WTN: Without a paddle ('90 Quilceda Creek Reserve)

[David M. Bueker]

Thanks to Spencer for this absolute gem of a wine that had beautifully integrated fruit, earth & just a little bit of wood on a voluptuous but never over the top aroma, as well as depth, richness and power with zero heaviness on the palate. Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon has gotten a lot bigger of the last several years, but bottles like this one remind me of why I loved the wine so much when I first tried it. Outstanding Cabernet that easily outdistanced an '89 Leoville Las Cases (that was probably not all it should have been, but still).

[Jenise]

Notes like this fill me with such regret. They also make me wonder specifically what magic it is that makes, or made, Quilceda Creek the unique wine it was? That is, why has no one else figured out how to put that kind of magic into Washington cabernet?

[David M. Bueker]

why has no one else figured out how to put that kind of magic into Washington cabernet?

I like Betz very much, but have not had an older one yet.

[Jenise]

why has no one else figured out how to put that kind of magic into Washington cabernet?

I like Betz very much, but have not had an older one yet.

Would you like a 99?

[David M. Bueker]

Umm...sure! I can't turn that down.

[Jenise]

I'm not sure it's a representative vintage, and I can't vouch for the bottles having been stored well before I got them, but I picked up a six pack a few years ago and I'd be happy to share one. Based on the two I've tried from that batch--there's no resemblance between Betz and QC.