year mark and will continue to deliver drinking enjoyment for at least another 15 years. (OB)
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is precise and generous with a robust, boisterous and fruity nose. Juicy plum, black raspberry, cocoa nibs and cinnamon cherries sway on the nose with elegant baking spice tones and enticing floral essence. Full-bodied, the wine remains juicy with lively tannins and expressive flavors of dark cherries and blackberry extract before it begins to stretch its legs with the additional years in the bottle. The 2016 is starting to hit its stride and remains as stunning and impressive as ever.
About the producer
Founded in 1978, Quilceda Creek helped put Washington Cabernet on the world stage. Mentored by André Tchelistcheff, the family-owned winery became renowned for its powerful, age-worthy Cabernets and was the first U.S. winery outside California to earn 100 points from Wine Advocate.