I am one lucky guy and was able to experience an exemplary wine tasting last weekend from possibly Washington's most famous winery, Quilceda Creek. Quilceda Creek is a boutique winery that is located in Snohomish, Washington and was founded by Alex Golitzin. Golitzin is a nephew of Andre Tchelistcheff, who is considered to be one of the most famous winemakers in the history of California winemaking.
Golitzin has created the consistently highest scoring wines in the history of Washington wine. In fact the 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2007 vintages all scored 100-point ratings from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate. Only 15 other wines in the United States have received a 100 point score from Parker, all made from California grapes, and only five wines worldwide had ever before earned consecutive 100-point scores. The passion is in the bottle, as no other Washington wine can consistently equal the viscosity, richness and terroir of Quilceda Creek Cabernet.
Here are the wines that I was able to try for the Quilceda Creek tasting, including vintages of their Cabernet, Merlot and Red Wine (red blend).
‪#‎quilcedacreek‬
2002 Cabernet- Rich nose with rose petals, red cherry and cassis. Palate is rich with serious concentration, considering its age. Creme de cassis, blackberry and anise. Delicious, drink now - 96
2003 Merlot- Brownish-purple color with plum and blueberry on the compelling nose. Very Cabernet-like palate with rich strawberry, blueberry, plum and spice cake. Drink now -96
2004 Cabernet- Dark fruit on the nose with plum, blackberry and anise. Palate is viscous and silky with black cherry, blackberry, cassis, coffee and spice cake. Drink now or cellar for 2 more years -96
2005 Cabernet Galitzen Vineyard- Rich dark hue with plum, red cherry and oak on the nose. Palate has incredible smoothness with blueberry, boysenberry, chocolate, coffee and Christmas spice. Delicious. Drink now or cellar for 1 year. -97
2006 Cabernet- Cassis, oak and ripe figs on the nose. Palate has a vegetal flavor, unique to the other vintages. Red bell pepper, dark cherry, anise, blackberry and coffee. Seamless and has incredible terroir. I might mistake this for Napa. Drink now or cellar for 1 year. -98
2006 Red Wine- Lighter hue with red currant and anise with an herbaceous bent. Palate has some vegetal flavors with red bell pepper, red cherry and anise with oak. Drink now. -93
2007 Cabernet- Dark hue and has blackberry, black cherry and oak on the nose. Palate is smooth but intense and has anise, cassis, provencale herbs and mocha flavors with prominent tannins. Blockbuster wine. Drink now or cellar for 2+ years -98
2007 Red Wine- Plum and blackberry on the nose. Palate is rich and has cassis, blackberry and black cherry with black tea. Drink now. -93
2008 Cabernet- Vibrant nose with black cherry, spice cake and anise with oak. Palate has anise, cedar, blackberry jam and tar. Needs time, cellar for 2 more years. -97
2008 Red Wine- Lighter hue with red currant and vegetal nodes on the nose. Palate has red bell pepper, red cherry and dried herbs with spice. Drink now. -93
2009 Red Wine- Plum and blackberry on the nose. Palate is rich and has cassis, blackberry and black cherry. Really serious. Drink now. -94