January 14, 2024 - Decanted, tasted over 2 hrs, bottle from secondary market
-med dark red minimal clearing
-restrained faded cassis with a bit of vanilla
-med acidity, med weight faded earthy cassis faint sous bois a bit of oak
-on a nice mature plateau now, not fully tertiary
October 4, 2020 - Yep, past it’s time
September 13, 2014 - Definitely past its peak but very drinkable and has held up well. Nothing really stands out here at the open. Need to update this one later
June 17, 2013 - Drank an hour after opening. Not corked, mostmofmthe mid to late 90's I've been opening this week are. No bricking, would have guessed this was 10 years old from color. Nose however was quite faded, delicious to drink with darks fruit, and a hint of tobacco, sweet tannins. Didn't last, didn't open further on the nose. Drink now if you still have any.
December 17, 2012 - Just about at peak I think. High marks for typicity here: the nose shows cassis, lots of graphite and pencil lead, and cedar -- exactly what you would expect in an older cabernet. On the palate the fruit takes a back seat to lots of graphite and gravelly flavors, with a fair bit of fine tannin remaining. Earlier in the evening the finish was showing more fruit but after four hours open it had started to fade. Drink up.
May 11, 2012 - Past its prime. 1994 was such a great vintage, dont know why this didnt hold up as such.
January 5, 2011 - Not quite opaque with a dark ruby color, no bricking. A perfect example of well aged cali cab. Resolved tannins and a lush rounded mouthfeel. Classic in every way. Utterly delicious. I would say it may have a few years of life left, but why wait?
January 1, 2011 - New year's eve dinner at home (San Francisco) paired with Dunn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 from magnum. With roasted Bryan Flannery New York strip. Opened and decanted 1 hour before serving and tasted over 2 hours. Cork broke half way through but, upon clearing of the rest of the cork, a wonderful aroma wafted through the room! Initially floral, turned berry and slightly earthy after a half hour. First taste was tight, but after a few minutes classic aged napa flavours emerged - some cherry, pepper and leather and a slight hint of menthol. Long and still has quite a bit of grip. Certainly drinking at its peak but my guess is this still has a lot of years ahead. Different style from the Dunn but just as delicious - and believe it or not, this was more together despite being from a regular bottle. And at 12.8% alcohol... If this is what Corison CS is all about, then I am a fan!
July 18, 2010 - Did not decant. Took an hour or two to come into its own - before that it seemed a touch past its prime. One of those "I could just smell this all night" wines.
January 31, 2010 - Elegant