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Winemakers:
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Alex Golitzin, Paul Golitzin
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Varietal:
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89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot
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Vineyards:
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Ciel du Cheval, Kiona, Klipsun, Mercer Ranch(Champoux)
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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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Time in Bottle
before release:
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13 months
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Case Production:
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2250 Cases
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Drink 2002 - 2015
The 1995 vintage was a late one, with the first grapes beginning
harvested on September 17 and the last of the Cabernet Sauvignon coming
in on October 22. Cool summers are not a problem in eastern Washington
because the Cascade Mountains hold back the Fall Pacific storms, allowing us to leave the grapes on the vines until they are totally physiologically mature.
The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon is a hedonistic blend of black
cherries, cedar, chocolate and spice. The addition of 11%
Merlot give the wine a beautiful complex aroma and a great
depth of flavor, with the Merlot fruit layered on top of the
density and textural elements of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The
wine is really delicious now, yet has the structure to age
beautifully in your cellar for a good 25 years.
1995 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Deep ruby-red. More expressive aromas of cassis,
mocha, Worcestershire sauce, flowers, and Cuban tobacco.
Rich and fresh but rather closed today. A medium-bodied,
very nicely balanced wine with lovely restrained sweetness.
Firm acids give the wine a firm structure. Should be slow to
evolve."
Score 90+
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
"Alexander Golitzin, known by everyone as either Al or Alex, is
actually His Royal Highness, Prince Alexander. A former engineer
for Scott Paper, an important member of Russian royalty, he is
also one of the world's finest winemakers. His Cabernet Sauvignons are
the most complex and ageworthy wines I have encountered from Washington
state, often reminiscent of those from Chateau Margaux. They combine
power with elegance, depth with finesse, and concentration with focus.
Since the founding fathers of Washington State's fine wine industry are
still hard at work, we have few examples of generational transitions.
Golitzen's son, Paul, however, is extremely bright, dedicated, and appears
to have learned well at his father's side. Alexander Golitzen credits his
son with much of the recent progress at Quilceda Creek and seems convinced
that the winery will reach hew heights under Paul's guidance.
The dark ruby-colored 1995 Quilceda Creek contains 12% Merlot,
a high figure for this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine.
It reveals an expressive, ripe, and viol-laced nose as well
as wonderful layers of blackberry, red currant, cassis, and
floral flavors. This medium-to-full-bodied, elegant and
refined wine is intensely concentrated and flavorful, but
certainly not on the level of the blockbuster 1994. In its
youth this silky-textured wine is quintessential Golitzin,
polished, precise, focused, and gracefully exhibiting
highly-defined sweet fruit. It is certainly ageworthy, but I
predict it will attain its peak of maturity earlier than its
older sibling. Projected maturity: 2003-2010+ Bravo! "
Score 92
Pierre-Antoine Rovani, Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s, Wine Advocate
Closing date: 10-30-98 Issue 119
"Firm and chewy, a solid wine with appealing blackberry, plum and
currant flavors poking through the thin veil of tannins draped
over the finish. Flavors linger impressively. Best from
2000 through 2005. 2,250 cases made. Score 90"
Harvey Steiman, The Wine Spectator