Quilceda Creek
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Double decanted several hours prior to service (recommended); no formal notes. While probably not my pick for best expression from Columbia Valley, the wines of Quilceda Creek certainly have a massive following for a reason. It has been at least seven years since I last had the 2005 vintage which was probably my favorite from the aughts. Well, I’m happy to report that it is very much alive and well. Big and would still be attractive stuff for many. Balanced. Perhaps a little hot on the finish but that’s pretty common with their wines; at least to my palate. Drink now and through 2030.
Double decanted several hours prior to service (recommended); no formal notes. While probably not my pick for best expression from Columbia Valley, the wines of Quilceda Creek certainly have a massive following for a reason. It has been at least seven years since I last had the 2005 vintage which was probably my favorite from the aughts. Well, I’m happy to report that it is very much alive and well. Big and would still be attractive stuff for many. Balanced. Perhaps a little hot on the finish but that’s pretty common with their wines; at least to my palate. Drink now and through 2030.
May 29th, 2024
A rich crimson in colour with a little bricking developing - a tawny rim. Aromas of cassis, plum and dark chocolate on the nose. Smooth and silky with black currant - totally balanced with resolved tannins. The proverbial iron fist in the velvet glove - great density. See previous notes - I’ve never seen this for sale in Australia. Bought this from Vinfolio in San Francisco and was immediately impressed. A world class new world Cabernet - just gorgeous. 100 points from Robert Parker and also Jeb Dunnuck - tempted to do the same - I settled on 99. The best wine I’ve had this year.
A rich crimson in colour with a little bricking developing - a tawny rim. Aromas of cassis, plum and dark chocolate on the nose. Smooth and silky with black currant - totally balanced with resolved tannins. The proverbial iron fist in the velvet glove - great density. See previous notes - I’ve never seen this for sale in Australia. Bought this from Vinfolio in San Francisco and was immediately impressed. A world class new world Cabernet - just gorgeous. 100 points from Robert Parker and also Jeb Dunnuck - tempted to do the same - I settled on 99. The best wine I’ve had this year.
Mar 14th, 2021
Rivals the best cabs from around the world.
Rivals the best cabs from around the world.
Aug 15th, 2019Purple tinges. Youthful looking even at 13 years of age. Probably should have decanted over an hour before drinking rather than 30 Minutes. A little closed on the bouquet initially. On palate there are unbelievably silky velvety tannins - oak is totally integrated with the plum and blackberry. Still with a future. Not particularly Bordeaux-like but the silkiness and balance are winners. Thoroughly delicious. Next in 1 to 2 years.
Purple tinges. Youthful looking even at 13 years of age. Probably should have decanted over an hour before drinking rather than 30 Minutes. A little closed on the bouquet initially. On palate there are unbelievably silky velvety tannins - oak is totally integrated with the plum and blackberry. Still with a future. Not particularly Bordeaux-like but the silkiness and balance are winners. Thoroughly delicious. Next in 1 to 2 years.
Mar 17th, 2018
In amazing shape for 13 years old. Tannins were firm and plentiful. Seems like I missed the sweet spot on this wine and might have been better to drink at 10 years or younger.
In amazing shape for 13 years old. Tannins were firm and plentiful. Seems like I missed the sweet spot on this wine and might have been better to drink at 10 years or younger.
Mar 11th, 2018
En mag and a really disappointing experience here. For me Quilceda needs 10 years at a minimum to start showing some secondary characteristics and exhibit what makes it unique. At age 13 this was a dorky adolescent. Very disjointed, heat, oak and a massive tannic unyielding monster. Not an indictment of the maker because I think these can be tremendous when they are at their best. Hold and hope.
En mag and a really disappointing experience here. For me Quilceda needs 10 years at a minimum to start showing some secondary characteristics and exhibit what makes it unique. At age 13 this was a dorky adolescent. Very disjointed, heat, oak and a massive tannic unyielding monster. Not an indictment of the maker because I think these can be tremendous when they are at their best. Hold and hope.
Feb 24th, 2018Lovely fleshy notes on the palate with ultra silky yet persistent tannins. A little cold from the cellar. Beautiful texture - easy to love. I can see why Robert Parker gave this 100 points. Not overly Cabernet in a varietal sense but a rich, textured delicious wine still with a latent core giving at least another 5 years. Although I notice Harvey Steiman had a short drinking window through to only 2017. I bought this in the USA years ago when my son was at College - never seen it for sale in Australia.
Lovely fleshy notes on the palate with ultra silky yet persistent tannins. A little cold from the cellar. Beautiful texture - easy to love. I can see why Robert Parker gave this 100 points. Not overly Cabernet in a varietal sense but a rich, textured delicious wine still with a latent core giving at least another 5 years. Although I notice Harvey Steiman had a short drinking window through to only 2017. I bought this in the USA years ago when my son was at College - never seen it for sale in Australia.
1 person found it helpfulJun 29th, 2019A ton of black fruit. Almost 10 years of age and will easily go for another 7-10
A ton of black fruit. Almost 10 years of age and will easily go for another 7-10
Jan 17th, 2015
From magnum
Needs a second look. Should improve over the course of the evening.
Served at private Christie's event
From magnum
Needs a second look. Should improve over the course of the evening.
Served at private Christie's event