2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard

Quilceda Creek had no fear of showing their 2020s on my recent trip, nor did I find a hint of smoke taint during the tasting. This is a rich and sensual vintage for the estate, yet with the balance to mature beautifully over a long, open drinking window. This was also a great opportunity to catch up with the 2018s, now two years after release and still maturing at a glacial pace. Quilceda Creek knocked it out of the park in this fantastic vintage, but the wines will need more time to show their best. For those who can’t wait, the Galitzine Vineyard is the safest bet today for its energetic personality. Finally, I continue to be amazed by the level of quality and value that the estate packs into the CVR, a blending of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc sourced from a mix of estate vineyards. It’s a great introduction to the house style.