2010 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L)

SKU #1126202 98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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. 98+ Points (JD) (6/2013)

96 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Bright, dark medium ruby. Brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, espresso, graphite, bitter chocolate and licorice. Plush, dense and utterly seamless, boasting lovely lift and sweetness to the black raspberry, dark chocolate and licorice flavors accented by wild herbs. Wonderfully glossy, suave cabernet with a 3-D texture and outstanding depth; generous yet primary. Spreads out on the very long, building finish to saturate the palate with rich chocolatey tannins. For all its impressive richness, this cabernet retains a light touch that I have not necessarily found in warmer recent vintages of Quilceda Creek's flagship wine. (11/2013)

95 points Wine Spectator

*Collectibles and #10 of Top 100 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. Shows tremendous depth while holding its power in check. Best from 2015 through 2025. (HS) (9/2013)

K&L Notes

The 2010 Quilceda Creek Cabernet was released in January, 2013. It includes just 1% Merlot, and was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak. From the winery: "The 2010 growing season started with bud break arriving on schedule in early April. Then, a cool, wet spring led to delayed flowering and reduced fruit set, resulting in naturally low yields. The cool summer produced dramatic differences between warmer and cooler sites throughout the state. Our vineyards are located in two of the hottest AVA's for this very reason. The result is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon. 2010 marks the 32nd vintage of Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. 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."