The 2003 Quilced Creek Cabernet Sauvignon was the winning bottle in the November installment of Pick My Next Bottle. I did not decant this wine.
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. In addition to the flagship Cabernet Sauvingon, Quilceda Creek also produces several single vineyard wines and a Columbia Valley Red Wine.
Purple in color. 14.9% ABV. Sensational nose of black and blue fruits, scorched earth, Whitman Sampler box and violets. Rich, plush and full bodied. Perfectly balanced with seemingly resolved tannins. Blueberry, cassis liqueur, chocolate truffle and tobacco leaves on the palate. The finish is long and lush. Stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that has aged well. For me this wine never reached the heights of the ’02 which also received a perfect score. A pleasure to drink nonetheless. 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. The 2022 will be released next Spring and likely cost $150.