Washington State Cabernet Sauvignons are among the best in the world, and they are much better values (higher QPR) than most Cabs in other wines regions of the world. Last Friday evening, we tasted six Cabernet Sauvignons from Washington State in our monthly wine tasting dinner. It was another fabulous evening of good wines, the company of wonderful friends, and Mom’s excellent food. All six wines paired well with Mom’s dinner of tomato basil soup, arugula, peach, and tomato salad, grilled filet mignon, thyme grilled potatoes and bell peppers, balsamic seasoned green beans, and German chocolate dessert with whipped topping and shaved chocolate.

The consensus favorite was the 2005 Quilceda Creek Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. With seven out of eight first place votes, it dominated the field and earned a rare 5 stars (out of 5) quality rating. It is always thrilling to discover a “Wow!” wine. Quilceda Creek, located in Snohomish, Washington, was founded in 1978 by the Golitzin family. Generally considered the premier winery in Washington State, Quilceda Creek remains a small, family-owned and operated winery. Quilceda Creek is no stranger to high accolades for their wines. Their flagship wine, the Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, has received three 100-point ratings from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate for the 2002, 2003, and 2005 vintages. In 2001, they purchased and planted their own Galitzine Vineyard on Red Mountain. The 2004 Quilceda Creek Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was the first release from this vineyard.

Not only did four of these six wines receive a Quality rating of 4 stars or higher (out of 5), but the top four also received a QPR rating of 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5). Even though these wines are not inexpensive, they are well worth the money. I would encourage you to try any of these wines, especially with a meal, to decide for yourself how Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon compares to other world-renowned Cabs.

From 1st to last in the group consensus rankings:

2005 Quilceda Creek Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Galitzine Vineyard, Red Mountain, Washington): Deep, dark, dense red and extremely aromatic. A gorgeous nose of black cherry, vanilla, and blackberry leads to black fruit, pencil lead, and earth on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high tannins. Well-balanced with amazing complexity and a long, lingering finish. Excellent from the first sip but really opened up with the meal. Already a “Wow!” wine but should get even better with more bottle age.
Quality: 5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $98; Available elsewhere, $110 to $225

2005 Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington State): Dark red in color. Black fruits and spice come through on both the nose and the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high, drying tannins. Well-balanced and complex with a long finish. Improves with food.
Quality: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $44; Available elsewhere, $45 to $54

2006 Fielding Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (Riverbend Vineyard, Wahluke Slope, Washington): Dark red with a beautiful bouquet. Black cherry, black currant, and vanilla aromas lead to more black fruit and vanilla flavors. Medium to full-bodied and lively with soft, smooth tannins and a long finish.
Quality: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $38; Available elsewhere, $40

2006 Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep ruby red. Nose is a bit tight at first with some black fruit aromas coming through the longer its open. Fruit-forward with black fruits, oak, and spice on the palate. Medium to full-bodied and lively with medium to high tannins and a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $27; Available elsewhere, $28 to $40

2006 Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep, dark ruby red and aromatic. Caramel, crème brulee, and vegetal aromas lead to vegetal and black fruit flavors. Medium to full-bodied and lively with smooth tannins and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Full Pull Wines (Seattle, Washington), $45; Available elsewhere, $37 to $50

2005 Dunham Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon XI (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep, dark ruby red. Very fruit-forward with a lot of black and red fruits on both the nose and palate along with a hint of cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied and crisp with medium to high tannins and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $45; Available elsewhere, $43

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