2021
Quilceda Creek
“Tchelistcheff” Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 was one of the warmest growing seasons on record. Bud break occurred in early April, ahead of historical averages. In late June, a “heat dome” descended upon the west coast, shattering previous temperature records. Our detailed focus on vine nutrition allowed us to cultivate incredibly healthy vines that could withstand these high temperature swings. The heat proved to be beneficial, as it enabled ideal cluster and berry size, with the ability to stress the vines and control all aspects of growth. Veraison began in mid-July, in-line with recent years but early by historical standards. Temperatures cooled back down in September and October, allowing for extended hang time and optimal ripeness. Historically low yields, high Brix and good acidity, especially given the warmth of the year, were hallmarks of this vintage.
99 points
"The 2021 ‘Tchelistcheff’ is a tribute to Paul Golitzin’s uncle, Andre Tchelistcheff, who was a United States wine icon. Stored in all new French oak barrels, this wine comes from the Mach One Vineyard and utilizes Clonal 412 selections. The nose is incredibly complex with anise and black currant jelly alongside Arabica bean and suggestions of creosote. The palate is plush, soft and very refined with silky tannins that frame a core of deeply concentrated black fruits. With more air cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and suggestions of toasted hazelnut and salty accents all add to the enjoyment. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044."
99 points
"The 2021 ‘Tchelistcheff’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another wildly successful wine from Quilceda Creek in this vintage. It impresses with its incredibly inviting and fresh aromatic profile that gives way to ripe black currants and black cherries, which are woven together with exotic spices, pencil shavings, crushed violets, gravel and hints of melted black licorice that all take shape. On the palate this is every bit as stunning, as it displays a full body that is concentrated, focused and beautifully balanced. It continues to impress with its striking combination of power and finesse, as velvety layers of ripe dark fruits, exotic spices, crushed gravel and violets all continue to build and resonate through the long, seamless finish. The 2021 ‘Tchelistcheff’ is an utterly fascinating wine that should have a remarkable evolution ahead and should certainly be high on the radar for those who love world-class Cabernet."
99 points
"This distinctive wine from the Mach One Vineyard comes only from clone 412 grapes. A savory, woodsy, tobacco-like aroma leads to luxurious, concentrated and layered black cherries, black olives and graphite on generous, firm tannins that shape it and will help it age for a long time. The wine is memorable, opulent but balanced. Best from 2028."
99 points
"From the Mach One Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills and all Clone 412, raised in new oak, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Tchelistcheff is deep ruby/purple-hued and boasts an incredible nose of spiced black cherries, smoked tobacco, spicy oak, and graphite, with some loamy earth and obvious background minerality. It's rich, full-bodied, has beautifully integrated oak, velvety tannins, and a focused, pure mouthfeel that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve gracefully over the following two decades."
98 points
"Considerably bolder than the Palengat bottling from the same vineyard, Mach One, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Tchelistcheff Clone 412 showcases the classic house style of Quilceda Creek but, more interestingly, displays the dramatic diversity in mouthfeel, structure and complexity that each of the different Cabernet clones can offer. With a hedonistic backbone of juicy fruit, the Tchelistcheff overflows with oak tones, dusty purple flowers and generous layers of black and blue fruit tones. Full-bodied, fresh, firm, layered and complex, it has fine-grained tannins that have plenty of staying power and will remain food-friendly for over two decades. This fantastic wine will be released in April 2024. 2,616 bottles produced."