1990 vintage. Last tasted 01.20.23 (9.6) and 05.16.21 (9.4). This slots in just between. Tastes as if from a colder cellar because this specimen was as fresh (too fresh) as a daisy. Decanted and tasted after 2 hours. Tannins for tannins sake. And I love big tannins. Less evolved than the January visit and drinking better than the 5.16.21 visit. Still bleeping massive as it ever was upon release back in the day. Very little has changed. This wine and the 1989 Gaja Sorí Tilden Barbaresco the two biggest, uncompliant wines with years to go before really revealing those hidden charms that I've tasted in recent memory. Getting closer but not quite ready to settle down any time soon. Out of a larger format bottle, must be positively overwhelming…like jumping to hyperspace accidentally…or on a boozy dare. 9.21.23. — 9 months ago
Double decanted several hours prior to service (recommended); no formal notes. While probably not my pick for best expression from Columbia Valley, the wines of Quilceda Creek certainly have a massive following for a reason. It has been at least seven years since I last had the 2005 vintage which was probably my favorite from the aughts. Well, I’m happy to report that it is very much alive and well. Big and would still be attractive stuff for many. Balanced. Perhaps a little hot on the finish but that’s pretty common with their wines; at least to my palate. Drink now and through 2030. — a month ago
2019 vintage. Soft nose currently but explosive front-end palate of bleached white paper, massive plum, balsamic and bacon fat. Hevvy bod. Some welcome acidity/tannins on the back end clean(s) things up nicely. Waay too young but not shy about trying out for the varsity squad. Makes you wonder where we would be if Napa/Sonoma had put as much time, effort and acreage into Syrah as they have Cabernet Sauvignon over the last six decades... — 3 years ago
2003 vintage. Also recently tasted 9.26.23 (9.5) and 10.14.23 (9.4). First bottle was sexy, voluptuous and the usual Cos with all the baby fat, even after two decades. 2nd bottle much leaner (9.4) and w/o the baby fat...more minerals afoot. Decanted and immediately tasted, also after 30 mins and after 2 hrs. Massive sed thrown. This bottle in between worlds. Some baby fat, some minerals-still damned delicious and doesn't suck. 10.22.23. — 8 months ago
Ludovic Anacleto
inky, saturated, dark. Magnificent.
The nose full of violets, crushed rocks, black olives, cedar, black cracked pepper. Alcohol is medium.
On the palate, a masterpiece of tannin management, full throttle yet perfectly integrated, melting in dark ripe berry giving a wholesome mouthfeel and a highly pitched acidity giving lightness and brightness to the overall massive texture.
The full stem gives a lightness to the whole ensamble that is stunning and a masterclass of equilibrium and definition alike.
Buy by the case.
— 16 days ago