Wait, did you say Quilceda Creek and white wine in the same breathe? Yes. It was the first and only bottling to date. This special release was offered in the spring of 2022 to benefit José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, particularly around the then fresh conflict in Ukraine. The release sold out in under an hour.
For those not familiar with Quilceda Creek, they are a Washington state vintner that produced a succession of 100-point Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the 00s. Those were the first 100 point wines in the state and sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Today they make several clone specific Cabernet Sauvignon releases. The white wine we are talking about here is so far a singular instance amongst their Cabernet Sauvignon focus.
So what was this simply labeled "white wine"? This was a blend in the style of Bordeaux Blancs - 66% Semillon and 34% Sauvignon Blanc. It is a unique intersection of French Bordeaux-style and Washington-style. This medium bodied wine gives the familiar Bordeaux notes of grass, lemon, and grapefruit. Here in Washington the flavors are fuller (think more ripe than tart) due to the growing conditions and our diurnal temperature shifts. There is some white flower and ripe pear in this too. Between those ripe fruit flavors and the medium body this is a pleasure to drink. For food, this got paired with roast chicken with a French herbed roast chicken. As we creep into spring here in the northwest, the classic pairing went well together.
This may seem like an odd wine to feature because it is unlikely to be found. I mean I was lucky to snag a bottle in that first hour. The reason this wine is featured is to show you an excellent Washington wine that brings a northwest flair to a classic French blend. Our state's climate makes for some great grape growing. If you like Bordeaux Blanc bottlings, you should check out how this same blend works here in Washington. If you are still exploring single varietal wines, this blend is accessible for those liking crisp wines like Semillon and for those that like the more floral notes of Sauvignon Blanc. Other examples of this blend are Novelty Hill-Januik Winery's Sauvignon Blanc (it actually has some Semillon in there too) from Sagemoor Vineyards, L’Ecole No. 41's Luminesce white wine, or DeLille’s Chaleur Blanc. If you do run across the Quilceda Creek bottle, don't hesitate and pick that up. Perhaps we will be treated again to a white release.
The Notes
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Origin | Columbia Valley AVA (Washington) |
| Grapes | 66% Semillon, 34% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Appearance | clear, pale lemon |
| Aroma Intensity | clean, pronounced intensity of primary and secondary aromas |
| Amoras | grass, lemon, white flower, grapefruit |
| Development | Developing |
| Sweetness | dry |
| Acidity | medium + |
| Tannin | N/A |
| Alcohol | high (14.8% ABV) |
| Body | medium |
| Flavor intensity | medium |
| Flavors | grass, hint of toast, grapefruit, lemon, ripe pear, ginger |
| Finish length | medium |
| Quality | very good |
| Level of readiness | Drink now, but has potential for aging |