Washington State’s meteoric rise in critical esteem owes a lot to the success of Quilceda Creek. They’ve amassed stacks of accolades nearly as tall as the Red Mountain AVA that made them famous around the globe. 
The winery’s founders, Alex and Jeannette Golitzin, bonded Quilceda Creek in 1978 at the urging of Alex’s uncle, André Tchelistcheff, the emeritus “Dean” of California winemakers. Their early vintages displayed irresistible dark fruit poured over a rigid, tannic scaffolding, and are still aging admirably today. But Quilceda Creek’s unequivocal success has not precluded a careful evolution in style. Gone are the knife-and-fork tannins from their early history. Instead, Alex and Jeannette’s son, Paul Golitzin, and his team are creating remarkably supple and refined wines. With their ample structure, they still benefit from extended cellaring, but today’s “CVR” (“Columbia Valley Red”) is for those of us seeking more immediate gratification. It’s the Polaroid version of their legendary Cabernet Sauvignon, drinking beautifully on release without sacrificing one iota of the densely packed fruit that rocket-launched Quilceda Creek to fame. There’s a great deal to be said for meticulously farmed, beautifully made wine that’s suitable for early drinking—you feel much less apprehension about popping the cork so soon. The 2016 CVR offers immediate and delicious pleasure and is more than reasonably priced relative to its pedigree. Don’t hold back!