Winemaker Notes
The Quilceda Creek 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot) is a very dense and opulent wine that has amazing concentration and a liqueur-like texture. Classic aromas and flavors of violets, plum, cassis, blackberry and Asian spice cascade over the palate in a delineated fashion, ending in a finish that lasts over a minute.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Perhaps showing a bit of bottle variance, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is beginning to show signs of its age with aromas of black olive and dusty blackberries with nuances of stewed plum. The full-bodied palate shows firm tannins with a sweet frame and dark fruit-leather essence before elements of Chambord rise up on the long spicy finish with an alcoholic lift. I don’t think the wine will be able to live as long as was previously thought. Drink before 2030.
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Wine Enthusiast
This feels slightly softer in the mouth than the massive 2006, but carries the density and gravitas that one associates with Quilceda Creek. Wonderful balance, with a deeply detailed set of flavors that gather strength as they move through the palate. Mixed berries, threaded with chocolate, lingering with black cherry, cassis, smoke, cedar, lead pencil and more.
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Wine Spectator
Firm, with a light grip of tannins around a core of dark berry, currant, smoke and tobacco flavors. This has elegance and depth, with a welcome sense of reticence that doesn't push the flavors too strong. Finishes very long, with a silky texture.
Washington produces so many exciting wines, and that definitely includes Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. With over 10,000 acres under vine, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely-grown varietal in the state. Terrific examples hail from sub-appellations like Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley. One of the fascinations of these Columbia Valley Cabs is that they so often seem to have one foot in the New World and one in the Old. Representing the former are characteristics like the ripe, forward fruit that results from long sunny days during the growing season (up to two hours longer than in much of California). Old World similarities include an undeniable brightness from acidity, as well as notes of herbs, graphite and a dusty, sometimes gravelly minerality.
Whether you’re looking for a budget bottle for everyday enjoyment, or a stellar, world-class wine with tremendous aging potential, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines can deliver the goods! Among the many fine options are bottles from Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste. Michelle, L’ecole #41, Quilceda Creek and Leonetti.