The 2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon was the winning bottle in the October Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. I decanted the wine for several hours and served with steaks and a classic wedge salad.
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.
Purple in color. 14.9% ABV. Sublime nose of red and blue fruits, leather and cocoa. Full bodied and concentrated with rich, lush fruits. Currants, cassis liqueur, blueberries and tobacco on the palate. The finish is long and supple with silky tannins in spades. Great Cabernet Sauvignon but for me this never quite lived up to the 100 point score from the Wine Advocate. Certainly a step down from other QC 100’s notably the 02 and 03. Still happy though to have this in the cellar. Best over the next 6-8 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.