From: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc
Taste & Critical Acclaim: Since the late 1970s, the family behind Quilceda Creek has focused on crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington State. 98 points, Jeb Dunnuck for Wine Advocate: "Also offering off-the-charts richness, with a flamboyant, hedonistic profile, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc) possesses spice-laced aromas and flavors of cassis, smoke tobacco, roasted meats, dried licorice and wild herbs that are to die for. Full-bodied, incredibly layered, rich and textured it has no hard edges, masses of tannin and a finish that won’t quit. I’ve been lucky enough to taste this cuvee three times (rated 96 and 97) in the past handful of weeks and this was the best showing yet." (06/2013)
100 points Decanter
Review Date: 03/2020
“As good as it gets for Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. Massive blue fruit and milk chocolate aromas leap from the glass to join more savoury tomato and sage notes, with brighter blueberry scents evolving after an hour of air. The lengthy palate is dense and chewy with light tannins, the mouthfeel becoming more silky and elegantly textured with time. Rich yet balanced flavours of blue fruits and wild blackberry cobbler are joined by mocha tones and exotic sandalwood spice.” (OB)
98
Int'l Wine Review
Review Date: 11/2020
The 2004 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an absolutely sensational wine that is drinking exceptionally well at this juncture, and it is nothing short of absolutely sensational. Bursting open with seductive aromas of dark plums, roasted coffee, black olive, chocolate and spicy cedar nuances that all come together beautifully in the glass. The palate is full-bodied, rich and layered with a concentrated core of sweet ripe dark fruits. Seamless, balanced and expressive, this beauty has it all and is utterly fascinating from start to finish. While this is drinking remarkably well today, it can easily go on to offer years of enjoyment ahead. Composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc which was sourced from Champoux, Klipsun, and Tapteil and which spent 22 Months in new French oak. (JD)
98
Wine Advocate
Review Date: 04/2021
Becoming tertiary and slightly funky with dried black fruit aromas, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon also has dusty plum and elements of dried herbs with sweet oak essences on the nose. The wine also wilted violets and lilac elements with notions of high-toned dark red fruit flavors of black raspberry, wild strawberry, currants and crème de cassis. With a full body and elements of tree bark and forest floor on the palate, this wine shows oddly more appealing than the 2005 at their current states. This 2004 is performing beautifully for its age and is among the highlights of the 20-year vertical. Remaining incredibly stable, I believe the 2004 will last longer than the 2005 bottling. Completely stellar and surprising! Bravo! (AM)
95
Int'l Wine Cellar
Review Date: 11/2007
Good deep red-ruby. Knockout nose offers deep notes of plum, currant, truffle, chocolate and smoky oak lifted by violet and lavender. The palate projects a nearly confectionery sweetness and huge dimension but with lovely energy giving it a rather suave texture. This has the chocolatey character of all the Quilceda 2004s. The sweet oak element helps to give the wine shape. Finishes with plenty of acid grip and ripe tannins that reach the incisors. This easily carries its 15% alcohol. (ST)
95
Wine Spectator
Review Date: 08/2007
Velvety and generous. A supple, insinuating style, with coffee and bittersweet chocolate accents around a beautifully contained core of ripe currant, plum and cherry fruit. Has great presence, balance and harmony. The finish expands impressively against a veil of firm tannins and well-integrated oak flavors. *Top 100 Wines of 2007, Collectibles* (HS)
