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.
Bright crimson in color. 14.9% ABV. Beautiful nose of plums, blue fruits and graphite. Incredibly plush and silky on the palate. Blueberries, leather, cassis liqueur and currants on the palates. Super finish with prominent tannins. Great showing with this wine given my experience many years ago. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 93 points.
Quilceda Creek is best obtained via the mailing list and you may be able to find some at retail in late March or early April.
I’ve blogged about Quilceda Creek previously in The Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.
If you enjoyed this post please consider subscribing to Zinfandel Chronicles updates by email.