Community Tasting Notes 5

• BHRH Likes this wine: 94 points

  March 12, 2022 - from magnum. 1989 was an infamously cool rainy vintage and only a few gems were harvested before the big rains -and this was obviously one of them! Decanted 30 minutes before serving - lots of crust and some fine sediment. Cork in excellent condition. Slight amber edge to the dark garnet wine. Lots of complex cedar, cigar box, herbs and mature cassis on the nose. Exceptionally well-balanced palate with deep but medium-bodied cassis, a touch earthy, blackberries, vanilla and cedar. Finish was medium+ with just enough tannin and acid to stand up to grilled lamb loin chops. In short - phenomenally well preserved! Well stored bottles should still be drinkable although I would expect no improvement.
  
  The older tasters felt like this was reminiscent of classic pre-"Parkerized" Cali Cab and could easily have passed for an older, mature left bank BDX.
  
  P.S. The decanter had been stuck in a corner and still had about two ounces remaining the next evening and although you could detect a touch of oxidation, I was shocked it was almost as fresh as upon opening!! WOW

  Comment

• oldwines Likes this wine: 94 points

  November 9, 2019 - In my cellar since release. Decanted around 5pm and tasted through the last drop at about 9pm. Enjoyed with grilled steaks along side 2007 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso and 2001 Cosentino Hoopes Ranch Estate Cab, all of which were delightful. This was a medium to dark, translucent garnet with little to no sign of its 30 years along the edge. It looked surprisingly young and fresh. I believe I had 2 previous bottles about 15 years ago (before I used CT) which I remember as being quite good. This bottle lived up to that memory as a classic “old-school Cali” Cab (12.5% ABV and plenty of natural acidity), the style I still love and which is so hard to find in most modern vintages (2016 being an exception). The nose was floral, herbal and cedary with a little plummy note. Medium acidity and still a little hint of tannic grip give a slightly lean texture but one that is full of flavor. These included black plum, blackberry, lavender, rosemary, tarragon, vanilla and a meaty, moderate to long finish. Balanced, bright and energetic. One final bottle of this remains in my cellar which I am inclined to keep longer to see if it can continue to hold up to the ravages of time...

  Comment

• tomoem Does not like this wine: 84 points

  December 26, 2015 - This wine did not have much flavor at this age at all. As I have written in some recent cabernet notes on older vintages, I like older cabernet's but this is past its prime by far and borders on sour.

  Comment

• Charlie Carnes wrote: 93 points

  July 11, 2008 - I must say that I am always impressed with this producer. Had this wine at Highlands CC; what an excellent choice , and great QPR for the list. Julie and I both loved it. I remember the beautiful cigar and cigar box aromas. Also had cedar and sweet decedent red fruit. The Corley reserves always have an old world feel to them.

  Comment

• Illaheman wrote: 88 points

  February 10, 2008 - This wine still had a life left in it. A bit of bricking on theedges, but it was an enjoyable wine. Its not over the hill, but it doesn't have anything much left in it but down hill. Everything is integrated and smoothed out.

  Comment

Pro Reviews 0

• No pro reviews found.

Wine Definition

• Vintage 1989
• Type Red
• Producer Monticello Vineyards (Corley Family)
• Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
• Designation Corley Reserve
• Vineyard n/a
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Napa Valley
• Appellation Napa Valley
• UPC Code 086095148704

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 1 (2%)
• In Cellars 40 (75%)
• Consumed 12 (23%)

Food Pairing

Who Likes This Wine

More About This Wine