2006 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Merlot

Vintage Notes:

Winemakers:	Paul Golitzin, Marv Crum, Alex Golitzin
Varietals:	88% Merlot, 9.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Petit Verdot
Vineyards:	Champoux, Galitzine, Tapteil
Barrels:	100% New French Oak
Time in Barrel:	22 months
Bottled:	August 2008

Winemaker's comments
We are also very proud of our 2006 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Merlot. It is an excellent right-bank Bordeaux-styled wine that reflects the personality of the vintage. Nuances of anise, black cherry, smoked meat, tobacco, and minerals describe this rich, long finishing and complete wine. With ratings of 94 points (2003), 94 points (2004) and 95 points (2005) from Wine Advocate, Quilceda Creek’s Merlot is one of the finest in the world.

Winemaker's comments

The Quilceda Creek 2006 Red Wine Columbia Valley is a blend of declassified lots which reflect the richness and complexity of the vintage. This is one of our favorite Red Wine offerings to date. This medium bodied wine displays black cherry fruit, cedar, spice, vanilla and minerals. Approachable now, this blend will be best enjoyed over the next 15 years.

Wine Advocate Review

Quilceda Creek plans to discontinue its Merlot program with the current vintage. The 2006 Merlot contains 9.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot. Purple-colored, it offers up an expressive nose of cedar, cinnamon, cassis, and black currant. This is followed by a rich, smooth-textured, savory wine with outstanding density and grip. Nicely balanced and lingering on the palate, it will continue to unwind for several more years and offer peak drinking from 2013 to 2021.
Score: 94

Jay Miller, Wine Advocate, #185, October 2009