2020
Quilceda Creek
“CVR” Red Wine
The 2020 CVR represents the breadth of Quilceda Creek’s vineyards that span two of Columbia Valley’s most prized AVAs—Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain. The name CVR also represents a duality, standing for both ‘C’est Vin Rouge’ meaning ‘it’s red wine’ and ‘Columbia Valley Red.’ A blend of Bordeaux varietals, the 90% Cabernet Sauvignon is accentuated with 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.
2020 offered Quilceda Creek an opportunity to come together during a globally challenging time and focus on the bounties that Mother Nature provided Washington in this relatively warm year. A few heat spikes in late July and early August carried into a sunshine-filled September and October, resulting in extended hang time, allowing the fruit to come into its full potential. The CVR showcases the winemaking philosophy prevalent across the entire Quilceda Creek portfolio, that small, precise decisions in harvest, blending and barrel techniques make all the difference in creating excellent wines. The wine spent 22 months in 100% French oak and is concentrated and exuberant, centered on red and blue fruit. It is approachable in its youth with nuances of cocoa and vanilla bean and will continue to develop in complexity over the next fifteen years.
94 points
"Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine is big, juicy and precise with a bold nose of dark red and black fruit. It is full-bodied, succulent and richly layered on the palate, with seductive flavors of berry compote, a delicate mineral tension, fantastic focus and a long, lingering finish. The wine rested for 22 months in all French oak."
94 points
"The 2020 Quilceda Creek ‘CVR’ is a beautiful new wine that blends in 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that was stored in 22 months in French oak in roughly 65% new French oak. Violets, tar and espresso grounds hit the nose, with layers of dark currants. The palate is soft and refined with silky tannins that connect with a beautiful core of black and blue fruits, with dark chocolate shavings and pencil lead. Glorious to consume now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032."