Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (750ML)

97 WA / 95+ VM

A wine that I would put up there with the crème de la crème of Washington State Cabernet is the 2012 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Corliss, which is insanely good and does everything right. It is made from 97% Cabernet and 3% Petit Verdot that spent 28 months in 70% new French oak. It’s saturated ruby/purple color is followed by fabulous notes of crème de cassis, toasted spice, chocolate and tobacco leaves. These give way to a full-bodied, seamless and layered 2012 that has fabulous purity and freshness, a big, rich mid-palate and sweet tannin that emerge on the finish, all suggesting it will have a long life. Forget bottles for 4-5 years and drink over the following two decades. Bravo!

While I was less enamored with the 2011s from Corliss last year, their 2012s are blockbusters that check in near the top of the heap. - Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

(includes 3% Petit Verdot; aged in 70% new oak for 28 months): Dark ruby-red. The nose offers stunningly primary, pure aromas of blueberry, cassis, licorice, botanical herbs and high-pitched spices. Extremely densely packed and savory; drier and more brooding in the mouth than the nose suggests, and less sweet in the early going than the red blend in spite of its almost glyceral texture. Very deep flavors of dark berries, Baker's chocolate and clove are supported by building, ripe tannins that coat the teeth. Finishes with impressive slow-building persistence. This will need time. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media