2002 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Red (CVR)
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Tasting notes
The opaque, dark ruby-colored 2002 Red Wine (Quilceda Creek’s “second label”) reveals fresh blackberry and violet aromas. A 975-case blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, it is medium-bodied, concentrated, and packed with tar-laced black fruits, currants, and tannin. A structured effort with an admirably long finish, this wine is a candidate for drinking between 2008 and 2018. Congratulations Alex and Paul, welcome to the big leagues. Tel. (360) 568-2389; www.quilcedacreek.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(a 70/20/10 blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernetfranc) Full, deep red. Roasted strawberry, plum and nutty oak; just this side of stewy. Lush and round in the mouth, with slightly roasted flavors of plum, minerals, nuts and smoke. Could use a bit more verve. Finishes with a slight tannic dryness.
(a blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% cabernet franc) Full red-ruby. Tangy aromas of plum, cassis and musky torrefaction. Silky and suave in the mouth, with fruit-driven flavors of raspberry, plum, chocolate and sexy oak, with a complicating note of fresh herbs. Finishes with sweet tannins and supple lingering fruit. Made from declassified fruit and press wine.
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.