2017 Quilceda Creek CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine Washington Red

2017 Quilceda Creek CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine

95 JD

Featured Review

The 2017 Columbia Valley CVR is smoking stuff. Based on 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc sourced from the Champoux, Galitzine, Palengat, and Wallula Vineyards, it has loads of cassis, toasted spice, graphite, and dried tobacco notes as well as full-bodied richness, a broad, expansive mouthfeel, and sweet tannins. It’s not far off the top releases here, and it remains a stunning value in world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it any time over the coming 15 years or more. Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck | 95 JD

This dynamic red is refined and expressive, with polished blackberry, black olive and toasty mocha flavors that take on structure on the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2029. 5,100 cases made.

Wine Spectator | 94 WS

A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine jumps out of the glass with aromas of dusty red cherry skin, luscious baking spice, dark plum and cassis. Full-bodied, the wine still has the same attention to detail as its bigger brothers in the range, just at a keener price. In the mouth, the CVR offers up structured tannins with energetic acidity, subtle spice with red and black berry tones. The wine concludes with a delightful and lingering finish. Just under 7,000 cases produced.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 93 RP

Bright red-ruby. Expressive aromas of blackcurrant, dark raspberry, blueberry, licorice, menthol, cedar and tobacco leaf. Juicy, fine-grained and quite firm on the palate, showing a bitter chocolate quality to its sweet, plush dark berry and fresh herb flavors. Wonderfully harmonious for a second wine, as there are no obvious signs of overripe fruit. Finishes dense, firm and suave, with a smooth dusting of building tannins and excellent chocolatey length. Drink now or hold.

Vinous Media | 91 VM

Type of Wine	Washington Red
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	US : As one of the most prolific and innovative wine regions in the world, America is a joy to explore. Most wine connoisseurs will agree that the nation's finest and most compelling wines are being produced today, which means that we have front-row seats to one of the most inspirational stories in wine history. While other regions tend to focus on specific wine styles and have somewhat strict rules as to which varietals you could grow, areas like California have few such restrictions in place. As a result, creative visionaries behind America's most reputable estates have been able to develop compelling, unique, and innovative styles, with a level of terroir expression that rivals even France's largest giants.
Region	Washington : While California definitely owns the spotlight when it comes to excellent American wines, Washington winemakers should certainly not be underestimated. While their traditional focus was set firmly on refreshing, illustrious white wines, they've adopted French red varietals like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, they've been achieving excellence in both categories and can compete with the world's most prestigious viticultural titans. Flavor-wise, you can expect a healthy amount of variety when it comes to Washington's finest wines. From acidic and fruity bottles that can shake you up from even the deepest slumber or sadness to rich and ripe powerhouses that command the respect of everyone in the room after as much as a single whiff. Juicy raspberries that gently tickle your tongue, deep and noble blackberries, intense cherries and earthen oak - these are the flavors that characterize this region, despite the presence of an entire orchestral symphony of other aromatic notes. A sampling of fine wine from Washington is a lot like being seduced, so why not uncork one of these bottles for a potential or existing partner? With a drink of this quality, those romantic sparks will turn into a fireworks display, as your emotions are laid bare and intensified, and you make a connection that can last a lifetime.