A beautiful well balanced and not over extracted Cab. This is a great example of what Napa wine could be. Although 38 years old, still drinking very young and has at least 10 more years to it.
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Out of curiosity I purchased this bottle when it hit the inbox. Benchmark does a solid job of procuring these bottles and it was in great shape once opened.
I would say the window for this drinking this wine with some fruit is coming to a close. At least that was the case for this bottle and however it was stored.
Still super powerful, while the dark fruit is still present, it’s defintiely moved into the tertiary flavors- leather, tobac, and forrest floor. There were some spice notes too and some dried flowers that bring me back to aged BDX. The nose was fantastic, exactly what one might think of aged Napa cab leaning toward old world. Note, we had a 86’ BV GLT the night prior and the Forman was by far the better wine, much more personality.
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Beautifully mature Napa cabernet -- ripe (but not overripe) fruit, resolved tannins, and acid in balance. This was in a great spot on PnP, but suffered a bit from being served alongside other more assertive wines. I really enjoyed lingering with this -- it's a wine that requires some attention.
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Five years since I last had this and it continues to impress. This wine seems primed for the long-haul as it remains fresh, vibrant and well-structured.
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P&P enjoyed over 3 hrs; Drk ruby red to the edge, no bricking; big complex nose of sage, thyme, mint in the 1st hr, later more savage,dried plum more like the Chinese dried plums, a little salty/mineral note; medium body still very fruit driven but not alcoholic like current wines; beautiful example of Napa Cabernet that earned the world stage as a top class terrior for Cabernet. Few Calif cabs equal, none better or more pure Cabernet. Just read JG note of a few yrs ago. IMHO he underestimates this wine significantly.
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The 1985 Forman is like drinking history in a bottle. They just don't make it like this anymore in Napa Valley. Super smooth with the tannins fully resolved. Featuring spice box and perfumed black fruits. Medium bodied with a long tart finish. These should be drunk up, but wow, what fun it is to relive some of Napa's earliest days.
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Nose of black berry, black cherry, and bell pepper, more of the same on the palate, medium/big body, mouth filling fruit, tasty, elegant, time to drink up, and a long finish.
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From Art's cellar. Quite different from the bottle I drank in June 2016. One-hour decant, cork was perfect. Garnet bowl, amber rim. Wine was very Pauillac-like this go around. Black currant, lead pencil, fines herbs and a little menthol in the nose. Menthol was much more subdued than the earlier bottle. Red fruit, cedar and mint in the mouth. Smooth, tannins all melted away. Better bottle than the 2016 bottle. This bottle could have easily lasted several more years.
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Lovely nose of black berry, black cherry, mint, sage, and forest floor, more of the same on the palate, medium/big body-closer to medium, rich, subdued and almost mouth filling fruit, very tasty, elegant, savory, about half way to a Bordeaux from Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for sure, my last bottle, time to drink up as its not getting better in my opinion, old style Ric Forman for sure, and a long finish.
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This was my favorite of the group, and the only one I might consider rebuying. Herby, but with a good underlay of red fruits, good acids, still just a touch of tannin. Mint/eucalyptus, solid length. B+
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From Art's cellar. Garnet in the center of the bowl bricking to amber on the rim. The nose was fins herbs, dark raspberry, and some menthol. Unlike other notes, I did not find the menthol overwhelming. The wine is ready to drink, tannins resolved with the fruit and herbs well-matched and the finish medium length. No bitterness. I do not believe it will improve further, but will hold for at least 5 years, presuming proper storage.
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Had this 2 1/2 years ago and it doesn't seemed to have moved a lick. Color remains dark throughout. I still like its restraint but I was much less tolerant of the overwhelming eucalyptus flavor.
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Halloween party. Told Gary the 1980 was Cabernet I enjoyed most so he opened this. Robust and impressive with good balance and sustaining structure. Second glass offered greater weight and richness. Only complaint is a lack of flavor complexity - eucalyptus dominated.
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So initiated but totally spoiled. This, my host's favorite producer and for myself, only made aware of it because of the same. I've been dying to try one for the better part of two years but my first, being this well aged could not possibly have been anticipated...and hard to imagine, will ever be matched. Twenty-seven years old and only a slightly bricking ruby. The aromatics were sublime with that mature, herb-tinged cigar box. This wine was so well integrated with a level of freshness that I could hardly believe. And imagine all this at only 12.5 ABV. My exposure to and so appreciation of well aged, old world Napa stalwarts is growing but again, it's simply by chance that I've been so lucky. Thanks Renee for the experience and your generosity...and Happy 50th!
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I think I was the beneficiary of a well stored bottle. Totally integrated tanins but still showing good structure with cedar and cigar cox and dusty fruit. This is probably not going to improve biut not fading fast. This has really evolved showing it's brdx roots. This was mostaken for a 83' Pichon Lallande.
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Color: Clear, garnet core to a faded garnet rim Nose: beautiful and pronounced red berry fruit. Cassis, black cherry, fig, coffee, slight lead/oak component, but mostly fruit Taste: confirms nose, red fruit, black cherry; tannin structure solid, refined yet firm tannins, smooth, medium lasting finish Overall: great example of aged California Cab, a testament to Ric's winemaking skill; DRINK NOW!
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very good and still lively. drank very well. clearly no harsh tannins left but also not showing any fabulous complexity just very very nice. Almost simple. But very good.
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Opened 7 hours in advance of dinner (NY Strip). Cork extracted with no problem. Color brickish, nose of oak and alcolhol. Taste of caramelized oak and very hot alcohol. Tasted once an hour. Reached its apogee at around 5 hours and held until dinner. Fruit came through, alcohol receded, oak remained. Tannins at the finish, drying but not excessive. Drink now.
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3/07 Ruby colored medium-bodied - earthen nose - sweet slightly acidic attack with soft rounded well-structured long-lasting finish - notes of red fruit and oak - the front is fading but back still has legs - shows aged bordeaux-like qualities. Drink now but still has time. 90-91 pts.
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Surprisingly youthful for a 20 year old wine. Initially restrained, the wine opened up with some time, especially the leftover I had the second day. Tannins were not obviously present.
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Fifth bottle with consistently good notes. Great example of how well California cabs can age. Bright ruby with no hint of browning. Nice bouquet. Blackcurrants with plenty of fruit in reserve. Slightly astringent finish from strong tannins that, although they have receded somewhat, show no signs of disappearing. I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't a better wine in 3-5 years. I certainly see no reason to rush to drink well-stored bottles.
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Drank this wonderful 21 year old cab today and it was really great. Only minor browning on the edge and an amazing amount of fruit still left to balance with the moderated tannins. This baby still has some life left to it but is clearly in its prime.
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Blind 1985 Bordeaux vs. CA (Cabernet) Tasting (Chicago IL): Blind 85 Bordeaux vs. CA tasting. Elegant nose and red cherry fruit to start. Same red cherry flavor on palate along with a nice earthy finish. Great that it's still showing primary fruit at 20 years. Truly elegant and completely integrated and balanced. Wish the finish were a bit longer.
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With K, Miranda, Mary, Garith, Richard, Gail and Brian at going away dinner (beef stew) for Rich and Gail. Medium-dark ruby. Excellent fruity bouquet. Elegant, refined, complex. On the palate, good depth and concentration. Chewy. Tannic finish. Fine bottle. 5-12-15-7: 89/100.
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At S&F survey of '85 Cabs. Very dark ruby color. Excellent depth. Nice deep, ripe core of fruit, with a slightly minty component. Complex. Cocoa too. On the palate it is rich with a good core of sweet Cabernet fruit. Nice job. Excellent wine. It's even drinkable now. 5-12-16-8: 91/100.
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At S&F survey of '85 Cabs. Very dark ruby color. Excellent depth. Nice deep, ripe core of fruit, with a slightly minty component. Complex. Cocoa too. On the palate it is rich with a good core of sweet Cabernet fruit. Nice job. Excellent wine. It's even drinkable now. 5-12-16-8: 91100.
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At MacArthur Park restaurant at dinner with MPL, BLR and Riley Dorit. Reddish-purple, the wine is very deep, beautiful. Extremely concentrated, deep rose-petal aroma. Big mouth filling, very tannic wine. Fruity and delicious. Very nice but very young. Long, tannic finish. 5-13-17-9: 94/100.
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2/27/2024 - t.c.green Likes this wine: 93 Points
A beautiful well balanced and not over extracted Cab. This is a great example of what Napa wine could be. Although 38 years old, still drinking very young and has at least 10 more years to it.
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1/20/2024 - MJP Hou TX Likes this wine: 92 Points
Out of curiosity I purchased this bottle when it hit the inbox. Benchmark does a solid job of procuring these bottles and it was in great shape once opened.
I would say the window for this drinking this wine with some fruit is coming to a close. At least that was the case for this bottle and however it was stored.
Cork was in great shape.
92
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7/30/2023 - JEP007 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Still super powerful, while the dark fruit is still present, it’s defintiely moved into the tertiary flavors- leather, tobac, and forrest floor. There were some spice notes too and some dried flowers that bring me back to aged BDX. The nose was fantastic, exactly what one might think of aged Napa cab leaning toward old world. Note, we had a 86’ BV GLT the night prior and the Forman was by far the better wine, much more personality.
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3/5/2023 - ekorn Likes this wine:
Beautifully mature Napa cabernet -- ripe (but not overripe) fruit, resolved tannins, and acid in balance. This was in a great spot on PnP, but suffered a bit from being served alongside other more assertive wines. I really enjoyed lingering with this -- it's a wine that requires some attention.
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4/20/2022 - DaleW wrote:
best showing of this one. Mature but not tired, mostly resolved tannin, red currant fruit framed with cedar and menthol. Tasty. A-
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9/24/2021 - VDLT Wine Likes this wine:
Five years since I last had this and it continues to impress. This wine seems primed for the long-haul as it remains fresh, vibrant and well-structured.
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5/30/2021 - Nanda wrote: 92 Points
En magnum. Delivers a big nose full of cigar box, tobacco and dried fruits. Sunny and round in the mouth with ample remaining freshness and power.
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5/30/2021 - Burgundy Al wrote:
A 65th Birthday Celebration, Slightly COVID Delayed (EL Ideas - Chicago IL): Late night, small glass, brief note. Absolutely charming older styled Cali Cab, back in the day when Cali Cab was elegant and finessed and cellarworthy.
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1/19/2021 - vinojones wrote: 95 Points
P&P enjoyed over 3 hrs;
Drk ruby red to the edge, no bricking; big complex nose of sage, thyme, mint in the 1st hr, later more savage,dried plum more like the Chinese dried plums, a little salty/mineral note; medium body still very fruit driven but not alcoholic like current wines; beautiful example of Napa Cabernet that earned the world stage as a top class terrior for Cabernet.
Few Calif cabs equal, none better or more pure Cabernet.
Just read JG note of a few yrs ago. IMHO he underestimates this wine significantly.
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3/21/2020 - jgreco Likes this wine: 91 Points
The 1985 Forman is like drinking history in a bottle. They just don't make it like this anymore in Napa Valley. Super smooth with the tannins fully resolved. Featuring spice box and perfumed black fruits. Medium bodied with a long tart finish. These should be drunk up, but wow, what fun it is to relive some of Napa's earliest days.
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10/22/2019 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose of black berry, black cherry, and bell pepper, more of the same on the palate, medium/big body, mouth filling fruit, tasty, elegant, time to drink up, and a long finish.
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4/4/2018 - OenophilistMN Likes this wine: 90 Points
From Art's cellar. Quite different from the bottle I drank in June 2016. One-hour decant, cork was perfect. Garnet bowl, amber rim. Wine was very Pauillac-like this go around. Black currant, lead pencil, fines herbs and a little menthol in the nose. Menthol was much more subdued than the earlier bottle. Red fruit, cedar and mint in the mouth. Smooth, tannins all melted away. Better bottle than the 2016 bottle. This bottle could have easily lasted several more years.
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12/29/2017 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 93 Points
Lovely nose of black berry, black cherry, mint, sage, and forest floor, more of the same on the palate, medium/big body-closer to medium, rich, subdued and almost mouth filling fruit, very tasty, elegant, savory, about half way to a Bordeaux from Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for sure, my last bottle, time to drink up as its not getting better in my opinion, old style Ric Forman for sure, and a long finish.
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10/11/2016 - DaleW wrote:
This was my favorite of the group, and the only one I might consider rebuying. Herby, but with a good underlay of red fruits, good acids, still just a touch of tannin. Mint/eucalyptus, solid length. B+
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6/28/2016 - OenophilistMN Likes this wine: 88 Points
From Art's cellar. Garnet in the center of the bowl bricking to amber on the rim. The nose was fins herbs, dark raspberry, and some menthol. Unlike other notes, I did not find the menthol overwhelming. The wine is ready to drink, tannins resolved with the fruit and herbs well-matched and the finish medium length. No bitterness. I do not believe it will improve further, but will hold for at least 5 years, presuming proper storage.
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5/13/2016 - VDLT Wine wrote:
Had this 2 1/2 years ago and it doesn't seemed to have moved a lick. Color remains dark throughout. I still like its restraint but I was much less tolerant of the overwhelming eucalyptus flavor.
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10/14/2014 - coremill wrote: flawed
Not undrinkable, but oddly citric, flat, and short. I suspect this was not a correct bottle.
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4/20/2014 - rm97 wrote: 91 Points
delicious old style Bordeaux Napa Cab. Nicely resolved. Still some years on this one.
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11/20/2013 - fournet wrote: 91 Points
Holding up really well. Mellow tannins. In a good window.
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10/26/2013 - VDLT Wine Likes this wine:
Halloween party. Told Gary the 1980 was Cabernet I enjoyed most so he opened this. Robust and impressive with good balance and sustaining structure. Second glass offered greater weight and richness. Only complaint is a lack of flavor complexity - eucalyptus dominated.
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5/28/2012 - golfwine wrote: 94 Points
So initiated but totally spoiled. This, my host's favorite producer and for myself, only made aware of it because of the same. I've been dying to try one for the better part of two years but my first, being this well aged could not possibly have been anticipated...and hard to imagine, will ever be matched. Twenty-seven years old and only a slightly bricking ruby. The aromatics were sublime with that mature, herb-tinged cigar box. This wine was so well integrated with a level of freshness that I could hardly believe. And imagine all this at only 12.5 ABV. My exposure to and so appreciation of well aged, old world Napa stalwarts is growing but again, it's simply by chance that I've been so lucky. Thanks Renee for the experience and your generosity...and Happy 50th!
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2/13/2011 - g-man wrote: 92 Points
I think I was the beneficiary of a well stored bottle. Totally integrated tanins but still showing good structure with cedar and cigar cox and dusty fruit. This is probably not going to improve biut not fading fast. This has really evolved showing it's brdx roots. This was mostaken for a 83' Pichon Lallande.
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2/27/2009 - RScellar wrote: 91 Points
Color: Clear, garnet core to a faded garnet rim
Nose: beautiful and pronounced red berry fruit. Cassis, black cherry, fig, coffee, slight lead/oak component, but mostly fruit
Taste: confirms nose, red fruit, black cherry; tannin structure solid, refined yet firm tannins, smooth, medium lasting finish
Overall: great example of aged California Cab, a testament to Ric's winemaking skill; DRINK NOW!
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12/13/2008 - Michael wrote: 88 Points
very good and still lively. drank very well. clearly no harsh tannins left but also not showing any fabulous complexity just very very nice. Almost simple. But very good.
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5/11/2008 - Italiana wrote: 89 Points
Opened 7 hours in advance of dinner (NY Strip). Cork extracted with no problem. Color brickish, nose of oak and alcolhol. Taste of caramelized oak and very hot alcohol. Tasted once an hour. Reached its apogee at around 5 hours and held until dinner. Fruit came through, alcohol receded, oak remained. Tannins at the finish, drying but not excessive. Drink now.
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11/4/2007 - GA wrote: 90 Points
3/07 Ruby colored medium-bodied - earthen nose - sweet slightly acidic attack with soft rounded well-structured long-lasting finish - notes of red fruit and oak - the front is fading but back still has legs - shows aged bordeaux-like qualities. Drink now but still has time. 90-91 pts.
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11/4/2007 - wynnewood500 wrote:
Surprisingly youthful for a 20 year old wine. Initially restrained, the wine opened up with some time, especially the leftover I had the second day. Tannins were not obviously present.
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1/27/2007 - zazim wrote: 92 Points
Fifth bottle with consistently good notes. Great example of how well California cabs can age. Bright ruby with no hint of browning. Nice bouquet. Blackcurrants with plenty of fruit in reserve. Slightly astringent finish from strong tannins that, although they have receded somewhat, show no signs of disappearing. I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't a better wine in 3-5 years. I certainly see no reason to rush to drink well-stored bottles.
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6/29/2006 - Screameagle wrote: 91 Points
Drank this wonderful 21 year old cab today and it was really great. Only minor browning on the edge and an amazing amount of fruit still left to balance with the moderated tannins. This baby still has some life left to it but is clearly in its prime.
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5/3/2006 - Burgundy Al wrote: 91 Points
Blind 1985 Bordeaux vs. CA (Cabernet) Tasting (Chicago IL): Blind 85 Bordeaux vs. CA tasting. Elegant nose and red cherry fruit to start. Same red cherry flavor on palate along with a nice earthy finish. Great that it's still showing primary fruit at 20 years. Truly elegant and completely integrated and balanced. Wish the finish were a bit longer.
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9/17/2000 - buckeye76 wrote: 92 Points
BLACKBERIES, BLACK CHERRIES AND LEATHER IN THE NOSE. FLAVOR LIKE THE NOSE. NICE COMPLEXITY AND A MEDIUM TO LONG FINISH.
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5/10/1997 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 94 Points
1985 Tasting of 15 Cabernet Sauvignons (Walnut Creek, Ca.): Deep red color in the glass, nice, rich, fruity nose, chewy, meaty, fruity taste, nice, big berry fruit, good acid, long finish. My #2 tonight.
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5/15/1993 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 93 Points
FORMAN NAPA VALLEY (Hi-Time Wine Cellars, Costa Mesa, Ca.): Great, rich, dusty cab nose, great, rich berry taste, intense nose, berry sweet in the mouth, great berry finish, brooding fruit, needs 3 years to peak.
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5/4/1991 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 89 Points
With K, Miranda, Mary, Garith, Richard, Gail and Brian at going away dinner (beef stew) for Rich and Gail. Medium-dark ruby. Excellent fruity bouquet. Elegant, refined, complex. On the palate, good depth and concentration. Chewy. Tannic finish. Fine bottle. 5-12-15-7: 89/100.
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4/13/1991 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 91 Points
At S&F survey of '85 Cabs. Very dark ruby color. Excellent depth. Nice deep, ripe core of fruit, with a slightly minty component. Complex. Cocoa too. On the palate it is rich with a good core of sweet Cabernet fruit. Nice job. Excellent wine. It's even drinkable now. 5-12-16-8: 91/100.
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4/13/1991 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 91 Points
At S&F survey of '85 Cabs. Very dark ruby color. Excellent depth. Nice deep, ripe core of fruit, with a slightly minty component. Complex. Cocoa too. On the palate it is rich with a good core of sweet Cabernet fruit. Nice job. Excellent wine. It's even drinkable now. 5-12-16-8: 91100.
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8/16/1988 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 94 Points
At MacArthur Park restaurant at dinner with MPL, BLR and Riley Dorit. Reddish-purple, the wine is very deep, beautiful. Extremely concentrated, deep rose-petal aroma. Big mouth filling, very tannic wine. Fruity and delicious. Very nice but very young. Long, tannic finish. 5-13-17-9: 94/100.
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4/1/1988 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine:
Amis du Vin tasting sponsored by Wine House. 4th out of 9 wines.
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