2003 Quilceda Creek Merlot Washington
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Tasting notes
(includes 12.5% cabernet franc) Good ruby-red color. Lively aromas of redcurrant, tobacco, mocha and maple syrup. Then high-pitched and fresh in the mouth, with a slightly carnal tone to the flavors of dark cherry, redcurrant, tobacco, roasted marshmallow and herbs. Finishes with firm tannins and a hint of boysenberry. This has a pH of 3.8 but comes across as brighter than the Red Wine bottlings. Quilceda's merlot bottling has become consistently outstanding.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Though this is first and foremost a Cabernet producer, this fall Quilceda Creek will release an exceptional 2003 Merlot (400 cases). Produced with 12.5% Cabernet Franc, it brings to mind some of the finest St.-Emilions. Sweet black fruits and notes of roasted asphalt can be detected in its aromatics. Highly concentrated and dense, it is medium to full-bodied, suave, and silky-textured. Dark chocolate, blackberries, dark cherries, and hints of raspberries make up its boisterous flavor profile. Projected maturity: 2008-2020. Congratulations Alex and Paul, welcome to the big leagues. (Not yet released) Tel. (360) 568-2389; www.quilcedacreek.com
Red-ruby. Superripe aromas of raspberry, mocha, cedar, tobacco and chocolate, with sexy oak tones. Lush on entry, then impressively sweet in the mid-palate, with spicy red berry and smoke flavors lifted by mint and licorice notes from the 12% cabernet franc component. Finishes with an enticing sweet/dry character, excellent persistence and sophisticated, fine-grained tannins. In the past few years, Quilceda Creek's merlot has become one of North America's most interesting examples of this variety.
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.