2017 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
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Tasting notes
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine is big, juicy and precise with a bold nose of dark red and black fruit. It is full-bodied, succulent and richly layered on the palate, with seductive flavors of berry compote, a delicate mineral tension, fantastic focus and a long, lingering finish. The wine rested for 22 months in all French oak. Only 3,850 cases were made. (AM)
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Average Score
The Wine Advocate
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Red Wine CVR is wonderfully expressive, like opening a cedar spice box to find a mix of dried sage, cloves, dusty rose and lavender. Further swirling unlocks more depths of black cherry, plum and dark chocolate. This is silky to the core yet cool-toned in feel, contrasting masses of tart raspberry and blueberry with lifting minerality, as a dusting of cocoa cakes the senses. The 2020 finishes with grace, leaving plum sauce and mocha notes to resonate under an air of pretty violet florals. The CVR is packed full of energy, yet also beautifully balanced. It’s a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. (EG)
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)
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.
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.