The 2004 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon was the winning bottle in the August Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for one hour and served with steaks on a cold Summer night in Seattle.
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, ’07 and ’14 vintages of the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon all scored 100-point ratings from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate. Additionally, the ’14 Galitzine recently received 100 points as well. Quilceda Creek also produces several single vineyard Cabernets and a Columbia Valley Red Wine.
Bright crimson in color. 14.9% ABV. Reticent nose of blue fruits, violets, leather, smoke and pencil shavings. Supremely polished and plush. Full bodied and well balanced. Blueberries, cassis liqueur, cocoa and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with a healthy dose of silky tannins. Tremendous Cabernet Sauvignon but lacking the depth and the concentration of the 2002 I had earlier this year. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 94 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.