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 a Bordeaux blend from Palengat Vineyard and a Columbia Valley Red Wine.
Galitzine Vineyard is situated on Red Mountain and was planted in 2001 and 2002.
I opened this bottle to celebrate the re opening of the West Seattle Bridge. The bridge closed in March of 2020. Life just got a little bit easier for those of us in West Seattle. I meant to grab the merlot dominant Palengat so I did not have a chance to decant this bottle.
Purple in color. 15.2% ABV. Showstopping nose of black and blue fruits, Whitman Sampler box, scorched earth and violets. Exceptionally rich and plush. Immense and concentrated. Blackberry, blueberry, cassis liqueur and espresso on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish with an abundance of silky tannins. Stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that is aging brilliantly. This will drink well for another 6-8 years.
My rating: 97 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.