Ratings & Tasting Notes:
97 points James Suckling
Review Date: 04/2022
Lovely aromas of black and purple fruit, tobacco leaf and sage. Full-bodied with fine, smooth tannins that are soaked in ripe, dark fruit. So much complexity and intensity here. Focused and structured, with a guiding note of black and red currant. Suede and coffee. Very long finish.
95 points Wine Advocate
Review Date: 04/2021
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is the first of the 20-year vertical to show soft herbal notes with sage and bay leaf elements, as the fruit condition begins to shift from lively and youthful fruit tones to more mature tones of dried black and dark red fruit in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is beginning to go through the change with still-firm tannins and a juicy, ripe essence of fruit.
Cult Wines International Notes:
The 2011 Quilceda Creek “Columbia Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the estate’s mastery over one of the most difficult and coolest growing seasons in Washington State history. In a year where many producers struggled with ripeness, Quilceda Creek leveraged its premier vineyard sites—primarily the Champoux Vineyard (which provided 85% of the fruit) along with Wallula and Palengat—to produce a wine of unexpected concentration and structural “finesse.” Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage represents a departure from the massive, high-alcohol profiles of warmer years, instead offering a more elegant, “Old World” leaning style that emphasizes purity of fruit and vibrant acidity.
The aromatic profile of the 2011 is strikingly focused and “ethereal,” characterized by intense notes of cassis, black raspberry, and sandalwood, layered with sophisticated nuances of dried herbs, lavender, and graphite. On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full-bodied and remarkably “seamless,” displaying a silky texture that belies its significant power. Flavors of dark chocolate-covered cherries and plum are supported by fine-grained, polished tannins and a distinct mineral backbone that provides great length. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, the wood is beautifully integrated, adding a hint of spice without overshadowing the fruit. Critics have praised the 2011 for its “unforced” balance and longevity, noting that while it lacks the sheer weight of the 2010 or 2012, it possesses a precision and grace that makes it a favorite among collectors.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.
Condition:
Outstanding condition.
Please note: The condition of the bottle you will receive is accurately reflected by the one shown in the images.
