2006
Quilceda Creek
“Galitzine” Cabernet Sauvignon
The Galitzine Vineyard is a partnership between our family and the Holmes family of the highly acclaimed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. We planted this windblown site in 2001 and 2002, with a dense planting of 2,074 vines per acre on Hezel-over-Warden soils. The Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings thrive in the deep, sandy loam that’s ideal for root development, vine health, and vineyard uniformity. After the ease and perfection of the 2005 vintage conditions, Mother Nature made us work hard in 2006, which started with a wet spring followed by heat spikes. But a hot July, followed by mild September and October with some light precipitation allowed the fruit to come off the vine in great condition.
Our 2006 Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was in its sixth leaf and offers intermingled flavors and aromas of deep blackberry, black walnut, espresso, truffles, and pipe tobacco. Aged in 100 percent new French oak, we’re pleased that the soul of the Galitzine Vineyard came through in the finished wine. It should drink beautifully through 2030 and beyond.
Paul Golitzin, Director of Winemaking
96 points
"The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard, located in the Red Mountain AVA, is 100% varietal. Dark ruby/purple in color, it delivers an enticing nose of pain grille, pencil lead, earth notes, spice box, violets, and assorted black fruits. On the palate it is dense, ripe, full-bodied, and structured. Still a bit tightly wound, it will reveal its full potential with another 5-7 years of cellaring. It will provide much pleasure from 2015 to 2026 at the least."
94 points
"$98; Deep ruby-red. Sweet blackberry, cassis, licorice pastille and violet on the nose, plus a whiff of mocha. Very fresh flavors of crushed blackberry, bitter chocolate and menthol boast excellent definition and lift, with exotic floral and spice notes adding nuance. The most complete vintage yet for this bottling, finishing with suave, building tannins and complex notes of cocoa powder, dried flowers and incense. Not at all overly sweet. Especially remarkable in light of the fact that these vines were planted in 2001 and 2002."