Quilceda Creek 2017 CVR Red Wine | 95 Points

At around 1/3 the price of their Columbia Valley Cabernet, their CVR Red Wine offers many of the same qualities that Quilceda Creek is known for, including riveting aromatics, superior depth, and stunning complexity.

With lofty reviews and ratings in the high90s, Quilceda Creek’s tightly allocated Columbia Valley Cabernet retails for well over $200/btl.

At under $100/btl their “CVR” Cabernet Blend had our entire tasting panel in awe over its satiny, decadent texture that slowly gives way to a vivid display of crushed violets, black plum, dark spices and chocolate dipped raspberries.

Modeling elegance and brilliant complexity, the 2017 CVR checks in at 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and arose from iconic sites, including the Champoux vineyard. The balance of the blend includes a dash of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

CVR spends around 20 months in French oak and is made in a richly-layered style loaded with earthly hedonism.

The 2017 vintage has already received a monstrous 95 Point score from Jeb Dunnuck, who alerted his readers that it’s a “stunning value in world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.”

From Jeb Dunnuck: “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.“ 95 Points