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.
Galitzine Vineyard is situated on Red Mountain and was planted in 2001 and 2002.
Opaque purple in color. 14.9% ABV. 95.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4.5% Merlot. Breathtaking nose of black and blue fruits, molten licorice, violets and toasty oak. Big, silky and concentrated on the palate. Flavors of blueberries, black cherry, cassis liqueur and minerals. Tremendous length on the finish with ever so seductive tannins. Just a gorgeous Cabernet that only bodes great things for the flagship wine from this vintage. Best over the next 5-7 years.
My rating: 96 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.