2012
Quilceda Creek
“Palengat” Red Wine
This year’s Palengat Proprietary Red Wine was sourced from the Palengat, Champoux, Wallula, and Tapteil vineyards, all located within the Columbia Valley AVA, and the sub-appellations of the Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain AVAs. The diversity of climates, soils, and temperatures between these regions gives us myriad options to work with in the winemaking, all in the name of producing the best possible wine from the best possible fruit we can obtain.
The 2012 Palengat is again Merlot-based (59 percent), adding 29 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 percent Cabernet Franc, and 5 percent Petit Verdot for aromatic, flavor, and textural complexity. On release, it displays plum, blackberry, and fig fruit on the palate accompanied by nuances of lavender, leather, and charcuterie on the nose. The richness on the palate is beautifully supported by a spirited acidity that merges seamlessly with the luxurious texture. Aged for 20 months in 100 percent new French oak, it should be in its prime into the 2020s.
Paul Golitzin, Director of Winemaking
96 points
“2012 Quilceda Creek ‘Palengat’ Proprietary Blend is a small production wine is sourced from an 8 acre vineyard that Alex Golitzin and John Ware bought a few years back. The wine itself is comprised of 53% Merlot, 29% Cabernet, 7% Cab Franc and 5% Petit Verdot which offers gorgeous aromas of ripe red cherries, crème de cassis and mocha with a savory edge that includes notes of anise, black olive and dried herbs. The mouthfeel is thick, layered and viscous supported by a gorgeous layer of underlying is acidity which provides excellent lift into the finish. This will really benefit with some time in the bottle but has already developed an incredible identity so far with its vibrant acidity, soft tannins tannins and a long lingering finish. Winemaker Paul Golitzin is experimenting with new territory, as this is a Merlot dominant wine, when the Palengat has historically always been a Cabernet based wine. The results are an outstanding wine, unlike any other Quilceda wine I’ve had in more than 10 vintages. (Best 2017-2030)”
94 points
The 2012 Palengat "offers a deep, decadent style to go with classic blackberry liqueur, blueberry, graphite, toasted spices and licorice. A big, beefy, layered and full-bodied effort, it has building tannin, a supple mid-palate and terrific length. It should evolve nicely for 2-4 years and hold for a decade or more after that."
93 points
"(100% new oak): Inviting aromas of blackcurrant, black raspberry, plum, Belgian chocolate and graphite minerality. Plump, round and mouthfilling; seriously dense and silky, showing enticing lift to the flavors of dark berries, licorice, graphite, lavender and cocoa powder. Finishes very long and vibrant, with big but fine-grained tannins and a repeating note of cocoa powder. Incidentally, the Palengat vineyard features the Golitzins' densest planting, at 2,410 vines to the acre."