Ratings & Tasting Notes:
98 points Jeb Dunnuck
Review Date: 01/2018
A classic wine from this estate, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon gives up tons of lead pencil shavings, toasted bread, sweet black currants, and graphite in a pedal-to-the-metal, rich, locked and loaded style. Possessing no hard edges, full-bodied, richness, no weight and a killer finish, this tour de force in Washington State Cabernet will drink brilliantly for another two decades or more.
98 points Wine Advocate
Review Date: 04/2021
Dark, robust and juicy in the glass, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is still firm with generous oak essence on the nose with elements of Chambord, plum reduction and blackberry jus. Full-bodied, the palate offers a juicy, fruit-forward expression with an intense weight and volume for Cabernet, which evolves to show elevated alcohol across the mid-palate. The wine continues to offer a hedonistic and pleasurable expression and shows the first signs of the wine going from young, vibrant and juicy to matured, tertiary and elegant. (AM)
98 points The Wine Independent
Review Date: 03/2025
“A hard freeze had taken out a lot of vines in our Champoux Vineyard in 2012,” said winemaker Mark Kaigas. “So, this vintage has more fruit from Red Mountain.” Deep garnet in color, after a little swirling, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley reveals the most beautiful perfume of iris bulb, rose bud tea, Morello cherries, and anise, giving way to a blackcurrant jelly and plum preserves core. The palate is full-bodied and powerful with a refreshing backbone to balance and firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and fragrant. (LPB)
Cult Wines International Notes:
The 2012 Quilceda Creek “Columbia Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon is widely regarded as a modern masterpiece, emerging from a “textbook” growing season that provided ideal conditions for intensity and balance. This vintage marks a significant milestone for the estate, as it was the first Columbia Valley bottling to be comprised of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the finest blocks of the Champoux, Palengat, and Wallula vineyards. The 2012 season’s consistent warmth allowed for full phenolic ripeness and the development of the “hedonistic” fruit profile that has become the hallmark of Paul Golitzin’s winemaking style, while maintaining a sophisticated structural core.
Aromatically, the 2012 is a “force of nature,” offering an explosive bouquet of crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, and roasted plum, intricately layered with notes of anise, dark chocolate, and scorched earth. The palate is massive and “voluptuous,” displaying a density and “viscosity” that coats the mouth without feeling heavy. Flavors of blueberry compote, espresso, and graphite are framed by incredibly fine-grained, “silky” tannins and a seamless acidity that provides a sense of weightless elegance. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, the wine exhibits perfect integration and a finish that persists for over a minute. Awarded a perfect 100-point score by The Wine Advocate, it is considered one of the greatest wines ever produced in Washington State, possessing the stuffing and balance to cellar beautifully through 2040.
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.
