Quilceda Creek's new state-of-the-art winery facility. Photograph by Jim Fagiolo Used with permission

Winemaker's comments
Old World in style, and only achieved in the Old World’s ripest vintages, the 2003 Quilceda Creek Merlot displays many layers of flavors and a complexity rarely seen in New World Merlot. The 2003 vintage gave us wines that are aromatically and texturally wonderful. Black cherry, cedar, smoke, minerals and spice flood the tasters palate with this unctuous blend of 87.5% Merlot (from the estate grown Champoux Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills AVA) and 12.5% Cabernet Franc (Tapteil Vineyard, Red Mountain AVA). Drink it over the next 15-20 years.

Reviews
2003 Merlot

Wine Advocate

"Though this is first and foremost a Cabernet producer, this fall Quilceda Creek will release an exceptional 2003 Merlot (400 cases). Produced with 12.5% Cabernet Franc, it brings to mind some of the finest St.-Emilions. Sweet black fruits and notes of roasted asphalt can be detected in its aromatics. Highly concentrated and dense, it is medium to full-bodied, suave, and silky-textured. Dark chocolate, blackberries, dark cherries, and hints of raspberries make up its boisterous flavor profile. Projected maturity: 2008-2020"
Score: 94

Pierre-Antoine Rovani
Wine Advocate, Issue 164, closing date 4-24-06

Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide

"Quilceda Creek 2003 Merlot (Washington); Oaky, toasty and spicy, this thick, massive Merlot is packed with berries, cherries, plums and chocolate. The Cab Franc adds meaty tannins to the beautiful blueberry, blue plum and blackberry fruit. A sweet, supple Merlot with hints of coffee, black tea and earth. Makes you wish Quilceda made more of it."
Score: 95

November 15, 2006