2002 Quilceda Creek Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon Washington

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 100 points

Unlike some minuscule production cult wines or luxury cuvees culled from a winerys primary product that have earned perfect scores over the years, Quilceda Creeks Cabernet Sauvignon is the winerys raison detre and is produced in significant quantities (3,400 cases in 2002, 3,425 in 2003). For accomplishing this feat the Golitzens should be doubly proud. Dark ruby-colored and sporting a nose of violets, sweet blueberries, dark cherries, and slight undertones of asphalt, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon blossoms on the palate to expose a wine of ethereal delicacy yet immense power. Medium to full-bodied, it expands to reveal concentrated layers of cassis, blackberries, red cherries, raspberries, violets, spices, and touches of candied plums. This rich, exquisitely balanced, sweet, and broad wine is harmonious, graceful, and awesomely long. Projected maturity: now-2022. Congratulations Alex and Paul, welcome to the big leagues.Tel. (360) 568-2389; www.quilcedacreek.com

Review Date: April 2006