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1998

Quilceda Creek
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

quilceda creek washington state columbia valley cabernet sauvignon

The 1998 vintage was produced in the sixth hottest season among the previous 46 years that had been recorded in eastern Washington. This resulted in ultra-ripe fruit with fully ripe, soft tannins and full fruit expression. Despite the excellence of the grapes, we declassified 30 percent of the vintage into a red table wine in order to maximize the quality of our Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend is 97 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 3 percent Cabernet Franc, with the fruit sourced from the Champoux, Klipsun, and Tapteil vineyards. The wine received 22 months in 100 percent new French oak before bottling.

A wine of prodigious depth and breadth, its fruit concentration on release was formidable. It has grown more multi-layered with time, and its earthy-savory character has emerged. By all accounts, its style now resembles top-tier Bordeaux as much as it represents the best of Washington State. There were 2,500 cases produced. —

Paul Golitzin, Director of Winemaking


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