1991
Quilceda Creek
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The freeze at the end of 1990 lowered vineyard yields and forced us to use different proportions in the blend for our 1991 Cabernet. But in the end, Kiona, Klipsun, and Mercer Ranch (now known as Champoux) provided everything we needed. An intense nose of berries and black cherries mingle with the aromas of new oak — 100 percent French in this vintage, after dabbling with some American oak in 1990. On release, the wine showed myriad of flavors and plenty of depth on the palate. The new oak melded nicely with the dark fruit flavors and ripe tannins, but this wine took a few years in the cellar to show its true heart.
Paul Golitzin, Director of Winemaking, and Alex Golitzin, founder
92 points
"Deep saturated red to the rim. Brooding but vibrant cassis aroma. Almost painful flavor intensity (raspberry!) on the palate, and extraordinary extract, but totally unevolved. Powerful acidity gives the wine great penetration and freshness. Explosively long finishing fruit. An extremely impressive young wine that is up to the reputation of this cult cabernet specialist."