2018 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

This is as good as it gets for Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. Right away the gorgeous crème de violette and crème de cassis tones join blackberry cordial, exotic spices and dark chocolate shavings. The combination of finesse and texture is downright scintillating. Sweet pipe tobacco is woven together with Black Forest cake, and fresh blueberries and graphite with shades of tar take shape on the palate. Truly sensational even at the three year mark, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next 20 plus years. (OB)

The 2018 vintage marks the 40th Anniversary for Quilceda Creek, and the Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is another absolutely thrilling release to add to the long list of sensational wines this iconic Washington Estate is known for. As this slowly begins to unwind in the glass it releases gorgeous aromas of blackberries, dark plums and Creme de cassis that are accented by graphite, violets, herbs, sweet spices and mocha which all take shape beautifully. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated and incredibly fresh, with a round polished texture and a dense layered core of ripe dark fruits that expands seamlessly into the lavish finish. While the 2018 is already stunning to drink in its youth, it should ultimately go on to have a brilliant future ahead and evolve gracefully for at least two decades.