Purchased upon release and cellared in pristine fashion, this 17-year-old wine still has substantial verve. Deep garnet in color, it flaunts black cherry, tree bark, pipe tobacco and dried herb aromas. The flavors mirror the nose and the wine is well-structured. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (14.1%) and with melted tannins, it stays firm in the middle and closes with medium length. Cellaring is key here...those who can vouch for the provenance of the bottle will be rewarded. It was not expensive upon release and it demonstrates the ageworthiness of good-quality Napa Cabernet. Drink now-2018.
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Cork in perfect condition. A bit skunky on the nose at first, but it blows off – still a very earthy and savory aromatic profile, with soy, green peppers, chewing tobacco, fallen leaves and dried currants. Dusty tannic structure, medium acid, still got some energy but the fruit has faded. Just some currant tea and dried red berries, a bit too much soy, dead leaves and herb broth, but I also got some nice violet, Turkish coffee and anise notes. Past its prime, but an interesting experience.
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Much better than the last bottle. Great QPR for this wine. A dusty nose with dark fruit on the pallet along with pencil lead. Smooth with a decent back end with some floral and spice comming through.
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10/17/2016 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 90 Points
Purchased upon release and cellared in pristine fashion, this 17-year-old wine still has substantial verve. Deep garnet in color, it flaunts black cherry, tree bark, pipe tobacco and dried herb aromas. The flavors mirror the nose and the wine is well-structured. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (14.1%) and with melted tannins, it stays firm in the middle and closes with medium length. Cellaring is key here...those who can vouch for the provenance of the bottle will be rewarded. It was not expensive upon release and it demonstrates the ageworthiness of good-quality Napa Cabernet. Drink now-2018.
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12/4/2015 - isaacjamesbaker Likes this wine: 87 Points
Cork in perfect condition. A bit skunky on the nose at first, but it blows off – still a very earthy and savory aromatic profile, with soy, green peppers, chewing tobacco, fallen leaves and dried currants. Dusty tannic structure, medium acid, still got some energy but the fruit has faded. Just some currant tea and dried red berries, a bit too much soy, dead leaves and herb broth, but I also got some nice violet, Turkish coffee and anise notes. Past its prime, but an interesting experience.
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12/26/2012 - paulrc56 wrote: 91 Points
Much better than the last bottle. Great QPR for this wine. A dusty nose with dark fruit on the pallet along with pencil lead. Smooth with a decent back end with some floral and spice comming through.
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11/15/2012 - paulrc56 wrote: 88 Points
A lot of aok and flat fruit with no back end, kept to long?
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9/3/2012 - andyrowe wrote: 85 Points
Oops - kept this one too long.
Had two hours to breathe, not much left.
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