Today we have a very special feature for you. One of the great wines made in North America, Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably Washington State’s signature wine. I have had the chance to visit these wines back to the 1990s and it is remarkable how well they can cellar. Even in the most challenging vintages, Quilceda Creek has been a pillar of consistency. Originally founded by Alex and Jeanette Golitzin back in 1978, Quilceda Creek Director of Winemaking Paul Golitzin was entored by his father Alex Golitzin and his great Uncle Andre Tchelistcheff. Paul Golitzin took what he had learned and developed his own style that has been some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon made in Washington State.
Even in the smoke-filled 2020 vintage, Quilceda Creek shined. The wines I tasted came from my cellar and had not been moved at all. 2013 was a vintage that seems to be somehow overshadowed by the 2012 vintage which was very classic in Washington State. 2013 saw considerable more heat than 2012 but did not posses the intense heat spikes of 2015. Harvest saw some cooler temperatures which helped with the wines retaining acidity. I have found that many top Bordeaux style wines from 2013 are every bit as good — if not better — than those produced in 2012. My tasting of Quilceda Creek was a perfect example of this. Both wines that I tasted, their 2013 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) and the Galitzine Vineyard (OB, 99) flirted with perfection. They are now quite divergent, as the Galitzine is showing more non-fruit notes with tar, scorched earth and coffee notes. The 2013 ‘Columbia Valley’ is seamless and balanced, with lovely underlying freshness and a pillowy texture. Both are an incredible piece of Washington wine history. Learn more about these wines at quilcedacreek.com and here are my reviews of the sensational Quilceda Creek wines from 2013.
2013 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 100% varietal 2013 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes entirely from the Champoux Vineyard. Stored for 20 months in French oak this shows off pencil lead, violets, freshly tilled loamy soils and dense dark plum notes on this captivating bouquet. The palate is soft and inviting with a silky texture and ultra-refined tannins. Plus, rich and very hedonistic, this is scintillating stuff that flirts with perfection and is really in its wheelhouse right now. Drink 2023-2033- 99
2013 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outrageously good 2013 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this site in Red Mountain. Very dark with a deep core, this was stored for 20 months in all new French oak as this is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon (95%) from Galitzine Vineyard with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Wallula Vineyard. The non-fruit notes are really rocking with scorched earth notes combine with Turkish coffee, tar, tobacco leaf and huckleberry cordial. The palate is silky and downright delicious, as this is showing brilliantly right now. Seamless and sensual wine right now, no reason to cellar this beauty any longer. Drink 2023-2033- 99