The 2004 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard was the winning bottle in the February Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was not decanted and was paired with steaks.
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.
Galitzine Vineyard is situated on Red Mountain and was planted in 2001 and 2002.
Dark crimson in color. 14.9% ABV. Amazing nose of charcoal, violets. and molten licorice. Immense and concentrated on the palate. Incredibly sweet, pure fruit. Flavors of blueberry, currants, cassis liqueur and chocolate truffle. The finish lingers for almost a minute. The classic iron fist in a velvet glove. There is so much to like here if you are a Quilceda Creek fan. At two thirds the price of the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon this wine is a steal. Drink over the next 5-7 years.
My rating: 95 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.
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