May 1, 2013 - Clear purple in color. Clean nose of cassis and plum. Dry, med acidity, smooth tannins, med body, cassis, licorice, and some herbs. Med finish. Acidity very pronounced on opening. Opened up in decanter after an hour. Great with dinner, not spectacular on own. Cannot see this getting better, maybe on downward path. But still enjoyed.
April 29, 2011 - Quilceda Creek Vertical (Zum Hirschen, Aarau, Switzerland): The last Quilceda that has seen American oak, fruit seems to have been replaced by some green notes and pronounced acidity. Not sure this will develop.
November 7, 2009 - Massive cassis and fruit, but closed off quickly. Very soft and almost light. Well structured and wonderful.
January 21, 2009 - Powerful, masculine and still tannic. Dark fruit, licorice chocolate, oatmeal, and a medicinal herbal quality. Elegant on the palate but a bit disjointed and showing a touch of bitterness on the finish. Needs time but I'm not sure it will ever come into balance.
December 12, 2008 - Has this vintage for the second time. This bottle was very clearly perfectly cellared. I am not sure the last one was. The elgance was very impressive yet still had some power left. This is defintely at its peak though and I would not exepct further evolution. Fun to have a wine that is in that stage. This was a mouthful of blueberries and had a 45 second finish of dark fruits. I am working my way through my vertical and having a fun time doing it.
December 2, 2008 - BYO Dinner at Tribeca Grill (Organized by Acker Merrall): Nose of wet mud, licorice and plums; very dark; big and balanced on the palate showing mainly black fruit and tobacco; medium tannin; low/med acid; lotsa life left in this bottle.
April 20, 2008 - Nose was full of licorice, black cherry, and earth. Medium weight on the palate with little fruit noticable, but a nice meaty flavor. Blood on the palate adds interest, but the nose is the real appeal of this wine. Very nice wine, but it feels like it's near the end of its life. (Thanks L for sharing.)
December 1, 2006 - Quilceda Creek Vertical (Michael's House, St. Louis Park): Past peak. Subtle fruit, underbrush and some spices. Short to medium finish with little acidity.
December 1, 2006 - Quilceda Creek Vertical 1990-2003 (My house): Nose of hot highland scotch. Not a lot of fruit at first. Opened up a little in the glass but really nothing spectacular.
July 20, 2006 - Thinkin' About a 10 Vintage Quilceda Creek Vertical ('89 to '03) (Think Cafe - Chicago, IL): Primary nose of cassis fruit with a hint of mint. Very supple, round and smooth on the palate. Youthful fruit profile of cassis berry. Over time developed a herbal, green profile that added interest. Overall this vintage still tastes primary though I don't anticipate much further development. Drinking close to peak. Very nice, but for QC a bit disappointing.
Popped and poured at dinner.