1978 Markham Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Vineyard

Community Tasting Notes (2) Avg Score: 91.5 points

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  12/25/2023 - John Dunlap Likes this wine: 95 Points

  WOW. What an incredible wine! Probably one of the best wines tasted in 2023.
  
  Purchased at Dry Creek Liquors, Littleton, CO., in the early 1980s for $11.79 - before the employee discount. Stored in a cool cellar ever since.
  
  Ullage was approximately ½ inch. Cork was tight and required use of a Durand, as expected. The base of the cork was discolored for the first ½ inch, yet the cork was effective.
  
  Utterly amazing for a 45-year old bottle of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with the “Yountville Vineyard” designation. Going out on a limb, but I would surmise that these CS grapes came from an old vineyard given the density of flavors and how well the wine performed this evening.
  
  Decanted with a small amount of sediment. Color was a shockingly strong, red, hue with no signs of brown tawnyness. Nose and palate, were for the first 10 minutes, a bit astringent, but that soon subsided to reveal a common thread of fully integrated elements. Smells like old second growth Bordeaux w/o the cellar funk. Think sour cherries, leather, tar, red/black licorice, plum, dry red apple, and watermelon rind, to name just a few. There were also some very discrete savory spice notes on the marjoram / thyme spectrum, but noting objectionable. In addition, there was a bit of beefy bullion that shows up after about 30 minutes in the glass. This wine was quite well balance with acids, flavors, and tannins all in harmony. No eucalyptus, thankfully, and no oak interference. The wine seemed to reach its zenith at about two hours; no complaints whatsoever.
  
  I believe 1978 was richer rounder year, similar to 1980. And as I recall, I liked the 1978s and 1980s, better than the 1977s, 1979s, and 1981s, which for their own reasons, did not produce those broad-shouldered profiles. Alcohol 13.5 percent.
  
  How long will this wine age? I honestly, don’t know – maybe another five to ten years or so. I suspect the wine will outlive the cork, if that helps.
  
  (Served with grilled lamb, black-eyed peas, Brussels sprouts, and roasted sweet potatoes.) Merry Christmas.

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  2/2/1991 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 88 Points

  With MPL and BLR at Singer & Foy. Very dark color. Good viscosity. Nose is very shy. On the palate, good smooth, rich, ripe fruit. Nice texture-silky. Very nice. 5-10-16-7: 88/100.

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