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.
2006 was the debut release of this wine. The vineyard is located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and was planted in 2000.
Purple in color. 15.2% ABV. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Heady nose of blue fruits, violets, molten licorice and smoke. Big, plush and concentrated. Absolutely packed with lush Cabernet fruits. Blueberry, creme de cassis, currants and tobacco on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with a shroud of silky, fine grained tannins. There are still some rough edges here but the future is bright and more time in the cellar would be beneficial. Best over the next 4-6 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.
Nice post, Tom! Sounds delicious! Cheers!
Thanks Peter. Looking forward to seeing that note of your on the Galitzine.
Will do. I’m looking forward to opening the bottle. It’ll be my first taste of Quilceda Creek ever. I’m excited!