Professional Ratings

• 99 Decanter
  Hedonistic and gratifying at this stage of its development. Thrilling aromas of red bell pepper, black liquorice, Turkish coffee and white pepper continue on an enticingly soft, refined palate that becomes more seamless with time in the glass. Layers of rich dark fruit, tar, coffee bean, blueberry compote and damp soil are framed by light tannins. Delicious now and for another decade or more. Drinking Window 2020 - 2028
• 98 Wine Enthusiast
  The 2006 flagship Cabernet from Quilceda Creek is a massive wine that has just begun to emerge from its slumber. When first released the wine seemed to have entered a dumb phase, but six months later it responds to decanting and shows its muscle. Fruit flavors of black, brandied cherries, cassis and bourbon-soaked plums are wrapped in generous, layered oak. The wine is dusty, smoky, laced with streaks of licorice and brightened with sharp acids. It continues to expand further in the glass, adding flesh and spice to its frame, with a cedar/cigar box finish. Cellar Selection.
• 94 Wine Spectator
  Very ripe and generous. Not a big wine, but brims with plum, currant, black olive, cedar and roasted meat flavors, all playing against crisp tannins and lingering on the tight finish. Needs time in the cellar in order to open and flourish.