2016 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Palengat Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, licorice, violet and bitter chocolate are accented by pungent herbs and tobacco leaf. In the mouth, the intense dark berry, licorice and herb flavors are lifted by a high-pitched violet note that's likely from the Cabernet Franc component. Despite the high pH, this wine conveys an impression of sound acidity. Finishes classically dry and very long, with a fine dusting of tannins saturating the mouth. (3.97 pH; the Golitzins consider this to be their proprietary Bordeaux blend; aged for 20 months in 100% new oak, mostly Taransaud with some Darnajou)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A members-only bottling composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, the nose of the 2016 Palengat Vineyard is filled with robust black and dark red fruit along with subtle floral aromas and savory spices. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is rich and hearty on the palate, with a stream of minerality that merges into a strict tannic edge. It concludes with an abundance of oak on the long finish. Only 1,275 cases were made.
The 2016 Palengat is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 11% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, and it’s one of the smaller production cuvees. It’s a rich, full-bodied effort and has wonderful purity in its crème de cassis, graphite, and ample pencil lead like nuances, with an almost Pauillac vibe. With fine, sweet tannins, a great mid-palate, and considerable elegance and finesse matched up to classic Quilceda power and richness, it’s a beautiful wine to drink over the coming 15-20 years.
About the producer
Founded in 1978, Quilceda Creek helped put Washington Cabernet on the world stage. Mentored by André Tchelistcheff, the family-owned winery became renowned for its powerful, age-worthy Cabernets and was the first U.S. winery outside California to earn 100 points from Wine Advocate.