2021 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

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. While Quilceda Creek has had some substantial changes in their winemaking team over the past few years, with both Alex Steward and Hal Overson departing to work at Matthews, it certainly hasn’t affected the quality, and 2021 is going to go down as one of the all-time great vintages for this estate.

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. The wine aged for 20 months in 100% French oak. 65,520 bottles produced.

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.