2021
Quilceda Creek
“Galitzine” Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 was one of the warmest growing seasons on record. Bud break occurred in early April, ahead of historical averages. In late June, a “heat dome” descended upon the west coast, shattering previous temperature records. Our detailed focus on vine nutrition allowed us to cultivate incredibly healthy vines that could withstand these high temperature swings. The heat proved to be beneficial, as it enabled ideal cluster and berry size, with the ability to stress the vines and control all aspects of growth. Veraison began in mid-July, in-line with recent years but early by historical standards. Temperatures cooled back down in September and October, allowing for extended hang time and optimal ripeness. Historically low yields, high Brix and good acidity, especially given the warmth of the year, were hallmarks of this vintage.
100 points
"A total stunner, the 100% varietal 2021 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine’ Cabernet Sauvignon utilizes Clonal 8 selection and was stored in all new French oak before bottling. On the nose this takes on heady dark rose petal notes alongside tar, black licorice and smoldering stones. The palate is very dense and layered with fabulous concentration and underlying freshness. Huckleberry, dark chocolate shavings, pencil lead and shades of anise with glorious length greets you on the palate. This will easily be a 20 plus year wine. Enjoy this total heavy hitter now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044."
99 points
"The 2021 Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is simply mesmerizing and possibly the finest release ever from this vineyard. It instantly impresses with its seductive aromatics, striking purity and remarkable freshness that are impossible to resist. Aromas of sweet dark currants, Crème de cassis and ripe blackberries are accented with graphite, fresh violets, charcoal, exotic spices and crushed gravel that all come together and explode from the glass. On the palate this incredibly pure with a gorgeous full body and a beautifully layered, finessed texture. It’s impeccably structured and balanced, and possesses outstanding concentration, as it delivers delicious flavors of ripe dark fruits, graphite and spices which cascade on to the long and utterly seamless finish. Enthusiasts looking for a high-quality Cabernet that is absolutely stunning today but will also thrive in the cellar should without question seek out the 2021 Galitzine Cabernet from Quilceda Creek."
99 points
"The biggest and boldest of the range, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Clone 8 seduces with a pure heart of Red Mountain dustiness and shines with the purity of fruit and focus of Quilceda Creek's house style. Firm, rocky, juicy and expressive, the nose offers impeccable purity that flirts with triple digits. Full-bodied, layered and complex, this beauty will need at least one more year in the bottle and will have no trouble reaching its 25th birthday. The wine rested for 20 months in 100% French oak. Set to be released in August 2024, you'll want to mark your calendars for this devastatingly gorgeous release. Bravo. 18,000 bottles were made."
98 points
"The most structured and firmly tannic of the winery’s five bottlings, this intensely concentrated wine keeps the good acidity along with the fruit ripeness. Aromas of char, espresso, graphite and dark chocolate along with dried cherries and blackberries. Minerality is woven in with hints of black and white pepper, and the black fruit lingers on the finish. Best from 2029."
97 points
"Lastly, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard comes from a site on the lower slopes of Red Mountain and, as with the other top cuvées here, was aged in 100% new French oak. It has some classic Red Mountain savory herb, crushed stone, and graphite notes as well as a beautiful red and black-fruited core, full-bodied richness, ripe, building tannins, gorgeous overall balance, and a rare mix of power and elegance that's something to behold. It's mostly educational at this point and needs 4-5 years of bottle age, but it's going to age for at least two decades."