Quilceda Creek Vintners was founded in 1978 by Alex and Jeanette Golitzin. Alex Golitzin is a nephew of André Tchelistcheff, the legendary winemaker who put Beaulieu Vineyard at the forefront of Napa Valley Cabernet in the 1960s and 70s. He credits summer trips to visit his uncle in St. Helena, California with developing his early interest in wine. Alex’s son, Paul Golitzin is now chief winemaker at the winery.
Quilceda Creek Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon has earned some of the highest scores of any wine produced in the United States. The 2002, ’03, ’05 and ’07 vintages all scored 100-point ratings from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate. The 2003 vintage of Quilceda Creek’s Cabernet Sauvignon was named the No. 2 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator. Quilceda Creek produces several single vineyard Cabernets, and they also bottled a Merlot through the ’06 vintage.
Crimson in color with some bricking on the edge of the glass. 14.5% ABV. Great nose of cedar, leather and violets. Big, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. Black cherry, currants, cassis, cocoa and eucalyptus on the palate. Still somewhat tannic with an exceptionally long finish. Great showing. Drink over the next several years.
My rating: 95 points.
The 2012 will be released later this spring for $140. The wine can be obtained via the mailing list and at retail.
I’ve blogged about Quilceda Creek previously in The Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.
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