2010 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon [IWR-98pts]

Ratings & Tasting Notes: 98 points Int’l Wine Review Review Date: 11/2020 The 2010 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an absolutely stunning release from Quilceda Creek. It instantly bursts open with seductive aromatics of ripe blackberries, cherries and dark plums which are laced with notes of forrest floor, spices, pencil shavings, tobacco, violets, dark chocolate and hints of licorice that all come together beautifully. On the palate this possesses a gorgeous full-bodied texture, that is remarkably structured with firm, yet beautifully polished tannins that are seamless, but explode through the palate. It goes on to display excellent balance with an incredibly long finish that is marked by flavors of dark cherries, graphite and hints of cedar that linger on effortlessly. This drinking sensational today, but it also has the potential to evolve for another two decades. The 2010 is composed of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Merlot from Champoux, Galitzine, Klipsun, Palengat, and Taptiel vineyards. Noted this is the first vintage fruit from Galitzine was included in the blend. (JD) 96 points Vinous Review Date: 11/2013 (15.2% alcohol): 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. (ST) Cult Wines International Notes: The 2010 Quilceda Creek “Columbia Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon is a landmark release for the estate, celebrating its 32nd vintage with a wine of immense concentration and poise. Despite a historically cool and challenging growing season in Washington State, winemaker Paul Golitzin achieved extraordinary results by relying on the naturally warmer microclimates of the Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain AVAs. This vintage is notable for its composition of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot, sourced primarily from the acclaimed Champoux Vineyard, with additional fruit from Galitzine, Klipsun, Palengat, and Tapteil. 2010 notably marked the first time fruit from the Galitzine Vineyard was incorporated into this flagship blend, adding a layer of structural depth and Red Mountain intensity to the finished wine. Aromatically, the 2010 is rich and “backwards,” gradually revealing a sophisticated bouquet of crème de cassis, coffee bean, and violet pastilles, intertwined with nuances of Tahitian vanilla and Asian spices. On the palate, the wine is gorgeously full-bodied and textured, displaying a “rich, velvety mouthfeel” that masks its massive concentration. Layers of dark chocolate-covered black cherries, plums, and blackberries are balanced by a vibrant acidity and “palate-staining” levels of extract. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, the wine exhibits seamless integration and a long, focused finish. Critics have hailed it as one of the highlights of the vintage, with Wine Spectator ranking it #10 on their Top 100 Wines of 2013. While it was built for long-term cellaring, the 2010 has now entered its secondary stage of development, where its primary fruit is beautifully complemented by tertiary notes of cedar and tobacco, promising continued evolution through 2035. Bottle Size: 750 mL Storage History: Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar. Condition: Outstanding condition. Please note: The condition of the bottle you will receive is accurately reflected by the one shown in the images. https://cultwinesintl.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/03/CWI-LISTING-VID.mp4