Purchased a while ago on secondary market. Deep red with bricking. Nose of dusty cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar. Over time, had a slightly smoky, burnt wood/campfire character. Palate much the same. Decent concentration with mature cab flavors. More earthier flavors on the palate with no easy sweetness. Moderate acidity, moderate gentle tannins. A mild, non-obtrusive bitterness on the finish.
Overall a nice, mature, well made cab. Still drinking well within the window. Missing just a bit more concentration, freshness, and length to be spectacular.
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Consistent with earlier tasting experience and notes.
This is showing remarkably well at 24 years of age showing no signs of diminution. This may be at its apex of drinkability and will no doubt not improve with further aging. But there should be no rush to consume these either. We acquired a case of this wine upon release and the remaining bottles are in perfect condition with corks and fill levels still being optimal. Tonight was consistent with my last tasting of this vintage label date back to 8/30/2009 when I posted this. "Dark inky color. forward fruit flavors of black cherry, with a bit with earth and leather emerging over the subtle currant, ripe plum, cedar and a hint of anise on a moderate finish."
This is showing remarkably well at 24 years of age showing no signs of diminution. This may be at its apex of drinkability and will no doubt not improve with further aging. But there should be no rush to consume these either. We acquired a case of this wine upon release and the remaining bottles are in perfect condition with corks and fill levels still being optimal. Tonight was consistent with my last tasting of this vintage label date back to 8/30/2009 when I posted this. "Dark inky color. forward fruit flavors of black cherry, with a bit with earth and leather emerging over the subtle currant, ripe plum, cedar and a hint of anise on a moderate finish."
Small taste courtesy of Daver. Datk youthful color. Black currant and plummy qualities on the nose and palate, as well as hints of chocolate and leather. Slight tannic bite. This bottle has clearly been stored well.
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Dark inky color. forward fruit flavors of black cherry, with a bit with earth and leather emerging over the subtle currant, ripe plum, cedar and a hint of anise on a moderate finish.
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An excellent bottle, showing extremely well. Jammy, black fruit on the nose.Smooth, well-balanced, and an extended finish. Soft tannins. Surprised that this wine was still going strong; but it certainly won't get any better. A great example of how Napa cabs can age.
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This was a great bottle. Opening nose with vanilla, dark berries and a hint of coffee. Fully integrated soft tannins behind smooth fully cherry flavors. Long finish. This is why it is worth waiting for (some) Californiz cabernets.
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G7 (Jeff): Blackberry, earth, bell pepper and barnyard. Good balance. Soft finish that is lacking in complexity compared to most of the other wines tasted tonight.
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An elegant, satisfying nose of smoky black cherry, crushed raspberry, a touch of menthol, lots of tobacco, some cedar and a little horse stable. Light-medium bodied, with flavors of cigar box, tight black currant and licorice root. The finish is very leafy with a modicum of bright red fruits, minerals, strong acids and a little tannin. I found this rather tight and unyielding on the palate. It has some of the complexities of a middle-aged Bordeaux but none of the velvety texture. Maybe another 4-5 years will soften and open this wine.
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Wow...what a smooth operator! The last of 6 bottles I purchased in 96. Just a beautifully smooth and tasty bottle. No discernable tannins and very mellowed fruit swaddled in a tasty robe of cedar and earth. I decanted this (just a massive amount of sediment) and enjoyed it with my grilled lamb chops and salad. Enough left for a glass tonight. Drink up!
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After 10 minutes in the glass, the alcohol blew off. It turned into a gorgeous, mature cabernet. Elegant may be right descriptor. I typically don't hold my CA cabs for more than 6-7 years. This 12 year old held up much better than any other higher profile Napa I've had over the past few years. Pleasant surprise.
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Five wines on a random Saturday afternoon (Ron's House): If only they still made 'em like that in California. 13.1% alc with a superb nose. When first opened, I thought this was a Bdx. With some airtime, I guessed 1997 CA Cab and was mildly amused when I wasn't completely wrong upon unveiling of this blindly served beauty. Superb fruit, structure, and magnificent elegance. Loved it.
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Popped and poured half into a decanter for dinner with flank steak. Wow what a wine! Hitting on all cylinders, a complete and lucious bottle exhibiting full body, great fruit and melded tannins. Some earth and cedar on the finish. Really spot on and good for another 3-4 years.
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Wine Group Tasting Around the World (Walnut Creek, Ca.): Rich chocolate, coffee, and a hint of vanilla, same on the palate, elegant, well crafted, needs two years to peak, opens quickly, nice medium/long finish, medium tannins present.
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9/20/2022 - budosyu wrote: 91 Points
Purchased a while ago on secondary market. Deep red with bricking. Nose of dusty cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar. Over time, had a slightly smoky, burnt wood/campfire character. Palate much the same. Decent concentration with mature cab flavors. More earthier flavors on the palate with no easy sweetness. Moderate acidity, moderate gentle tannins. A mild, non-obtrusive bitterness on the finish.
Overall a nice, mature, well made cab. Still drinking well within the window. Missing just a bit more concentration, freshness, and length to be spectacular.
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11/9/2018 - rmcnees wrote: 91 Points
Consistent with earlier tasting experience and notes.
This is showing remarkably well at 24 years of age showing no signs of diminution. This may be at its apex of drinkability and will no doubt not improve with further aging. But there should be no rush to consume these either. We acquired a case of this wine upon release and the remaining bottles are in perfect condition with corks and fill levels still being optimal.
Tonight was consistent with my last tasting of this vintage label date back to 8/30/2009 when I posted this. "Dark inky color. forward fruit flavors of black cherry, with a bit with earth and leather emerging over the subtle currant, ripe plum, cedar and a hint of anise on a moderate finish."
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/11/father-son-steak-wine-dinner.html
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3/14/2018 - rmcnees Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is showing remarkably well at 24 years of age showing no signs of diminution. This may be at its apex of drinkability and will no doubt not improve with further aging. But there should be no rush to consume these either. We acquired a case of this wine upon release and the remaining bottles are in perfect condition with corks and fill levels still being optimal.
Tonight was consistent with my last tasting of this vintage label date back to 8/30/2009 when I posted this. "Dark inky color. forward fruit flavors of black cherry, with a bit with earth and leather emerging over the subtle currant, ripe plum, cedar and a hint of anise on a moderate finish."
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/03/paradigm-napa-valley-cabernet-1994.html
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2/25/2018 - AllRed wrote: 91 Points
Small taste courtesy of Daver. Datk youthful color. Black currant and plummy qualities on the nose and palate, as well as hints of chocolate and leather. Slight tannic bite. This bottle has clearly been stored well.
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5/30/2015 - Millennial Drinkers wrote: 86 Points
Started off stinky, definitely on the decline possibly just over the peak, drink asap, better as the night went on.
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5/30/2015 - cab blends wrote: 87 Points
Dirty cellar nose was pretty powerful upon opening. Light fruit. This has a dark and abrupt finish with some bitterness - maybe it needed decanting.
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3/20/2014 - Peligroso y Coneja wrote:
Scored at a price that was too good to pass.
Dinner @ Lincoln for PDX Dining Month.
Preceded by 2011 Penner Ash Viognier.
Cherry Jam and anise on the initial nose.
Slight violet perfume after 30 mins or so.
Spicy, yet velvet palate. Bittersweet chocolate, leather, and some cigar as well.
Rather abrupt, yet satisfying finish.
Why did it have to be the only one left!?
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2/28/2013 - H*3 wrote: flawed
Flawed bottle which is disappointing because it was our last one.
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3/13/2011 - H*3 wrote: 93 Points
Still drinking great! Holding a good backbone of dark fruits balanced by earthy notes.
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12/26/2010 - toomuchvino wrote: 90 Points
Drinking extremely well, very balanced and still plenty of life. If only I had a couple more.
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8/30/2009 - rmcnees wrote: 89 Points
Dark inky color. forward fruit flavors of black cherry, with a bit with earth and leather emerging over the subtle currant, ripe plum, cedar and a hint of anise on a moderate finish.
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7/26/2009 - kmerriman wrote: 93 Points
An excellent bottle, showing extremely well. Jammy, black fruit on the nose.Smooth, well-balanced, and an extended finish. Soft tannins. Surprised that this wine was still going strong; but it certainly won't get any better. A great example of how Napa cabs can age.
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5/29/2009 - rdfech01 wrote: 92 Points
This was a great bottle. Opening nose with vanilla, dark berries and a hint of coffee. Fully integrated soft tannins behind smooth fully cherry flavors. Long finish. This is why it is worth waiting for (some) Californiz cabernets.
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3/31/2008 - jeff nowak wrote: 87 Points
where were the guts in this wine? no tannins, but hardly enough fruit left to save it.
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3/31/2008 - kstoddard wrote: 88 Points
G7 (Jeff): Blackberry, earth, bell pepper and barnyard. Good balance. Soft finish that is lacking in complexity compared to most of the other wines tasted tonight.
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3/27/2008 - pgordon62 wrote: 89 Points
An elegant, satisfying nose of smoky black cherry, crushed raspberry, a touch of menthol, lots of tobacco, some cedar and a little horse stable. Light-medium bodied, with flavors of cigar box, tight black currant and licorice root. The finish is very leafy with a modicum of bright red fruits, minerals, strong acids and a little tannin. I found this rather tight and unyielding on the palate. It has some of the complexities of a middle-aged Bordeaux but none of the velvety texture. Maybe another 4-5 years will soften and open this wine.
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5/17/2007 - BradA wrote: 91 Points
Wow...what a smooth operator! The last of 6 bottles I purchased in 96. Just a beautifully smooth and tasty bottle. No discernable tannins and very mellowed fruit swaddled in a tasty robe of cedar and earth. I decanted this (just a massive amount of sediment) and enjoyed it with my grilled lamb chops and salad. Enough left for a glass tonight. Drink up!
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11/17/2006 - Jack wrote: 92 Points
This was much better than the one I had 2 years ago. Very nice after a half hour of air.
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8/18/2006 - RJD wrote:
Drank with Steffen. See note below. An outstanding wine.
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8/13/2006 - cck wrote: 92 Points
After 10 minutes in the glass, the alcohol blew off. It turned into a gorgeous, mature cabernet. Elegant may be right descriptor. I typically don't hold my CA cabs for more than 6-7 years. This 12 year old held up much better than any other higher profile Napa I've had over the past few years. Pleasant surprise.
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7/29/2006 - steffenpelz wrote: 92 Points
Five wines on a random Saturday afternoon (Ron's House): If only they still made 'em like that in California. 13.1% alc with a superb nose. When first opened, I thought this was a Bdx. With some airtime, I guessed 1997 CA Cab and was mildly amused when I wasn't completely wrong upon unveiling of this blindly served beauty. Superb fruit, structure, and magnificent elegance. Loved it.
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11/11/2005 - BradA wrote: 93 Points
Popped and poured half into a decanter for dinner with flank steak. Wow what a wine! Hitting on all cylinders, a complete and lucious bottle exhibiting full body, great fruit and melded tannins. Some earth and cedar on the finish. Really spot on and good for another 3-4 years.
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4/27/2001 - brianofthevine wrote: 92 Points
Black cherry, rich caramel notes, smooth tannins.
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9/25/1997 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wine Group Tasting Around the World (Walnut Creek, Ca.): Rich chocolate, coffee, and a hint of vanilla, same on the palate, elegant, well crafted, needs two years to peak, opens quickly, nice medium/long finish, medium tannins present.
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