|
Winemakers:
|
Alex Golitzin, Paul Golitzin, Marv Crum
|
|
Varietal:
|
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot
|
|
Vineyards:
|
Champoux, Ciel du Cheval, Hedges, Klipsun, Tapteil, Kiona
|
|
Barrels:
|
100% New French Oak
|
|
Time in Barrel:
|
22 Months
|
Time in Bottle
before release:
|
14 months
|
|
Case Production
|
1500
|
Drink 2003 - 2020
A chilling eastern Washington freeze in February of 1996 resulted in a crop reduction of about one-third compared to a normal harvest.
The vintage presented two challenges. The first was tannin
management to avoid creating a tannic monster as can happen
when Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested at low yields. The
second was to craft the wine with different percentages of our traditional sources that we normally use since crop loss varied from vineyard to vineyard.
This is our first release with Cabernet Franc added to increase the wine’s aromatic complexity. It is a complex and supple wine with flavors and aromas of black fruits, Asian spices, smoke and vanilla. The wine is really delicious now, yet has the structure to allow cellaring for 15+ years.
1996 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of cassis and blueberry lifted by floral and minty nuances. Tightly wrapped, dry and quite firm; possesses very strong fruit but currently extremely unevolved. Tannins are strong today. "
Score: 91(+)
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
"Strategically placed between Chateau Margaux and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild in a
blind tasting of the superlative 1996 Bordeaux first growths, the 1996 Quilceda
Creek not only held its own, but was indistinguishable from its Bordeaux brethren.
Revealing a saturated, dark purple color, its soft, salty, black raspberry jam,
licorice, and coconut aromas lead to a medium to full-bodied character of
unbelievable sweetness. Extraordinarily well-balanced, this velvety textured,
powerful, and elegant wine displays black raspberry flavors that last throughout
its exceptionally long, pure finish. It is a testimony to Alexander and Paul
Golitzin, the father and son winemaking team, that they were able to produce such an extraordinary wine in the difficult 1996 vintage. Bravo! "
"Produced from a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc,
the saturated, dark ruby-colored 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits sweet cherry,
herbal spice, and candied blackberries in its elegant, sexy aromatics. It is seamless, refined, and possesses a harmony, equilibrium, and
delineated finish rarely seen in the New World. Projected maturity: 2003-2018. "
Score: 94
Pierre-Antoine Rovani, Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s, Wine Advocate
Closing Date: 2000, Issue 126