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.
Bright crimson in color. 14.9% ABV. Heady nose of red and blue fruits, violets, graphite and smoke. Plush, silky and concentrated. Well balanced. Plums, blueberries, cassis liqueur and spice on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish with firm, silky tannins. Fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon but for me this is a step down from the ’02 and ’03 which also received 100 points from the Wine Advocate. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 95 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.