Best ever for the Wine Spectator:
Precise and expressive, with handsome flavors of blackberry, bay leaf and espresso that build richness and structure toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031.
And for Vinous:
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is spicy, showing off a gentle peppery tinge and dusty rose tones that give way to dried black cherries. This is wonderfully crisp and refined, with silky textures and depths of dark red fruit propelled by juicy acidity. It tapers off long and structured, yet the tannins are quite sweet. The 2021 finishes with a pleasant crunch and a lingering licorice tinge.
94 for Decanter:
A wonderfully balanced Cabernet with tremendous purity of fruit and a brilliant freshness. A blend of sites across the Columbia Valley focused on the Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain and Royal Slope. Smoky violet notes and crushed stone follow graphite minerality and dusty berries. The palate is delightfully distinguished. Cabernet and savoury herbs mingle with red berries, black brambles, and a brilliant mineral tone.
Finally, 95 and best ever for Bargreen:
It shows off its very deep hue in the glass, slowly unveiling creosote and garrigue aromatics that parade with concentrated black fruits. The palate is plush and soft with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of espresso grounds and tar mingle well with blueberry pie, sagebrush and dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Really good now, this will live on for another fifteen years.
The top vintage yet for these ex-Quilceda Creek winemakers, and truly elite stuff. It just isn’t priced that way.
