The 2007 Red Wine is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. As always, it is a great value offering a fragrant, already complex nose of confiture of black fruits, incense, and Asian spices. On the palate it is savory and elegant with a plush texture. It is likely to evolve for several years but there is no compelling reason to defer gratification. Quilceda Creek remains Washington’s benchmark for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. The Golitzins were ecstatic about the fruit quality in 2007, a near-perfect vintage from their perspective. The only change is that a varietal Merlot is no longer being bottled.Tel. (360) 568-2389; www.quilcedacreek.com

You have to love the ’07 vintage. This is drinking beautifully right now, though official release (September) is still a ways off. Rich and delicious, full-bodied and aromatic, with exotic barrel scents and a lovely melange of chocolate, mocha, caramel and spice. But the fruit is the main story, and it’s full, ripe and substantial—cherry and cassis, licorice and just a hint of leaf.——P.G.(9/1/2010)—— 93