2019
Quilceda Creek
“Tchelistcheff” Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2019 Quilceda Creek Tchelistcheff Cabernet Sauvignon Mach One Vineyard Clone 412 is one of two member-exclusive, single clone Cabernet Sauvignons from the stunning Mach One Vineyard. This is the first time we have produced single clone bottlings of Cabernet, and we couldn’t have asked for a better vintage. Above average temperatures and historically low vineyard yields resulted in wines of exceptional quality in 2019.
Mach One, a unique and stunning site overlooking the Columbia River in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, was planted in 2010 to experiment with French Cabernet clones 685 and 412. It was the first time these two clones were planted in Washington State, and we chose to plant the vines on their own rootstock, allowing them to grow and express themselves in a more natural and distinct way. What began as an experiment proved to be such a resounding success that we decided to showcase each clone on its own.
The 2019 Quilceda Creek Tchelistcheff Cabernet Sauvignon is the newest addition to our portfolio, and the first new wine we have introduced since 2006. The wine continues our tradition of using family names for new and limited bottlings; “Tchelistcheff” was the maiden name of founder Alex Golitzin’s mother, who was the sister of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, known as the “Dean of American winemaking.” The 2019 “Tchelistcheff” is 100% Clone 412 Cabernet Sauvignon from Mach One Vineyard, making for a rich and complex wine. This distinct, unique Cabernet is black in color with an aromatic cornucopia of spicy black fruits and nuances of anise, unsmoked cigars, bay leaf and minerals. Drink 2023-2045.
98 points
"The 2019 'Tchelistcheff' is another absolutely spectacular release from Quilceda Creek in this vintage. This Cabernet Sauvignon is a selection of clone 412, which is sourced from the Mach One Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills. It immediately impresses with its seductive aromatic profile of ripe black currants and dark plums, which are woven together with exotic spices, chocolate shavings, violets, savory herbs, licorice and tobacco nuances. On the palate this is every bit as stunning, full-bodied with a beautiful elegant tannin structure and outstanding overall balance and finesse. It continues to impress with its wonderful flavors of ripe dark fruits, exotic spices and violets all continue to build and resonate through the seamless finish. This is a simply exceptional bottle of Cabernet, and while it is impressive right now, it will go on to have an even brighter future ahead."
98 points
"The thrilling, deeply concentrated 2019 Tchelistcheff Mach One Vineyard Clone 412 pays homage to Paul Golitzin’s great-uncle, who was a Napa pioneer, formerly at BV for more than 20 years as head winemaker. This clone 412 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Mach One vineyard shows off crème de violette tones alongside tar, black currant jelly, Asian spices and blueberry compote tones that all collide in the glass. The gorgeous, soft texture really entices as crème de cassis, anise, dark chocolate shavings and coffee grounds come together seamlessly on the palate. With beautiful length, flavor and density that is rarely seen in 2019 Washington red wine, the 2019 Tchelistcheff will cellar well for another 20 years to come."
96 points
"Succulent and focused, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tchelistcheff Clone 412 is delicious and exuberant on the nose with a fruit-forward and dusty nature and a kaleidoscope of expression in the glass. Full-bodied in the mouth, the Clone 412 comes with the same shine and polish as the Clone 685 of the same range, but this wine has a slightly more compact frame and is marginally less hedonistic. Offering a more approachable expression in youth, this Cabernet will be almost ready upon release—it's already firing on all cylinders. It’s a gorgeous wine that brings me back for a second and third sip, as it seduces me with its elegance and richness. Bravo!"
96 points
"All Clone 412 from the Mach One Vineyard, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tchelistcheff has an incredibly floral, complex, classic style in its darker cherry and currant fruits as well as spice, forest floor, spring flowers, violets, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. Beautiful on the palate as well, it's full-bodied, has a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish, with nicely integrated background oak. It offers pleasure today yet will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle and keep for 25+ years. This fruit in the past went into the Palengat release, but it certainly stands on its own."