2004 Quilceda Creek Merlot Columbia Valley
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Tasting notes
(contains 12.5% cabernet franc) Good saturated medium ruby. Very sexy aromas of blackberry, cassis, black truffle, cocoa powder and smoked meat (very Taransaud!). Fat, lush and rich; a compellingly full Washington State merlot with uncanny thickness to its flavor of sweet black raspberry. Finishes with lush, broad tannins and lovely length.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Merlot includes 12% Cabernet Franc in the blend and was sourced from the Champoux and Taptiel Vineyards. The wine was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak. Purple-colored, it has a splendid perfume of pain grille, spice box, cranberry, red and black currants, and red licorice. This is followed by a lush Merlot that offers layers of sweet fruit, complex flavors, light tannins, and a sense of sophistication. This superb Merlot can be enjoyed now but will add complexity and fill out with another 5-6 years in the cellar. It should provide pleasure through 2024. Tel. (360) 568-2389; www.quilcedacreek.com
Good ruby-red. Musky, very ripe aromas of black raspberry, chocolate and espresso; shows more of a torrefaction element than the 2003. Then supple, sweet and fleshy, with a distinctly lush mouth feel. Flavors of dark fruits, smoke and meat show impressive early complexity. Finishes sweet, sexy and long, with notes of raspberry, blackberry and espresso. Outstanding merlot in the making.
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.