First glass has some blue cheese on it and a little funk. Took a half hour to blown off and then it was creamy and old. Faded fast in the glass and was undrinkable by the second half of the bottle
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Highly underrated! I'm now convinced that well made Napa CABs become blockbusters at Age 30. Lots of sediment here and quite dry, but has as beautiful plum flavor that improves with each hour. I was worried about Hess not being perfect but frankly now I am ecstatic to try more 80s alternative versions. Especially any CAB that added some Merlot or Cabernet Franc for balance. This is a beautiful $30 vino that was long forgotten about.
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I was concerned that this bottle had been "lost" in the cellar too long, but it had held up surprisingly well. A mature, full-flavored Cab with mellowed tanins, it went very nicely with grilled steak.
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Sampled 12/28/11 from MAGNUM. Cork, fill and color were all great. Upon initial opening the Oak resin was overpowering, which is typical of Hess products and why I generally stay away from their wines. After an hour or two the Oak mellowed a bit. Some eucalyptus and dark fruits started to show up, but the Oak remained too heavy handed for me. If you love Oak in your reds, you might rate this wine as high as a 90.
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Alluring aromas of earth, forest floor that had an underlying hint of barnyard that detracted significantly. Not drinkable on day 2, no surprise there. Flawed bottle or just kept too long?
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Opened with a simple dinner at home - filet with wild mushroom ragu and baked potato. This was decanted for sediment and poured back into the bottle and left open. It had been open for about an hour and a half when it was served. Dirty garnet color, no signs of bricking, looking remarkably youthful. On the nose, aromas of leather, mint, cedar and soft dark fruit. The tannins have shed, leaving a velvety palate with baked plum and mint flavors. Finishes modestly, about 20 seconds or so, with some red fruit hanging on. Drink now, and don't decant for any length of time.
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1987 Tasting 3 Bordeaux and 3 Cabernets. Was the surprise wine of the night. A slightly musty nose with lots of open, forward, berry fruit, rich fruit on the palate with medium/big body, nice hint of cedar on the finish and great aftertaste. My #2 and Group #2. Retail $15 and worth it.
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4/28/2018 - ProperClaret Does not like this wine:
Drinkable, but that was it.
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4/1/2018 - ProperClaret Does not like this wine:
Becoming overwhelmed by VA. Probably 5-10 years past drinkability.
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11/10/2017 - WestUAg Does not like this wine: 87 Points
First glass has some blue cheese on it and a little funk. Took a half hour to blown off and then it was creamy and old. Faded fast in the glass and was undrinkable by the second half of the bottle
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4/18/2015 - Nerdy Earth Boy Likes this wine: 90 Points
Highly underrated! I'm now convinced that well made Napa CABs become blockbusters at Age 30. Lots of sediment here and quite dry, but has as beautiful plum flavor that improves with each hour. I was worried about Hess not being perfect but frankly now I am ecstatic to try more 80s alternative versions. Especially any CAB that added some Merlot or Cabernet Franc for balance. This is a beautiful $30 vino that was long forgotten about.
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4/14/2013 - pyrat40 Likes this wine: 89 Points
I was concerned that this bottle had been "lost" in the cellar too long, but it had held up surprisingly well. A mature, full-flavored Cab with mellowed tanins, it went very nicely with grilled steak.
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12/29/2011 - mxpbuy wrote: 87 Points
Sampled 12/28/11 from MAGNUM. Cork, fill and color were all great. Upon initial opening the Oak resin was overpowering, which is typical of Hess products and why I generally stay away from their wines. After an hour or two the Oak mellowed a bit. Some eucalyptus and dark fruits started to show up, but the Oak remained too heavy handed for me. If you love Oak in your reds, you might rate this wine as high as a 90.
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7/25/2011 - skifree wrote: 83 Points
Alluring aromas of earth, forest floor that had an underlying hint of barnyard that detracted significantly. Not drinkable on day 2, no surprise there. Flawed bottle or just kept too long?
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5/10/2006 - AllRed wrote: 89 Points
Opened with a simple dinner at home - filet with wild mushroom ragu and baked potato. This was decanted for sediment and poured back into the bottle and left open. It had been open for about an hour and a half when it was served. Dirty garnet color, no signs of bricking, looking remarkably youthful. On the nose, aromas of leather, mint, cedar and soft dark fruit. The tannins have shed, leaving a velvety palate with baked plum and mint flavors. Finishes modestly, about 20 seconds or so, with some red fruit hanging on. Drink now, and don't decant for any length of time.
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4/15/2004 - buckeye76 wrote: 91 Points
RICH BERRY FRUIT IN THE NOSE AND FLAVOR, BLACKBERRIES AND BLACK CHERRIES. MEDIUM TO LONG FINISH.
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2/26/1991 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 89 Points
1987 Tasting 3 Bordeaux and 3 Cabernets. Was the surprise wine of the night. A slightly musty nose with lots of open, forward, berry fruit, rich fruit on the palate with medium/big body, nice hint of cedar on the finish and great aftertaste. My #2 and Group #2. Retail $15 and worth it.
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