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. Quilceda Creek also produces several single vineyard Cabernets and a Columbia Valley Red Wine.
This wine was briefly decanted.
Crimson in color. 13.3% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, graphite, tobacco leaf and menthol. Silky and elegant on the palate with completely resolved tannins. Flavors of plums, currants, balsamic and cassis. The finish is long and plush. The last Reserve wine from Quilceda Creek and a glimpse into Washington wine history. Clearly ready to drink at 25 years of age. What a treat as we wind down 2016.
My rating: 92 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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