Our 11th Year !

$150

WA 100 (6/2013): A monumental wine in the making, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of those wines that presents such an over the top array of aromas and flavors that it’s hard to figure out what you think about it with just a quick glance. It’s only with the second or third sip that you really start to see how special this effort truly is. Offering up perfumed, intense aromas of plum, violets, ink, licorice and black currants, it flows onto the palate with a massive, incredibly full-bodied texture that builds through the mid-palate and carries layers of polished tannins, awesome purity of fruit and blockbuster length. Most likely not for everyone given the sheer size, it is an incredible wine in my opinion. Still tasting like a barrel sample, it will have 30+ total years of longevity. Drink 2017-2037.

VM 95+ (11/2010): (includes 3% merlot; 15.2% alcohol) Dark medium ruby. Lovely vibrancy to the aromas of blackcurrant, plum, licorice and cocoa powder, with a strong impression of minerality. Like liquid silk on the palate and yet powerful at the same time, with strong minerality contributing to the impression of lift and inner-mouth perfume. The dark berry, violet and cocoa powder flavors offer compelling early sweetness, and this wine's wonderfully lush tannins will not get in the way of early enjoyment. A great example of the new generation of Quilceda Creek cabernet. Based on its superb length and balance, I'd cellar this for even more fireworks ahead.

2008

$155

WA 97+ (6/2013): More pure and focused than the 2009, with a slightly closer to the vest feel, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon shows the cooler nature of the vintage and has incredible detail, purity and freshness to its aromas and flavors. A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 100% new French oak, it offers classic black currant, spice box, coffee bean, violets and exotic spices to go with an ethereal, layered and seamless palate that delivers massive amounts of fruit and texture without any apparent weight. I thoroughly enjoyed it now, yet it will age for decades. Drink now-2033.

VM 96 (11/2011): (cabernet sauvignon blended with 2% merlot): Good full red-ruby. Complex, slightly high-toned aromas of plum and brown sugar. Wonderfully sweet but firmly built; dense, smooth and complex, with the terrific definition of the 2008 vintage at its best. A hint of nutty ripeness is countered by a lively suggestion of eucalyptus. This is harmonious from day one. Comes across as less sweet than the Palengat, finishing with great length and breadth but no undue weight, and spreading out to coat the mouth with flavor.

2009

Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L)

$135

WA 99 (6/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot) is a ripe, flamboyant and brilliantly proportioned effort that oozes kirsch, licorice, lead pencil shavings and dried spice on the nose. Showing the perfume and headiness of the vintage, it nevertheless stays vibrant and lively on the palate while delivering layers of fruit and texture. While formidably structured and tannic, it can be enjoyed now due to the overall tannin quality and purity of fruit. It will evolve and drink well for over two decades. Drink now-2029.

VM 95 (12/2012): (includes 2% merlot; 90% estate grown fruit from Champoux, the rest from Klipsun and Tapteil): Deep ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and sandalwood on the nose. Offers uncanny sweetness and depth, not to mention great breadth of texture to the plush flavors of dark berries, chocolate and expensive oak. At once chewy and seamless cabernet, finishing extremely long and smooth, with big but thoroughly suave tannins.

2010

$275

WA 98+ (6/2013): Rich, backwards, structured and massively concentrated, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon comes mostly from the Champoux Vineyard (also from Galitzine, Klipsun, Palengat and Tapteil) and is comprised of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot that spent 22 months in all new French oak. Offering up plenty of creme de cassis, coffee bean, toasted spice, pencil shavings and violet-like qualities on the nose, it has palate staining levels of extract and tannin that come through on the mid-palate and finish. Gorgeously full-bodied, layered and textured, with perfect balance, this awesome Cabernet needs to be forgotten for 5-6 years and will have two to three decades of longevity. Drink 2018-2030.

2011

$109

WA 96 (6/2014): More serious, and one of the wines of the vintage, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) has uncommon concentration and depth in the vintage, as well as a broad, structured profile that will allow it to age gracefully. Loaded with sweet creme de cassis, exotic spice, licorice and graphite, it’s a full-bodied, elegant and classically styled effort that has nothing out of place, fine, building tannin and a rock star finish. It will be approachable at an earlier stage than most vintages, yet still have two decades of longevity.

2013

$159

WA 99 (6/2016): I think the wine of the vintage, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley is flat out sensational, and flirts with perfection. Its inky ruby/purple color is followed by incredible notes of cassis, black currants, smoked herbs, licorice and graphite. These give way to a full-bodied, utterly seamless Cabernet that has full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin and a killer finish. While it possesses the elegance and purity of the vintage, it has a stacked mid-palate, and deserves 4-5 years of cellaring. It will have two decades or more of overall longevity.

2013

$175

2020

$179

WA 98 (5/2023): The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a lush, silky, rich, round nose with fresh and ripe notes that seduce and delight. Full-bodied, fresh and yet still tight, the wine offers a balanced structure and lifting tannins that elevate the mid-palate followed by juicy, fruit-forward layers and delightful oak spices. The Cabernet continues to show its depth and breadth, compounding its natural beauty. The Cabernet lingers on the ever-evolving, food-friendly finish and will benefit from another two years of bottle aging. The wine rested for 22 months in 100% new French oak.

JD 96 (6/2023): The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is all Cabernet Sauvignon that's mostly from the Champoux Vineyard, with 10% from the Mach One Vineyard, which was planted in 2012. A big, ripe, opulent red, it has terrific aromatics of black currants, smoked tobacco, graphite, and loamy earth, medium to full-bodied richness, a round, opulent mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a heady finish. It doesn't match the all-time greats from this team, but it’s deep, rich, and clearly up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.

VM 96 (3/2023): The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley opens slowly. At first dark and understated, it gains lovely floral perfumes with each passing swirl of the glass, as rose-tinged black raspberries evolve, laced with nuances of sandalwood, lavender and dark, dark chocolate. This floods the palate with an elegant wave of ripe red and black fruits complemented by sweet exotic spice, all expertly lifted by a core of zesty acidity. The 2020 leaves balsamic nuances, with clove and cherry liquor, while tapering off lightly structured with fine yet silky tannins. The balance and energy here is remarkable for such a powerful young wine. The 2020 hails from 90% Champoux to 10% Mach One Vineyard’s. (Drink between 2026-2040). Eric Guido.

2012

$59

WA 92-94 (6/2014): The 2012 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine is a declassified blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with splashes of Merlot and Malbec. It offers up plenty of classic Quilceda character with notions of blackberry liqueur, toasted spice, graphite and licorice as well as full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Already supple and approachable, yet with notable tannin structure, it will deliver the goods on release, and over the following decade or more.

VM 91 (11/2015): (15.2% alcohol): Deep ruby-red. Sexy aromas of black raspberry, licorice pastille and bitter chocolate oak. Concentrated and savory, with the dark fruit and chocolate flavors complemented by graphite minerality. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and lovely persistence. A very strong vintage for this bottling, which consists of declassified lots that did not make it into Quilceda Creek's flagship Cabernet. Stephen Tanzer.

2013

$59

WA 92 (6/2016): Always a terrific value, the 2013 Cvr Columbia Valley Red Wine is a medium to full-bodied, ripe, sexy 2013 that has tons of plums, licorice, lead pencil shavings and spice to go with a rounded texture, ripe tannin and a great finish. Drink it over the coming decade.

2014

$69

WA 94 (6/2017): One of the finest examples of this cuvee to date, the opulent, sumptuous and downright sexy 2014 Cvr Columbia Valley Red Wine gives up loads of black currants, kirsch, licorice, toasted spice and dried herb aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, gorgeously textured, round, and just about as hedonistic as it gets, yet without being over the top or heavy in the least, drink it anytime over the coming decade.

2015

$65

WA 92 (6/2018): A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and the balance equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2015 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine offers up a generous bouquet of ripe red cherries, licorice and creamy new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety, with an open-knit core and a generous personality, concluding with a chewy, richly fruity finish.

2021

$69

JD 96 (7/2024): Possibly the finest rendition of this cuvée to date, the 2021 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine is exceptional, and while a second wine, it's up with the top-tier wines in the vintage. Ripe cassis, spicy oak, dried tobacco, and flowery incense notes all define the aromatics, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a plush, layered, elegant mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. It's one of those do-not-miss wines. Drink bottles over the coming 15 years.

VM 94 (1/2024): The 2021 Red Wine CVR Columbia Valley is wonderfully spicy and bright, lighting up the senses with a burst of sweet spice and cherries, complemented by violet pastille and hints of lavender. This is seamlessly silky with a measured inner sweetness. It casts crisp wild berry fruit across the palate as a coating of dusty tannins forms, adding a more tactile feel. It finishes long, with a staining of cocoa and blueberry preserves, leaving the palate nicely refreshed. This seductive and sun-kissed rendition of CVR aims to please. (Drink between 2025-2031). Eric Guido.

WA 94 (3/2024): A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine showcases a bright profile of just-ripe, juicy red fruit that bursts with freshness, revealing layers of complexity. Flavors of dark cherry, plum reduction and a dusty blackberry essence rush over the palate of this medium to full-bodied wine with a ripe attack, succulent, melting tannins and a well-balanced structure. Concluding with a long, lingering and food-friendly finish, this impressive blend is perhaps the best CVR to date. The wine aged 20 months in 100% French oak.

2005

$55

WA 93 (6/2008): The 2005 Red Wine is the winery’s second label for declassified lots. It consists of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Merlot. Purple-colored, it reveals an expressive bouquet of cedar, pencil lead, spice box, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, plush wine with ample ripe tannins and layers of sweet fruit. The wine has serious weight, excellent length, and will profit from several years of additional cellaring. It should be at its best from 2011 through 2020. The wine is true to the house style and is a superb value.

VM 90 (12/2008): Bright ruby-red. Very ripe, rich aromas of currant, plum, smoke and mocha, lifted by spice and floral nuances. Plush and slightly candied in the mouth, with dried fruit and roasted, smoky oak notes perked up by the spice component. The sweet finish features substantial dusty tannins.

2007

$75

WA 93 (8/2010): The 2007 Red Wine is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. As always, it is a great value offering a fragrant, already complex nose of confiture of black fruits, incense, and Asian spices. On the palate it is savory and elegant with a plush texture. It is likely to evolve for several years but there is no compelling reason to defer gratification.

2008

$64

WA 92 (8/2011): The Quilceda Creek lineup begins with the 2008 Red Wine made up of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aromas of cedar, spice box, mineral, incense, black currant, and blackberry inform the nose of a ripe, savory, smooth-textured wine. In the glass it displays more minerality, excellent volume, and enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years. Enjoy this first-class effort now through 2020.

2010

$79

WA 92 (6/2013): A superb entry level effort that has not only layers of fruit and texture, but solid back-end structure, the 2010 Red Wine is a declassified blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, yet has 15% Merlot and a splash of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc in there as well. Up-front, perfumed and intense, it offers up spice-laced red and black fruits, toast, cedar, vanilla and hints of chocolate to go with a full-bodied, mouth-filling and voluptuously textured palate. Lacking the polish and elegance that can be found in this estate’s upper tier efforts, it nevertheless has superb fruit, ripe tannin and serious length. Enjoy it while you wait for this estate’s other wines to mature. Drink now-2020.

2011

$55

WA 91 (6/2014): The 2011 Columbia Valley Red Wine offers the classic creme de cassis, graphite, toasted spice and hints of licorice that seems to be present in all of the estate’s Cabernets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and already approachable, it nevertheless has the back-end stuffing to evolve gracefully for upwards of a decade.

2008

$129

WA 98 (8/2011): The 2008 Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon contains 1% Merlot. It proffers a brooding aromatic array of toasty oak, Asian spices, incense, a hint of sage, violets, and assorted black fruits. More structured than the preceding wines, “No doubting it’s Red Mountain" say the Golitzins, it has plenty of ripe tannin more than balanced by loads of succulent fruit, exceptional density, richness and power. Give it 5-6 years and drink it from 2016 to 2033.

2009

$109

WA 96 (6/2013): Also incredibly concentrated, with burly structure and a mountain of tannin, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard (99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot) delivers a seriously intense array of blackberry and kirsch-styled fruit, licorice, charcoal and spice box on both the nose and palate. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak and a big, broad shouldered, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses a rocking mid-palate and fabulous length on the finish. Really showing the power of its Red Mountain terroir, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age to become civilized and will have decades of evolution. Drink 2017-2034.

VM 94+ (11/2012): (includes 1% merlot): Bright medium ruby. Cassis aroma lifted by sandalwood. Densely packed and intense, with terrific energy to its chewy flavors of dark berries, licorice pastille and minerals. Less plush and harmonious today than the estate's flagship cabernet but this superconcentrated wine (made from a yield of just 1.5 tons per acre, according to Paul Golitzin) boasts a serious tannic spine and great energy and length. Should be the best release for this bottling. It's blacker than the cabernet and less seamless today but I would not bet against this chewy bottling in the long run.

2010

$129

WA 97 (6/2013): Even more concentrated, structured and dense than the Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard (99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot all from the Red Mountain AVA) delivers an incredible array of black currant, dark chocolate, cedar, tobacco and assorted spring flower-like nuances that give way to a massively concentrated, tannic and structured 2010 that has brilliant mid-palate depth, integrated acidity and a pure, detailed and energetic texture that carries through the finish. As with the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, this is more fun to taste than to drink presently and needs 5-6 years or more of bottle age to round into form. It too will have two to three decades or more of ultimate longevity. Drink 2018-2035.

2011

$99

WA 95 (6/2014): The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard comes all from the Golitzin’s Red Mountain vineyard and is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the richest and most concentrated wines in the vintage, it offer fabulous creme de cassis, black raspberry, graphite, toast and licorice aromas and flavors to go with a full-bodied, seamless and beautifully balanced profile on the palate. As expected, it doesn’t have the sheer wealth of material that’s present in the prior vintages, yet everything is perfectly proportioned, it has excellent mid-palate depth and notable, sweet tannin. It benefits from a decant and will have upwards of two decades of longevity.

2012

$129

VM 94+ (11/2015): (15.2% alcohol; 3% of this Cabernet comes from Wallula): Bright, dark ruby. Very refined, high-pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis, boysenberry and violet; smells lighter than the flagship Cabernet and more peppery. Dense, silky and weightless in the mouth, conveying a refined texture to its very intense flavors of cassis, licorice pastille and dark chocolate. Less fleshy and sweet today than the Cabernet but this wine is still youthfully imploded. Big, building tannins are less suave than those of the Cabernet, despite the fact that both wines are made with the same Cabernet Sauvignon clone. Finishes with a sexy cocoa powder quality that must be from the Taransaud barrels.

2013

$125

WA 98 (6/2016): An utterly prodigious effort that would most likely be the wine of the vintage if not for its big brother, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard comes all from Red Mountain and was raised in 100% new French oak. Revealing a healthy ruby/purple color and classic notes of sage brush, graphite, black cherries, currants and chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness; building, present, yet ripe and polished tannin; perfect integration of its fruit, alcohol and oak; and awesome length. This is a powerhouse Cabernet Sauvignon that still holds onto a sense of elegance and finesse. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink bottles over the following two decades.

VM 94+ (11/2016): Deep ruby-red color. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis and violet lifted by a pungent licorice note that may come from the very expensive, long-seasoned, tight-grained Taransaud T5 barrels. Tighter and less pliant in the early going than the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon but with a remarkably juicy intensity and superb inner-mouth perfume to the flavors of dark berries, wild rose and Belgian dark chocolate. Still youthfully imploded but boasts uncanny energy for this warm year. The tannins saturate the front teeth. This wonderfully cerebral wine is Lafite to the more powerful, densely packed flagship wine's Latour. Stephen Tanzer.

2015

$99

JD 98+ (4/2018): Coming all from Red Mountain and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard spent 21 months in all new French oak. Deep inky plum/purple-colored with a huge nose of blackcurrants, singed herbs, black licorice, and scorched earth, this beast of a Washington State Cabernet has building tannin, a huge mid-palate, and a great, great finish. It needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years but will keep for 2-3 decades. I wasn’t able to taste the 2016s from Snohomish, Washington based Quilceda Creek, but their 2015s are serious, sexy, opulent wines that check-in near the top of the vintage.

VM 95+ (11/2018): Bright, dark medium ruby. Briary blackberry and blueberry aromas are joined by a note of licorice. Sweeter, plusher and creamier than the flagship Cabernet, conveying an impression of density and thickness without weight. But a bit less expressive today than the Cabernet Sauvignon, with its huge plush, broad tannins spreading out to saturate the palate on the back end. If these chewy tannins are a bit less refined than those of the flagship Cabernet, they still compare favorably to most Napa Valley examples. This vineyard is typically four degrees hotter than Champoux in both summer and winter, says Paul Golitzin, but both are planted on sandy loams and require "dessert farming," as they receive just seven inches of water per year on average. Stephen Tanzer.

2016

$115

JD 98+ (4/2019): From a site on Red Mountain, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine is a deeper, richer, more mineral-laced red and has a huge nose of dark chocolate, smoked earth, graphite, black licorice, and black fruits. It’s full-bodied, has tons of concentration and depth, as well as building tannins, yet it still stays seamless and elegant on the palate, with an incredible texture. It’s another full-bore, powerful, brilliant wine from this team that’s going to benefit from short term cellaring and cruise for two decades.

WA 96 (12/2019): Red fruited and expressive, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard opens with the classic Red Mountain rusticity on the nose along with rich and elegant dark red fruits. Full-bodied, the palate has a crunchy minerality and firm tannins that will mellow in time. The focus here is clearly on the fruit, with the impressively well-integrated 100% new French oak lending seductive baking spices accents to the dark cherry and black raspberry expressions, followed by a slight tartness on the finish. This will do best after a few years in the cellar and will go for a decade or two. I look forward to revisiting this bottling over the next decade. Absolutely stunning! Only 1,050 cases made.

2003

Merlot

$89

WA 94 (4/2006): Though this is first and foremost a Cabernet producer, this fall Quilceda Creek will release an exceptional 2003 Merlot (400 cases). Produced with 12.5% Cabernet Franc, it brings to mind some of the finest St.-Emilions. Sweet black fruits and notes of roasted asphalt can be detected in its aromatics. Highly concentrated and dense, it is medium to full-bodied, suave, and silky-textured. Dark chocolate, blackberries, dark cherries, and hints of raspberries make up its boisterous flavor profile. Projected maturity: 2008-2020. Congratulations Alex and Paul, welcome to the big leagues.

VM 91 (11/2006): (includes 12.5% cabernet franc) Good ruby-red color. Lively aromas of redcurrant, tobacco, mocha and maple syrup. Then high-pitched and fresh in the mouth, with a slightly carnal tone to the flavors of dark cherry, redcurrant, tobacco, roasted marshmallow and herbs. Finishes with firm tannins and a hint of boysenberry. This has a pH of 3.8 but comes across as brighter than the Red Wine bottlings. Quilceda's merlot bottling has become consistently Outstanding.

2008

$119

WA 97 (8/2011): The 2008 Palengat Proprietary Red Wine is made up of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, with the balance Merlot and Petit Verdot. The fruit was sourced entirely from the Palengat Vineyard. Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, dried herbs, black currant, and blackberry aromas compose the bouquet of this impeccably balanced offering. It opens in the glass to reveal plush, succulent flavors, superb concentration, plenty of ripe tannin, and at least 4-5 years of aging potential. It will deliver optimum drinking from 2015 to 2028.

VM 94 (10/2011): (76% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc, 7% merlot and 3% petit verdot; this used to be a single-vineyard wine but Palengat is now used as the name for a proprietary Bordeaux blend): Expressive aromas of cassis, cocoa powder and brown spices. Sweet and smooth on entry, then intensely flavored and tactile in the middle, with a plush creme de cassis flavor framed and intensified by mounting graphite minerality. Wonderfully suave wine with terrific back-end volume, very smooth tannins and lingering spiciness. Paul Golitzin describes 2008 as "focused and complex," while the 2009s, he says, are "ripe and fruity, like the 2005s." He says that he may prefer 2009 at this stage.

2009

$95

WA 97 (6/2013): Much more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, the 2009 Palengat (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot) shows the warmer vintage with ripe red and black fruit, licorice, roasted meat and hints of singed herbs on the nose. Fantastically polished on the palate, with silky tannin, full-bodied richness and a layered mouthfeel, it is a knockout effort that will have 15-20 years of prime drinking. Drink now-2029.

VM 93 (12/2012): Good full ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant and licorice. Rich, deep and concentrated, with an almost Kahlua-like liqueur quality to its dense, exotic flavors of cassis, dark chocolate, mocha and orange peel. Very rich blend with an impressively long finish featuring fine tannins and hints of licorice pastille, dark berries, sexy Taransaud spices and black walnut. From vines planted at 3 x 6 feet, according to Paul Golitzin, "about as dense as it gets in this state."

2010

$149

WA 97 (6/2013): Refined, elegant and supple, yet also rich and concentrated, the Merlot-dominated 2010 Palengat has 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot in the blend and spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. Gorgeous on the nose, with notions of creme de cassis, violets, graphite and mint, it flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness and depth that’s paired with a seamless, incredibly elegant and polished texture. Firming up on the finish with masses of tannin, mineral and juicy acidity, this incredible 2010 needs 3-5 years of bottle age and will have upwards of 15-20 years of ultimate longevity. Drink now-2030.

VM 91+ (11/2013): (15.2% alcohol; 64% merlot, 22% cabernet sauvignon and 7% each cabernet franc and petit verdot): Good dark ruby-red. Superripe aromas of blackberry, licorice and espresso. High-toned and a bit liqueur-like in the mouth, with round, primary dark fruit flavors joined by licorice, milk chocolate and graphite. A somewhat unrefined if serious blend that finishes with chewy, chocolatey tannins that coat the front teeth and a slight impression of warmth. This was previously a cabernet-driven wine.

2013

$69

WA 94 (6/2016): More Merlot dominated in 2013 (they plan to move this back to a more Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend in the future), the 2013 Palengat Vineyard is another terrific 2013 that makes the most of vintage. Sexy, voluptuous and rounded, with no hard edges, it gives up classic notes of plums, graphite and licorice in its full-bodied, mouth-filling and impossible to resist style. While I’d happily drink a glass (or three) today, it will drink well for another 10-15 years.

2014

$99

WA 96 (6/2017): A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, the sensational 2014 Palengat Vineyard is loaded with notions of chocolate covered plums, licorice, roasted herbs, and graphite/lead pencil shavings. Up there with the of the top vintages of the cuvee, this full-bodied, rounded and hedonistic 2014 shines in the vintage, has no hard edges, gorgeous purity, and plenty of ripe, sweet tannin. It’s a serious mouthful of a Cabernet and will drink nicely for 10-15 years.

2015

$95

2016