From: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: 99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Merlot
Taste & Critical Acclaim: The 2010, composed of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon with just 1% Merlot, experienced a cooler-than-normal growing season, albeit in the warmest parts of the appellation. Quilceda Creek's tasting notes: "Winemaker Paul Golitzin describes the 2010 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon as having a rich, velvety mouth feel. It is filled with layers of dark chocolate covered black cherry, blackberry and plum fruit with exotic nuances of Tahitian vanilla bean, violet pastilles and Asian spices. Its seamless integration of all its component parts makes it approachable now, but will age effortlessly for 20+ years." (It just might be worth it, if you're a serious taster, to buy this bottle, and a tin of violet pastilles, and do a little taste test!)
98
Wine Advocate
Review Date: 06/2013
Rich, backwards, structured and massively concentrated, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon comes mostly from the Champoux Vineyard (also from Galitzine, Klipsun, Palengat and Tapteil) and is comprised of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot that spent 22 months in all new French oak. Offering up plenty of creme de cassis, coffee bean, toasted spice, pencil shavings and violet-like qualities on the nose, it has palate staining levels of extract and tannin that come through on the mid-palate and finish. Gorgeously full-bodied, layered and textured, with perfect balance, this awesome Cabernet needs to be forgotten for 5-6 years and will have two to three decades of longevity. Drink 2018-2030. This line up was one of the highlights of my trip through Washington and without a doubt, this awesome estate, which is run by Paul and Alex Golitzin, is producing some of the top Cabernet Sauvignon blends in the state, and I would venture, the world. While all of the wines are incredibly age-worthy, the tannins are so well managed and the textures so polished, they dish out immense pleasure even in their youth. The estate’s top cuvee, Paul’s Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon comes primarily from the warmer Champoux Vineyard located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, yet also incorporates smaller components from Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, Tapteil and Galitzine. It sees roughly 22 months in 100% new French oak.
95
Wine Spectator
Review Date: 07/2013
*#10 on Top 100 of Wines of 2013* Polished, vibrant and distinctive, with coffee and jasmine tea accents around a supple core of cherry and red plum fruit. The nubby tannins rub gently against the long finish. Displays tremendous depth while holding its power in check.
