1990 Cabernet Sauvignon Washington

Quilceda Creek's Reserves are outrageously rich, complex wines. Less evolved than the 1988 or 1989, the 1990 Reserve Cabernet exhibits a huge, chocolatey, cassis, herb, and mineral-scented nose, rich, full-bodied flavors judiciously touched by sweet, toasty new oak. With exceptionally well-integrated acid, elevated but sweet and ripe tannin, and a finish that lasts for almost a minute, this is another stunning example of what heights Cabernet Sauvignon can reach in Washington State. Lamentably, with only 200 cases available (much of it gobbled up by locals), most subscribers will never have a chance to taste this wine. Make no mistake about the Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignons - they are world-class Cabernets that compete with the finest wines from Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz Mountains. Unfortunately, there are only 1,000 cases of their regular bottling and 200 or so of their Reserve, which was inaugurated with the 1988 vintage. The wines spend two and one-half years in small oak casks, of which thirty-three to fifty percent are new. Most of the fruit comes from the Red Mountain Vineyard.