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Winemakers:
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Alex Golitzin, Paul Golitzin, Marv Crum
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Varietals:
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75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc
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Vineyards:
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Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval
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Barrels:
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100% New French Oak
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Time in Barrel:
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20 months
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Time in Bottle
before release:
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9 months
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Case Production:
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250
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Paul, Marv and John (background)
during the 2000 vintage bottling process.
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Drink 2004 - 2020
The ’99 growing season provided a merlot crop with abnormally small berry and
canopy size resulting in a super-ripe, concentrated merlot that has set a new
standard for Quilceda Creek. It is packed with black raspberry fruit with nuances
of cocoa powder, vanilla bean, and spice.
1999 Merlot
Bright ruby-red. Black cherry, black raspberry. Licorice and menthol on the nose. Bright,
youthful and firmly structured, with somewhat clenched bitter chocolate and mint flavors.
The wine’s solid tannins and acids give it a somewhat stiff aspect. May well need a good
five years to unwind.
Score: 90(+)
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
According to the Golitzins, 75% of their black-colored 1999 Merlot hails from Klipsun Vineyard.
They mentioned that its fruit in that vintage “had the smallest berries we’ve ever seen.”
Only 250 cases of this intensely aromatic wine were produced. Loads of spices, cassis,
black cherries, and blackberries are found in its fresh, boisterous nose. An expansive,
medium to full-bodied wine, it coats the taster’s palate with sweet red fruits, candied
raspberries, and cherries. Its velvety textured character leads to a seamless, wonderfully
long finish that reveals prodigiously ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2012.
Score: 94
Pierre-Antoine Rovani, Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s, Wine Advocate