The flagship 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon contains 3% Merlot. This multi-dimensional offering surrenders an inviting bouquet of sandalwood, Asian spices, violets, truffle, black currant, and blackberry. Seamless on the palate with no hard edges, it is mouth-coating, powerful, and exceptionally light on its feet all at the same time. Impeccably balanced and with plenty of fine-grained tannin in the background, it should effortlessly achieve its 30th birthday. The entire portfolio is a tour de force!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

This feels slightly softer in the mouth than the massive 2006, but carries the density and gravitas that one associates with Quilceda Creek. Wonderful balance, with a deeply detailed set of flavors that gather strength as they move through the palate. Mixed berries, threaded with chocolate, lingering with black cherry, cassis, smoke, cedar, lead pencil and more.——P.G.(9/1/2010)—— 96