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New Year's Eve 2008 with Friends: Caymus 1996.97.98.99 plus a few special guests
B & N Ranch
Tasted December 31, 2008 by Arcturus with 549 views
Introduction
New Years Eve 2008 began with a cheese dish of Rogue River Blue, Stilton, Ossua Irraty and 10 yr Hook's Cheddar which was accompanied by a fine Laurent Perrier Champagne Demi Sec.
Next, we began the 1996-1999 Caymus Cab vertical. The wines were enjoyed throughout the night and during the lobster thermador and filet mignon dinner. For dessert we were treated to a Château d'Yquem paired with assorted chocolate truffels and blue cheeses.
At midnight, we toasted the new year with a a bottle of 1990 Dom Perignon.
Flight 1 (6 notes)
Red
1996 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
Decanted 3 hours. Nose of spice, caramel, charred meat. Heavier than expected mid-palate. The tannins seemed hearty and alive- a bruiser compared to the more elegant 1997. The finish was evolved but had a heavier feel like coarse, 40 grit sandpaper vs 220 for the 1997 (but in a good way). My favorite Caymus tonight out of the 96,97,98,99 lineup. 94
Red
1997 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
Decanted 3 hours. Nose- floral bouquet accented with a touch of licorice. Seemed feminine relative to the 96. Mediium-weight midpalate. Elegant, soft mouthfeel and fine tannins on the finish. A close second for me on the night out of the 1996,97,98,99 lineup. 93
Red
1998 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
This was the third Caymus of the night, following the 1996, 1997..tough acts to follow. Drew a blank trying to come up with solid descriptors for the nose, muted. Mid-pa;ate was a bit light and the finish seemed abrupt. It just did not register as Caymus-caliber tonight... 88.
Red
1999 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
4th Caymus of the night following the 1996.97.98. Decanted 2 hrs. Did not posses the finesse of the 1997, was more like the 1996 in terms of its heftiness and textured finish. Palate- black fruits and currant. 91
White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château d'Yquem
100 points
Wow. This was a rock concert in the mouth. Wonderful experience. I was going to score it a 99 since it is supposed to improve but it seemed as close to a perfect wine as I can imagine. 100
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Comment
White - Sparkling
1990 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon
What a bummer. Not sure what happened but this champagne never showed up. Minimal nose, no complexity, no biscuits! Unfortunately a poor showing -will reserve judgement as I know this was not an adequate representative.
Closing
An unforgettable night of great food, wine and company.
HAPPY NEW YEAR