4 Decades of Grace Family Vineyards:IWFSC Napa Trip 5/10/2012 - 5/12/12

Grace Family Vineyards, CA
Tasted Saturday, May 12, 2012 by jlgnml with 482 views

Introduction

This was put together to show case 4 decades of Grace Family Vineyards. The '79, '80 and '95 were served from magnum and the '02 was from 3 - 750 format bottles. Lunch was catered by Panevino a local caterer focused on "food for wine". David Katz did a great job with the food and especially the service.

Flight 1 (1 Note)

House-Cured Salumi including Saucisson Provencal, Chorizo Español, Sopressata, Finocchiona and Duck Prosciutto
Local Artisan Cheeses (3)
Marinated Olives, Roasted Nuts,
Breads & Flatbreads

Flight 2 (4 Notes)

Salad of Forni Brown Baby Lettuces
with Andante Dairy Minuet, Brioche Crouton, and Candied Organic Cherry Tomatoes
with Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette

Pan-Seared Loin of Colorado Lamb with Italian Salsa Verde,
and Herbed Saffron Couscous with Pine Nuts and Currants

  • 1979 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Grace Family Vineyard

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    1979 Grace Family Cabernet Sauvignon- This wine was medium red, with only very slight bricking around the edge of the glass. The nose was delightful, with cedar and tobacco initially, yet over time this gave way to floral violet notes with undertones of bramble and dried herbs. Tasting the wine reveals sweet medium fruit with the delightful fresh acidity. There is a hint of spice also. The tannins are nearly fully integrated and the wine has a soft velvety mouthfeel. Most surprisingly, the wine has a length of 45+ seconds. Impressive!

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  • 1980 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Grace Family Vineyard

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    1980 Grace Family Cabernet Sauvignon- This wine has the structure of a classic left bank Cabernet based Bordeaux. Medium red with only lightening around the edges of the glass and no bricking, it possesses a nose of oak, coffee and dark red cherry. With time the nose evolve into what I would describe as my Grandmother’s attic (wood, dust, leather and perfume). The wine again has fresh acidity enveloped by red cherry, and even a bit of darker fruit. There are hints of oak which are morphing into leather. The spice notes are subtle and present only as an adjunct to the fruit, leather and oak. The tannins are soft but still present. The wine lingers on the palate for 30 seconds.

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  • 1995 Grace Family Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

    1995 Grace Family Cabernet Sauvignon- This wine is dark, rich and opulent. It is deep red, with a nose of rich dark berry, espresso and BOTH black and red licorice. The tannins are still significant, but soft enough not to make the wine astringent. Again, there is the nice acidity, with loads and loads of ripe black fruit with goes on and on. This wine will last many more years.

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  • 2002 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    2002- Grace Family Cabernet Sauvignon- This is again a rich and concentrated wine. It is deep red almost to purple. The nose is full of dark fruit and spice, as well as loamy earth. The tannins are significant, but again soft enough for pleasurable current drinking. The bright acidity is again present, and lighten the brooding edges. The fruit and spice on the palate is a bit reticent, but leaves the impression that there is substantial concentration of flavor that with a few more years of bottle age with show forth beautifully. It is a well balanced and integrated wine that has a great life ahead of it.

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Closing

This was a fantastic lunch, high above the foothills in Napa and from Dick and Ann's pool area we were able to overlook Napa Valley. Dick and Ann were unable to attend as he was receiving a Humanatarian award from Ellis Island in NY. We were very fortunate to have is daughter in law, Lynn Grace, play substitute for the afternoon. Thank you Dick and Ann. And a special thanks goes out to Dr. Tom for his incredible wine notes.

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