Introduction: Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley is a world-class wine, renowned for its opulence, complexity, and depth. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it embodies the pinnacle of Washington State winemaking and showcases the grandeur of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Terrior: The Columbia Valley's warm, sunny days and cool nights, combined with well-draining sandy and basalt-rich soils, create ideal conditions for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity.
Appearance: Deep, inky purple with a nearly opaque core and a vibrant ruby rim.
Nose: Intense aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry are layered with notes of graphite, cedar, vanilla, and a hint of cocoa.
Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, featuring a rich tapestry of black fruit flavors complemented by nuances of espresso, tobacco, and savory herbs. Firm yet refined tannins provide structure, while the balanced acidity adds freshness.
Finish: Exceptionally long and seamless, with lingering dark fruit, fine oak spice, and a touch of minerality.
Overall Impression: Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is a benchmark for New World Cabernet, delivering power and elegance in perfect harmony. Its age-worthiness and complexity make it a prized addition to any collection or an extraordinary choice for special occasions.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 15%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Quilceda Creek
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Wine Style: Full-bodied dry red wine
Winemaking Techniques: Hand-harvested grapes, extended maceration, fermentation in stainless steel, and aging in French oak barrels (100% new)
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork
Check out the press on this beauty!
100 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
The flagship 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (90% from Champoux Vineyard and 10% from Mach One Vineyard) raised all in new barrels. It's slightly deeper hued than the CVR and has a stunning nose of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, toasted spices, and graphite with a beautiful varietal, herbal undertone that comes through with time in the glass. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and velvety textured, this thrilling Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve for two decades. This is unquestionably up with the greatest vintages of this cuvée ever made.
100 points, International Wine Report:
"The 2021 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Quilceda Creek is once again another monumental release. It begins to impress with its striking perfumed aromas of ripe blackberries and dark currants, which are joined together with crushed violets, graphite, tobacco, and hints of licorice all developing in the glass. On the palate, this possesses a gorgeous full body that is impeccably structured with beautifully polished tannins that result in an utterly seamless texture. This continues to impress with its excellent balance and concentration combined with remarkable overall power and finesse. There is a lovely touch of underlying acidity that ties it all together and provides a wonderful sense of freshness that carries it into the lavish finish. While this is already stunning in its youth, it is ultimately an age-worthy wine that will go on to evolve for decades. Quilceda Creek sets the benchmark for cabernet sauvignon in Washington, and this is a clear example of why they have earned that reputation."
100 points, Owen Bargreen
"The 2021 ‘Columbia Valley’ mainly comes from the Champoux Vineyard (90%) with the remainder coming from the Mach One Vineyard. A range of cabernet sauvignon clones is blended into this wine which spent 20 months in all new French oak before bottling. The aromatics really pop here with violets alongside potpourri and Turkish coffee, sandalwood, allspice-dusted dates, and shades of black licorice. The palate is generous, weightless, and is a total show-stopper. Concentrated blue and black fruits with walnut, with creme de violette all brilliantly combine with the elegant mid-palate mouthfeel. Finishing extremely long, this is nothing short of perfection in a bottle. I don’t say this lightly but this is arguably the finest Columbia Valley cabernet sauvignon I have ever tasted. Give this three hours or more in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2024-2044."
98+ Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon erupts with a classic Quilceda Creek expression. A big, bold, and boisterous wine, it presents a fresh, juicy attack with gobs of succulent, ripe, fresh fruit tones complemented by plenty of oak essences. The palate is full-bodied, fresh, layered, and complex, showcasing balanced acidity and fine-grained tannins. The elongated finish suggests that while it can be enjoyed now, patience will be generously rewarded with additional years in the cellar. However, keeping your hands off this gorgeous wine will take a lot of self-discipline. Rating: 98+
98 points, James Suckling:
With 90% of the grapes from Champoux Vineyard and 10% from Mach One Vineyard, this blend could have been labeled Horse Heaven Hills and is certainly no less a standout than the vineyard-designate bottlings. Mint, black fruit, cinnamon, sandalwood, blueberry, and floral notes form a seamless whole, wrapped in beautifully integrated, fine tannins.
ABV: 14.9%