NEWS: Quilceda Creek does it again

[Jenise]

Borrowing from Doug Charles' (Compass Wines, Anacortes) emailer:

The only Bordeaux varietal wine in the world to ever score a perfect 100 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 3 out of 4 years running. You read that correctly; not Harlan, not Screaming Eagle, not Petrus, not Lafite not Ausone. Never has a wine made from Cabernet, Merlot or any other of the grapes originating in the most famous region of France been rated this highly by this, arguably the most influential wine publication in the world. Add to this that in the last 5 releases, the wine has scored no less than 98 points, and the argument can be made that Quilceda Creek is the finest and most sought after Cabernet Sauvignon producer in the world.

Jenise,
Have you ever tasted the wine?
I wouldn't think too much of the hype in the absence of tasting it yourself. I have; I'm not impressed.
Best, Jim

[David M. Bueker]

2001 was the final vintage before the vaunted "streak." Not surprisingly it's the last vintage of Quilceda that I actually enjoy. I have magnum of the 2002 that will be a great way to get into some fabulous offline. That's the only way I am ever drinking it.

[Jenise]

Jenise,
Have you ever tasted the wine?
I wouldn't think too much of the hype in the absence of tasting it yourself. I have; I'm not impressed.
Best, Jim

Jim, I've never had any of the new spoofulated vintages, and I've never tasted a young QC, but I have had (and loved) several of the pre-Parkerized 80's and early 90's vintages ten or so years out.

IOW, I am very positive I'm not a fan of the new style, but this was interesting news nonetheless.

I have one last bottle of the 1993, Had six of them and haven't liked one yet. I suppose I should open it and "face the music"

I've had most recent vintages of QC, thanks to a friend who buys a couple of cases a year. I'm not a big fan of over-ripe, big fruited wines that are out of balance. But I don't think QC is in that category. Even when young, and that's only when I have tasted them, there is a balance of fruit, acidity, tannins. Nothing really sticks out and hurts. There is not a predominance of chocolate/mocha or toast or sweetness that I think of when I hear someone suggest 'manipulation.'

Are these big wines, bigger than the bdx that I love? Yes, but I can enjoy them nonetheless because of the terrific structure. Will they last as long as the '82 Cheval Blanc I had recently? Who knows? But I wouldn't write them off just cuz someone says they are new world in style. We ARE in the new world, after all, and there is terroir.

I probably would buy some QC if I was offered the opportunity, though that's not gonna happen.. so I spend on Montelena or Anderson's Conn Valley or something along those lines. I'm happy to try one any time someone wishes to share, and, like the Albans, Saxums and Switchback Ridges and some other such wines that some folks love to bash for their `bigness', well, they also (usually) have the acidity and tannic structure to carry a little more fruit and alcohol and remain balanced.

So.. I wouldn't put QC in that too easy category of `spoofulated' that gets bandied about far too often... I don't think the shoe fits in this case.. YMMV though. Do I think it's a 100 point wine? A whole other question..

Jenise,
Have you ever tasted the wine?
I wouldn't think too much of the hype in the absence of tasting it yourself. I have; I'm not impressed.
Best, Jim

I've got a couple of 95s and 96s, maybe the next time you're out here we can get together, taste them and come up with a definitive conclusion based on our inherent expertise.

I have one last bottle of the 1993, Had six of them and haven't liked one yet. I suppose I should open it and "face the music"

C`mon Bob, glass of Marsanne first and you will be a happy fella as you untwist the screwcap on the QC.

I am on the mailing list for this wine but still have not purchased any. I was going to this last time but the other two Noland brothers were not too interested and I did not log on fast enough to secure my few bottles (I think I was traveling at the time). I have only tasted it once and have to admit I liked it but was concerned on it ageing potential.

[David M. Bueker]

Ok here's the deal - Mo'Cool 2012 I will bring the mag of 2002 Quilceda.

Ok here's the deal - Mo'Cool 2012 I will bring the mag of 2002 Quilceda.

I hope there is a 2009, and I REALLY hope there is a 2012. Plus, I hope I can afford to drive to it.

Ok here's the deal - Mo'Cool 2012 I will bring the mag of 2002 Quilceda.

I hope there is a 2009, and I REALLY hope there is a 2012. Plus, I hope I can afford to drive to it.

Bob,
I think we are back on track for 08 and looking good for the future! Lets hope we do have a place to open those "special" bottles resting quietly in the cellar for the right occasion.

I understand the driving part, this is really hurting my wine budget. I have to combine trips to the wine store with other unworthy stops to make the trip worthwhile.