Ratings & Tasting Notes:
98 points Wine Advocate
Review Date: 04/2021
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. (AM)
98 points Jeb Dunnuck
Review Date: 04/2019
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. (JD) 98+
Cult Wines International Notes:
The 2016 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a landmark achievement for the Golitzin family, representing the 38th vintage of one of Washington State’s most iconic labels. This release is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon powerhouse, primarily sourced from the high-pedigree Champoux, Wallula, and Lake Wallula vineyards within the Horse Heaven Hills. The 2016 growing season was defined by a warm summer that gave way to a perfectly timed cool autumn, allowing for extended hang-time. This climatic shift resulted in a wine that possesses the trademark Quilceda intensity but with a more refined, “classic” structure compared to the more massive 2015 vintage.
On the nose, the wine is incredibly expressive, offering a complex bouquet of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, and graphite, underscored by delicate floral notes of violets and savory hints of sagebrush and anise. The palate is a masterclass in texture—full-bodied and seamless, it coats the mouth with layers of blackberry compote, Turkish coffee, and dark chocolate. Despite its power and 15.2% alcohol, the wine maintains a striking sense of balance, supported by a core of vibrant acidity and ultra-fine, velvety tannins that lead into an exceptionally long, mineral-inflected finish.
Widely celebrated by critics, the 2016 vintage received near-perfect scores, including 99 points from Owen Bargreen and 98 points from both Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck. It was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak, which has been expertly integrated to provide structure without overshadowing the purity of the fruit. While it is approachable now with decanting, this Cabernet is built for the long haul; it is currently hitting its stride and is expected to evolve beautifully in the cellar 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.
