2021
Quilceda Creek
“Palengat” Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 was one of the warmest growing seasons on record. Bud break occurred in early April, ahead of historical averages. In late June, a “heat dome” descended upon the west coast, shattering previous temperature records. Our detailed focus on vine nutrition allowed us to cultivate incredibly healthy vines that could withstand these high temperature swings. The heat proved to be beneficial, as it enabled ideal cluster and berry size, with the ability to stress the vines and control all aspects of growth. Veraison began in mid-July, in-line with recent years but early by historical standards. Temperatures cooled back down in September and October, allowing for extended hang time and optimal ripeness. Historically low yields, high Brix and good acidity, especially given the warmth of the year, were hallmarks of this vintage.
100 points
"The 2021 ‘Palengat’ comes from the Mach One Vineyard which utilizes Clone 685 Cabernet Sauvignon. Stored in all new French oak for 20 months, this offers insane power and aromatic range on the nose. Iodine and creme de cassis tones combine with espresso grounds, purple rose petals, scorched earth and tobacco leaf notes. The palate is plush and loaded with black and blue fruit flavors. Showing its seamless mouthfeel, the wine effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Weightless, yet showing serious force, with bright underlying tension, enjoy this beauty now and over the next twenty years to come. Give this at least three hours in the decanter if savoring in its heady youth. Drink 2024-2044."
100 points
"Another remarkable wine from Quilceda Creek is the 2021 ‘Palengat’ Cabernet Sauvignon. The Clone 685 seemed to have thrived in Mach One this vintage, and the team at Quilceda Creek has been able to beautifully capture its quality in this stunning release. This instantly grabs your attention with its incredibly perfumed aromatics of ripe black currants and black plums which are joined by dustings of graphite, crushed violets, savory herbs, tobacco and exotic spices that all come together and burst from the glass. On the palate this is full-bodied and impeccably balanced with outstanding concentration and precision. The purity of fruit is striking, as is the overall structure, with its fine polished tannins and gorgeous velvety texture all resulting in a wonderfully finessed wine. It goes on to impress as it delivers a wonderful mouthful of rich flavors that include black and blue fruits that combine with tobacco and crushed gravel nuances, which all continue leave a lasting impression on the long, graceful finish. This is nothing short of a magnificent wine that should go on to provide years of pleasure ahead."
99 points
"Grown at the Mach One vineyard, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Palengat Clone 685 boasts a devastatingly beautiful nose overflowing with freshness and wonderful floral essences. Soft in style, it exudes a restrained elegance, seducing with fragrant cherry essences and perfumed oak tones. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is gorgeously round and fresh, with juicy red fruit essence, proving bigger isn't always better. The power of this year's Palengat lies in its freshness and focus. Seductive and elegant, this beauty will continue to charm for decades to come. Only 12,900 bottles were made and will be released in April 2024. I'm going back for more; this gorgeous juice is stealing my heart."
98 points
"All clone 685 from a great site in the Horse Heaven Hills, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Palengat's deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a killer bouquet of crème cassis and black raspberry-like fruits that give way to a darker, more inward wine that has full-bodied richness, a concentrated, structure mouthfeel, ample mid-palate depth, and background notes of smoky oak, tobacco, and lead pencil. Give this big, rich, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon 4-5 years of bottle age, and it's going to cruise for over two decades in cold cellars."
98 points
"Made from clone 685 grown on a ledge overlooking the Columbia River, this brilliant, focused and linear wine is deep in graphite, black fruit, dark chocolate, raspberries and star anise framed by firm but fine-grained tannins. It has an athletic strength and balance, great concentration and elegance too. Best from 2028."