May 26, 2023 - Part of an odds and ends event for my wine group. All the wines were opened, but not decanted for at least 45 minutes before serving. I have no idea where this bottle came from, as it wasn't on my inventory or my purchase history. Maybe it was a gift? Although I did by the 2010 and 2012 vintages. Anyway, I felt that the CT reviews were inconsistent, so I was concerned about this wine. I shouldn't have worried. It was great! Long finish, with the blue-ish fruit I tend to associate with WA State. This was tied for my favorite WOTN with the 2005 Anderson's Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.
May 28, 2022 - Decanted for 2 hours and tasted then drank again 1 day later. A good wine, but not spectacular. Not up to the usual high standards of Quilceda Creek. Smooth and understated, but lacking in character. Definitely not worth the price.
November 26, 2021 - Similar experience to the 2010 Q Galitzine a few months ago. Too much heat. Wife thought she was taking a shot. Undoubtedly has good fruit, silky tannins but everything falls apart on the finish. It burns. Just not my style and won’t be drinking again. Entirely out of balance.
August 26, 2021 - 1st of all DECANT DECANT DECANT this got so much better the second hour I can't describe it. 1st opening was musty but quickly faded to a softer approachable nose after a bit. Once it began to open it was a Fruit bomb of flavors that were so complex I couldn't even begin to describe them. After 90 minutes its finish was like rich chocolate milk with chunky dark berry notes that me lusting for more as the bottle ran out. Possibly one of the best 5 wines I've ever tasted simply Outstanding.
October 16, 2020 - Second glass from Coravin. Very expressive and well integrated at this point, with a relatively light mouth feel even at 15% ABV. Nose is bright and fresh with mountain berry fruit, green forest, savory holiday spice. The palate shows a bit of alcohol, with more fresh crushed berry, hints of forest floor, chalky and loamy, some sweet pipe tobacco. I have shied away from the big domestic wines but this is quite nice and refreshing. Ready now, no need to wait as i feel freshness is what makes these wine shine.
May 22, 2020 - After a one hour decant the 2011 Galitzine was explosive on the nose with rich blue-black fruit and a long finish but maybe a touch too much alcohol. Over the course of the evening the wine became a little spicy and somewhat tannic on the finish. With a few more years it has the potential to be special. The first glass was really exciting.
February 7, 2020 - Decanted and drank over 2 hours w grilled steak. Muted nose, very little aromatics, midpalate has excellent texture but is absent of enough fruit for a wine of this price point. The finish is oaky w hints of dark chocolate. This wine simply under performs for the name and price.
November 17, 2019 - Anniversary dinner, seemed tight/closed up upon opening. With air there was slight improvement but overall just average.
April 21, 2019 - Think this is in a nice place right now. Black fruit, cassis, well integrated tannins, just a touch of spicy oak on the finish. Nice job with the cooler growing season all around.
April 14, 2018 - My first Galitzine. Gave it 6h slow ox then a double decant. Drank over maybe 40m. So indulgently good. At first the oak felt separated but soon it melded with focused fruit as one new being. This is QC through and through and what every great American Cab wants to be. My vote is to drink now. This has a long drinking window but aren’t we all in it for the young, supple, decadent fruit?