1991 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Washington
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Tasting notes
Washington state's premier Cabernet Sauvignon producer has fashioned a full-bodied, highly extracted, ferociously tannic, backward Cabernet that requires 3-5 years of cellaring. This winery's hallmark is great purity allied with considerable body and structure, without sacrificing any of the superb cassis fruit, all of which is gently kissed by high quality oak. It is a shame Quilceda Creek's wines are rarely seen outside of Washington, but who can blame that state's chauvinistic wine enthusiasts for keeping these heroic wines to themselves? This is a 20-year Cabernet Sauvignon. Tel. (206) 568-2389.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright full ruby. Expressive aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, licorice, mocha, menthol and sexy, smoky oak. Big, chewy and still slightly tough, with flavors of menthol and shoe polish and a dusty impression of extract. Still, this initially ungiving bottle opened nicely to show sweet middle-palate fruit. A rather powerfully structured wine with substantial tannins.
About the producer
Founded in 1978, Quilceda Creek helped put Washington Cabernet on the world stage. Mentored by André Tchelistcheff, the family-owned winery became renowned for its powerful, age-worthy Cabernets and was the first U.S. winery outside California to earn 100 points from Wine Advocate.