2020
Quilceda Creek
“Palengat” Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2020 “Palengat” Cabernet Sauvignon is a timeless expression of 100% Clone 685 Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from our densely planted Mach One Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Single clone and single vineyard, this wine is the epitome of one-of-a-kind. The soils at Mach One are windblown particles of sandy silt atop river rock which force the vines’ roots to dig deep to reach the layers of rock accounting for the hint of minerality in this wine.
We selected Clone 685 for a single-clone bottling because of its high-tone aromatics, almost reminiscent of a great Cabernet Franc. Decadent and multi-layered, the 2020 Palengat shows brilliant notes of dark fruit, lavender and sandalwood. The palate is delightfully opaque as a result of the small berry size produced by the Mach One vineyard’s intense conditions. Often described as succulent and smooth, the 2020 “Palengat” is irresistible now, but will continue to evolve over several decades in the cellar, when the balance and complexity will be well worth the wait. The 2020 Palengat earned a 100-point score from Wine Advocate’s Anthony Mueller.
100 points
"My top pick from the estate this year is the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Palengat Clone 685 coming from their Mach One vineyard. Big, juicy and generous with fresh florals that entice and seduce the nose, the Palengat bottling is pure with picturesque juicy dark red, black and blue fruit tones that sing in immaculate harmony along with aromas of potpourri, sweet cherry blossom, plum compote and elegant brown baking spices. Full-bodied, finessed and incredibly floral, the palate provides impeccable balance with succulent acidity and fine-grained tannins that melt away, revealing an elegant and gorgeous mouthfeel that provides profound pleasure. For those who think that all 2020 wines from the American West Coast were ruined by fire, think again. This mind-blowing and absolutely stunning Cabernet will prove you wrong."
99 points
"This is single vineyard, single clone and single cooper wine (Darnajou selection 1976). The nose is beautifully floral with potpourri and black currant cordial alongside black walnut and exotic spices. The palate is very seamless and soft with refined tannins. Chocolate covered Arabica bean, blueberry compote, and espresso grounds, with creme de violette all brilliantly combine on the palate. This is powerful with incredible underlying finesse. Drink this beauty over the next twenty years. Drink 2022-2042."
98 points
"The 2020 ‘Palengat’ Cabernet is another magnificent wine from Quilceda Creek in this vintage. This is a refined expression, made from clone 685, which opens to seductive characteristics of blackberries and blueberries which are woven together with tobacco, violets, graphite, exotic spices and fresh savory herbs all coming together throughout the wine. On the palate this is medium/full bodied and impeccably structured with gorgeous polished tannins that result in a beautiful finessed mouthfeel. This is remarkably pure, as it continues to display striking complexity and wonderful freshness as it glides effortlessly through the long seamless finish. This is nothing short of a simply stunning wine that already impresses in its youth and shows incredible promise for a bright future ahead."