December 31, 2023 - Excellent cabernet, it's softened nicely over the last 23 years. Quite balanced, not such an unctuous bottle as its younger counterparts.
November 24, 2023 - solid but disappointing in proportion to the heft of the bottle; drink up
November 26, 2021 - Opened for the 2021 Thanksgiving Dinner and tasted alongside the 1997 Penfolds RWT Shiraz...
This one came in second best by unanimous consent..
Deep dark red, almost black in the center. On the nose cedar, tar, tannins.
On the palate there was some sweet fruit and chocolaty impressions. Overall the wine lacked complexity, charm, depth and length and seemed to be past its prime.
It tried hard to impress but - for me - did not succeed.
This confirmed again my perception that Napa Cabernets will not shine much beyond 15 year of age.
Shame on me for keeping it too long!
October 9, 2021 - Quaffable.
September 15, 2021 - Had a very "blue fruit" nose, with a touch of woodiness. Quite full bodied, it had round blackish fruit on the front of the palate that accompanied the slightly drying tannins all the way through the finish. Background notes of minerals and earth were present as well. Very smooth, but probably past its prime. Drink up.
April 8, 2021 - I bought mine on release. A case. Last bottle tonight with short ribs. It may not be as good as it was but it’s darn good. If I had another I’d drink it next year. If I knew a year or two ago what I know now I’d have drank it then.
February 13, 2021 - Good
January 28, 2021 - plum, espresso, black cherries, anise, black currant and earth
secondary fruit, more earthy now. doesn't have enough acidity to hold up much longer IMO
July 3, 2020 - PnP then decanted over couple of hours. Off bottle or just a bit tired as the bitterness shone through a bit too much not allowing the dark fruits to come through. If this bottle is representative than these are waning.
January 3, 2020 - This was fabulous. Nose of blueberry. Soft but beautiful fruit with surprisingly mellowed oak. So smooth. Loved this 20 year old!