2018 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
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World-class by any definition, the 2018 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon makes a strong statement for Washington state and the vintage itself. It is captivating and exotic from the first tilt of the glass; a dusting of crushed violet mints gives way to vivid blackberry accentuated by dried citrus peels, steeped ginger tea and rosy dark chocolate. This radiant beauty impresses further with seamlessly silken textures. Stimulating acidity dazzles the senses, adding both verve and a mid-weight spiciness to the mix, while keeping things wonderfully fresh despite the masses of mineral-inflected black fruits within. The finish goes on and on, as silky tannins frame the wine without hindering its momentum. Currants, blueberry and hints of graphite keep me coming back to the glass for more. Readers can enjoy the 2018 now with a good decant; however, having followed this for over 24 hours, I am sure that the best is yet to come. The 2018 is a towering effort, that also marks the 40th vintage of Quilceda Creek’s Cabernet Sauvignon. (EG)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
This is really gorgeous with crushed berries, currants and dark chocolate. Really aromatic. It’s full-bodied and soft with precise tannins and great length. Such polish and balance. Plush and focused. Lovely freshness. Subtle and complex. Sophisticated. Beautiful center palate. Pure cabernet sauvignon. So drinkable now, but will age nicely.
Another magical Cabernet Sauvignon from this team, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley comes from a blend of sites and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up mostly in new French oak. This vivid purple-hued beauty offers a kaleidoscope-like array of red and black currants, spice box, lead pencil shavings, crushed stone, and assorted tobacco and leafy herb nuances. These carry to full-bodied Cabernet with incredible purity of fruit, building tannins and structure, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish that won't quit. It should keep for 20-25 years with no issues. This is unquestionably another brilliant set of releases from Quilceda, and these 2018s show the classic opulence this estate is known for backed up by beautiful purity and lots of underlying structure. In addition, their CVR Cuvee remains one of the great values in Cabernet Sauvignon out there.
The capsule of the 2018 celebrates the 40th vintage, otherwise unnoted specifically to keep the consistency of the label. The nose is soft and delineated with lifted dark red and black fruit essences that waft with a delicate floral lift. Showing a softer and compact frame that delivers fine and focused aromas, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon packs complex layers in the nose, with a fresh bouquet of red and purple flowers, violets, lilac and sakura before overflowing with a fruit bowl of aromatics, including black raspberry, black cherry and juicy plum with blackberry nuances, all shining through with a thoughtful frame of French oak tones. Medium to full-bodied at 14.8% alcohol, the palate bursts with precision and finesse and there's an elegant frame that offers lively acidity and succulent, fine-grained tannins. The 40th vintage marks a brilliant success for Quilceda Creek, attaining a lighter chassis that captures the same magic without being overly generous. The 2018's tighter frame has allowed the wine to express layers of beautiful dark red fruit flavors and supple oak spices that make the wine slightly spicy with cinnamon essence while offering the same precision without any sacrifices to the overall experience. Ultimately, the wine glides to a remarkably long and textured finish that will last for a couple of decades. Bravo! This is another successful vintage for Quilceda Creek. Run, don't walk to get this into your cellar!
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.