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 received 100 points as well. Quilceda Creek also produces several single vineyard Cabernets and a Columbia Valley Red Wine.
2007 was just the second vintage of this wine. The vineyard is located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and was planted in 2000.
Purple in color. 15.2% ABV. 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Sublime nose of black and blue fruits, scorched earth, violets and Whitman Sampler box. Lush, rich and full bodied with remarkable balance. Black currants, cassis liqueur, blueberries and cocoa on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with gritty tannins. The first two vintages of this wine are both delicious but lack the polish of the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon from Quilceda Creek. Perhaps it is the age of the vines? Best over the next several 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.