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Winemakers:
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Paul Golitzin, Marv Crum, Alex Golitzin
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Varietals:
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97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot
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Vineyards:
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Champoux, Galitzine, Klipsun, Tapteil
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Barrels:
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100% New French Oak
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Time in Barrel:
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22 months
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Bottled:
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August 2007
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The Columbia Valley's growing seasons are remarkably consistent, but 2005 was exceptional.
Summer temperatures were quite warm resulting in extremely small berry size, and then the
heat backed off just enough in September to ripen the grapes without rushing physiological
maturity. The results are deeply colored, beautifully balanced wines with tremendously
dense, ripe aromas and flavors.
The 2005 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot)
is loaded with blackberry, blueberry, plum and cassis with nuances of dark chocolate and
violets. Classically structured, this complex wine has remarkable elegance and persistence on
the long, pure finish. Approachable now, it should reach maturity around 2012 and age for 25
or more years. While we are particularly proud of the last three vintages of our flagship wine,
the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon easily rivals them as one of the best wines our estate has ever
produced.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Saturated deep ruby. Brooding, backward nose hints at deep black plum, cassis,
graphite and nutty, spicy oak. Fat, sweet and superconcentrated, with an almost citric
suggestion of acidity and chewy dry extract contributing to the impression of structure.
Wonderfully bright for such a ripe wine, and explosively long on the aftertaste. Along with
its considerably power, this promises to deliver great class in an almost Medoc-like way."
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dec 07
"I was able to retaste the 2001, 2002, and 2003 vintages [n.b. – rated 98+, 100 and 100
pts respectively] and can only say that Monsieur Rovani's notes and scores are right on the
bulls-eye. The Golitzins describe 2005 as a "dream vintage." Their 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
has been bottled and appears to be even better than its 2004 sibling [n.b. - rated 99 pts]
and at least as good as the 2002 and 2003. No doubt collectors will debate the merits of
2001 – 2005 for decades to come."
Jay Miller, Wine Advocate, Closing Date: 8-31-07, Issue 172
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Winemakers:
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Paul Golitzin, Marv Crum, Alex Golitzin
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Varietals:
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86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc
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Vineyards:
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Champoux, Palengat, Tapteil
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Barrels:
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100% New French Oak
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Time in Barrel:
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22 months
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Bottled:
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August 2007
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We are also very partial to our 2005 Columbia Valley Merlot. It is an
excellent right-bank Bordeaux styled wine (86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc) that reflects
the personality of the vintage. Hints of lavender, smoky meat, Asian spices, and minerals
enhance the black and cherry fruit. Big and seamless, this wonderfully balanced wine should
mature around 2011 and age gracefully for 20 years or longer.
2005 Merlot
"Good deep, saturated ruby-red. Crushed dark berries and nutty oak on the nose. Much
less open, lush and expressive today than the 2004, but with very firm acidity giving cut
to the brooding dark fruit flavors. Finishes with substantial building tannins that will
likely require extended bottle aging. I should note that the Golitzins believe this wine
will surpass their 2004, but today it's difficult to assess."
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dec 07
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"Make no mistake about the Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignons - they are world-class Cabernets that compete with the finest wines from Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Sonoma and Santa Cruz Mountains."
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s
Wine Advocate
Click for Vintage Recommendations
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