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Cab Selections from the Great Napa Decade -NYC Wine Tasting Group
New York, NY
Tasted June 11, 2014 by vinomex with 347 views
Introduction
Dinner and Tasting at Chez Jef.
Napa had a great run producing outstanding Cabernet between the years 2001-2010. During this 10-year period it was easy to believe Napa could not produce a bad Cab until the 2011 vintage arrived. While we are waiting for the release of the highly anticipated 2012 Napa vintage, this tasting will celebrate the decade between 2001-2010 of great Napa cabernets. We are tasting 6 cabs + a starter wine representing a nice sampling of those great vintage years.
Flight 1 (1 note)
Red
2010 Robert Foley The Griffin
90 points
This was the starter wine of the evening. This Griffin has all the stuffing to be a great wine in about 3 years. Primary, youthful, sweet fruit and tannins in check. Those who wait will be rewarded.
Flight 2 (1 note)
Red
2008 Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Cuvée
90 points
Drank after about 1 hour being opened. Nice balance and flavors of berries, a little oak, medium body. But the wine seemed too ordinary for a cali cab at this price point, and given the level of maturity. Perhaps more time can help but perhaps this will not evolve into something better. A little disappointed.
Flight 3 (1 note)
Red
2007 CrossBarn (Paul Hobbs) Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
91 points
Drinking very well right now. Similar notes as before (3/11/2013) but much smoother and softer.
Flight 4 (1 note)
Red
2006 Tamber Bey Cabernet Sauvignon Deux Chevaux Vineyard
91 points
Dranked about 1 hour after opening. A little flabby but smooth and tasty. Could benefit from extra cellaring (1+ years_ to bring the body in focus. Very pleasant and drinkable now.
Flight 5 (1 note)
Red
2005 Saint Helena Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Séduire Block 4
94 points
Remarkable at this stage. The wine has beautifully evolved and come together to reach a near perfect drinking stage. The wine shows lots of structure and is very focused on the palette. Nuanced but does not feel too aged.
Flight 6 (1 note)
Red
2003 James Johnson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Bisou
92 points
Solid bottle, dranked after about 1 hour of being opened, could use a little more decant time. Medium to full body.
Flight 7 (1 note)
Red
2002 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
91 points
Dranked about an hour after opening. As part of a 6 bottle cab blind tasting, this was an obvious Dunn. Lots of barnyard, earth, nuances of aging, roasted nuts, medium body. Extremely pleasant.