2000 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

14.9% alcohol by volume.

Young does not begin to describe the current state of this wine in its’ evolution. However, never having had a Quilceda Creek I decided to pop a cork on this recent acquisition direct from the winery.

Opened and decanted at 5:00PM. Took a quick taste at 45 minutes in Spiegelau Authentis Magnum glasses. This wine has a beautiful ruby to garnet color, which is clear as a bell. Nose of cherries, red licorice and a hint of vanilla from the oak barrels. The powerful tannins impart spiciness to the black cherries and licorice on the palette. There is just a hint of earthiness on the finish.

Only four hours later we have a completely different wine. The nose has added blueberries and chocolate at this point. Flavors of currants and mocha have been added as well. The wine is fully in balance, smooth as silk. Man o man. I don’t have the words. Even at this very young and bottle shocked stage I’d give this wine between 90 and 92 points. I can’t imagine how it will improve with just 6 months settling in my cellar. I wouldn’t touch your first bottle for at least a year just to gauge its’ age ability. I plan on drinking my five remaining bottles somewhere in the area of 2008 through 2013.

Here are the winemaker’s notes:

Winemakers: Paul Golitzin, Alex Golitzin, Marv Crum
Varietal: 97.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc
Vineyards: Champoux, Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, Taptiel
Barrels: 100% New French Oak
Time in Barrel: 22 Months
Bottled: August 2002
Case Production: 2925 Cases

Winemakers Comments
The 2000 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is reminiscent of the ’98 Quilceda Creek on steroids. This wine is packed full of blackberry liquor, plums, and crème de cassis laden with anise smoke and spices, it has a fabulous syrupy texture, show-casing the amazing purity of cabernet fruit found in this wine. It is the most perfumed and well-balanced Quilceda Creek wine to date.