Quilceda Creek - Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

ANTONIO GALLONI: "Moderately saturated dark red with ruby tones. Classic, complex Cabernet scents of black fruits, cocoa powder and sexy herbs lifted by a strong mineral component; the high-quality Taransaud and Darnajou barrels come through clearly but not loudly. Wonderfully smooth, tight-grained wine with gloriously ripe but not roasted flavors of wild blackberry, cassis, bitter chocolate and minerals. Harmonious ripe acidity gives this wine outstanding finesse and lifts the fruit. I find this wine more relaxed than the superb 2015 version, perhaps because there was little in the way of vine stress in '16. Perhaps most impressive in the early going on the extremely long, slowly building back end, which features noble tannins, great suavity and outstanding lift."

JAMES SUCKLING: "The composure here is impressive. Aromas of cedar and dark berries abound, with a strong emphasis on fresh fruit, ahead of oak-derived spices. The palate has superb tannins, super fine but dense and ripe as well, carrying long on the finish. Drink or hold."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Colombia Valley is a beautiful wine and has a more classic profile than the more sexy, massive 2015. Beautiful notes of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, dried herbs, and loamy earth all flow to a full-bodied, incredibly pure and perfectly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon that has no hard edges, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, good acidity, and a great, great finish. It reminds me of the 2002 with its uber classic, balanced yet broad and powerful style."

THE WINEADVOCATE: "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is precise and generous with a robust, boisterous and fruity nose. Juicy plum, black raspberry, cocoa nibs and cinnamon cherries sway on the nose with elegant baking spice tones and enticing floral essence. Full-bodied, the wine remains juicy with lively tannins and expressive flavors of dark cherries and blackberry extract before it begins to stretch its legs with the additional years in the bottle. The 2016 is starting to hit its stride and remains as stunning and impressive as ever."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Quilceda Creek has been a benchmark in Washington since its first vintage in 1979. Aromas of pitch-black cherry, graphite and spice lead to ripe, intense, layered dark-fruit flavors supported by velvety but firm tannins that lead to a warm finish. As always, time in the cellar will serve this wine well. Best after 2026, with a long life beyond that."

WINESPECTATOR: "Combines polish with a firm, complex structure, offering blackberry, black olive and smoky accents that build richness toward fine-grained tannins. Best from 2021 through 2027."