Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2002 (Magnum 1.5L)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is mature and near-term in the glass with earthy and funky tones that resonate with the remnants of a once-sweet fruit frame that has shifted almost fully into a stewed fruit core. Full-bodied, I recommend drinking this in the next few years, as it currently offers elements of dried blackberries and tar across the mid-palate. For a generous wine, it's starting to wind down and only has a few years left. I recommend enjoying this bottle with an aged ribeye steak.

Wine Enthusiast
Amazing density; the aromas billow up from the glass and weave together sinuously, taking you on a magic carpet ride before the wine even hits your mouth. This wine has the power of a monster California Cab while retaining the subtlety of a first-growth Bordeaux. It is just a massive blast of dark fruit, incredible viscosity, silky textures and soft herbs, pepper and spice. The oak—all new, all French—is unobtrusive and perfectly integrated.

Wine Spectator
Firm and taut, with dusky spice and freshly ground pepper nuances to the dark berry, currant and cherry aromas and flavors, lingering impressively on the chewy finish. Doesn't have the pure fruit of previous vintages, but it should soften and broaden, developing more depth with cellaring. Best from 2008 through 2015. 3,400 cases made.

Vinous
Bright, deep ruby-red Pungent nose combines black raspberry, black cherry and baking spices. Fat and sweet but primary; delivers an impressive blast of fruit. Not yet complex but this compellingly sweet wine show a very refined texture. Finishes with ripe, building, very suave tannins and a strong flavor of chocolate. Paul Goltizin told me that there's more Taransaud in this vintage than previously, as Quilceda Creek is phasing out its Seguin-Moreau barrels. Offers great potential: will it equal the 2001?