Mature Midrange Cabs

FBM and I decided to pop a bunch of midrange Cabs we had lying around in our respective cellars. Always hopeful to find a wine that outperforms its pedigree, there were few in this group that rose to that level. A warmup to New Years Eve festivities.

• 1999 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  (12/31/2010)

  Still needs a decant, which I didn't give it. Opened a bit harsh on the finish, but rounded out very nicely after some time. Rich fruit, excellent balance, the best overall of 8 bottles opened. Perhaps a bit unfair as this was several years younger than most others opened.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 1997 Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (12/31/2010)

  Very nice, and among the top 3 wines (of 9) opened. Well balanced fruit, no rough edges. Fell apart Day 2. 91+ points.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 1997 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (12/31/2010)

  A little tight on opening, but improved with time in the glass. I expected this one to be amongst the leaders in an 8 bottle tasting, but it came in middle of the pack. Solid wine, 90 points give or take. Did not hold up well the second day.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 1994 The Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder

  (12/31/2010)

  Probably the best bottle of this I've had, and the best of 3 Hess bottles opened. Still very lively, rich fruit, good length. Showing maturity in a very dignified way. Surprisingly good. I expected the '94 Hess Reserve to outperform this one, but it did not.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 1996 The Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder

  (12/31/2010)

  Didn't show as well as the '94 also opened. Less fruit, more tired. Picked up on auction, this showed some signs of poor storage along the way, with slight hints of "cooked".

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 1994 The Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder

  (12/31/2010)

  Very tight and not as giving as the 94 Hess Mt. Veeder also opened.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2005 Williamson Wines Cabernet Sauvignon CMH

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (12/31/2010)

  Lots of oak, but thin fruit. Overall disappointing Didn't present the mustiness that most corked bottles do, but I have to wonder given the other more favorable reviews of this wine. Did not improve on Day 2.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 1996 Frazier Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (12/31/2010)

  Tired, odd, perhaps flawed.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 1997 Stonestreet Legacy Flawed

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  (12/30/2010)

  Cooked somewhere along the line

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

I was frankly disappointed by many of the bottles in this group. Several were outstanding (94 Hess Mt Veeder, 96 Raymond Reserve, 99 Dalla Valle) but the rest were either just "ok" or downright flawed. Many came across as having lost their youthfulness without gaining grace....an awkward place to be.