Wine Article

Winemaker's Notes: The Quilceda Creek 2008 Palengat Proprietary Red Wine displays the wonderful aromatics and perfume-like qualities of the Horse Heaven Hills A.V.A. Planted in 1997-2002 on deep, consistent, Sagehill series soil, the Palengat Vineyard is family-owned. It is located on an ideal south facing slope on Phinney Hill, right next to the famous Champoux Vineyard. Palengat Vineyard is managed by Paul Champoux and is 8.5 acres in size, with 59% of the vines being high-density (2270 vines/acre). Having this many vines per acre fills in the mid-palate often missing from varietals such as Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This source allows us to make wines from these varietals that are dense, rich, full-bodied, and complex. The wine showcases floral, violet, plum, and cassis fruit with complex layers of anise, black tea, and soy. Aged in 100% new French Oak for 22 months, it is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. This version marks the third private release of this wine; the 2006 and 2007 received scores of 95 and 96 points respectively (Wine Advocate).