Inky dark colour, soft fruit aroma. Big first cab sav taste, rich, dark fruits, tobacco and leather, soft barnyard finish. Good rich big cab sav, drinking well.
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Sadly this was corked. I say sadly because the tannins had completely mellowed but there was a perfect acidity and some nice sweet fruit poking through. I smelled the TCA right away but there was so much fruit I thought maybe it wasn’t actually corked and would blow off so I drank a bit. It really was so good under that nasty mildew note but I couldn’t get past it.
the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts great color after decanting a double magnum into 2 decanters whiff of smoky fruit with the enticement of more flavor this wine is living the dream a mature sexy wine, fun for everyone at the party romantic and flavorful life is not perfect but who cares with so much good wine from Mondavi
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Bottled was stored in a friend's controlled wine cellar. Wine and cork were in excellent condition. Full bodied, great deep color and nose, and flavors that just seem to linger from start to a long finish. Unfortunately this was my last bottle.
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Been sitting my cellar since 2000. Lovely, cherry, plum, nose and taste that matched the nose precisely. Tannin still holding albeit light. Silky, long finish. Hits the spot. Drink now.
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Decanted for about 3 hours. Very structured wine. Dark fruit with some tobacco and spice box. Tannins are firm but resolved. The wine is in balance. A very good age cab but just missing that extra something that makes it really memorable.
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The cork fell to pieces. But, the wine was pretty good. It has a bit of a funk initially, but then opened up and was enjoyable. it is definitely an old wine experience while showing the beauty of these old style Robert Mondavi Napa Cabs.
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not a easy 96 guy but this was amazing. Drank over 3 days and held its core. Dark fruit and balanced aged tannins. Full complex wine without the austere of a Bordeaux
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Ok bear w/ me... Ruby core, slightly oxidized bricking to the rim. Musty red fruits, smells old world, some candied dark cherry, violet florals, hint of vanilla oak. Med+ body, soft and plush, finishes long, alcohol and tannins are integrated beautifully, acid rip balances. This was an experience for me. The wine sang to me and consumed me. Ethereal, wine is balanced, silky red fruits dance across the tongue and down the throat coating and finishing long and clean. Cherry medicinal notes, green herbs, black pepper, vanilla. Apologies, may be ridiculous, but this is as perfect as an experience as i've had w/ a wine.
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Bright garnet in color. Nose of red fruits, cherries, tobacco and hint of menthol. Tastes of cherries, green olives, tobacco, and hint of earth. Took an hour to open. Was very austere for the first 30 minutes, but opened nicely with great balance of fruits and acid after a half hour. At its peak but should drink well for several years.
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Tasted in front of '99 Mondavi Reserve, Brion '02 and Fisher '07.
Red ruby vibrant color. Very much alive. Bright shine, slight rim variation. Lifted red fruits, vanilla, pepper. Red fruits forward, integrated tannins and fruit, med+ body, long smooth finish. Elegant dark red beautiful dried fruits, cherries, florals, new oak. drinking very well, lovely restrained wine.
Nose : Medium intensity of ripe black fruits, cassis, vanilla, chocolate
palate : Medium acidity , polished tannins, full body, high intensity of ripe black fruits, vanilla oak, chocolate, hint of black tea, well balanced and complex, long sweet finish.
Couldn't believe this is a 1997, still at it's peak with intense fruits.
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nose:plum,,blackcurrant,touch of cherry,,slite coca,leaf,reveal tobacco with more air.more earth with more air.
palate:nice integration.manage to display reasonably concentration despite so many years.nice acidity support.pretty decent depth.wud like to hve better finishing.getting lots of graphite finishing with more air.each fresh pour,show gd richness of primary character but subsided after a while.the fruits complement nicely with the secondary notes.
flavour notes:blackcurrant,oliveplum,toast,a hint of cocoa,cherry,sweet liqourice,graphite n leafr finishing with a hint of eucalyptus.
conclusion:seems to me tat tis bttl stil has slite room to improve.if not,its at its prime now.just wonder how many bordeaux wine can perform at such level at this peanut price??
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First pour from a coravinned bottle. Wow! This wine had some nose. Over the course of 2 hours, I smelled every kind of black fruit - plum, black currant, cassis, black cherry, and blackberry. Added to that there was oak, walnut notes, vanilla, and an interesting loaminess. Finally, there was a very fresh menthol/mint note like a Heitz Martha's Vineyard Cabernet. The nose was just incredible, and having had, in the past couple years, the 1997 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet, the 1997 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet, and the Robert Mondavi Reserve To-Kalon Vineyard Cabernet, I can say that this wine's nose was without a doubt, the best.
However, the palate left some to be desired. The wine did not feel particularly concentrated on the mouth, and the alcohol was a bit noticeable. The finish was somewhat short. Mostly it tasted of black fruit and some oak. It wasn't bad, but a serious disappointment after the nose. Needless to say, I spent 2 hours smelling my 3 ounce pour.
There were some tannins still, so I might argue the wine might just not be mature enough yet. With the nose so primary I could see it going for another 15 years. I really can't believe it's a 1997 or that it's 19 years old.
I debated the 95 score a lot given the palate, but this wine's nose blew away the 2001 Harlan and 2001 Araujo I had a couple weeks back, so it just feels like the wine really earned those points. It's a steal at $55.
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Wine more than 10 years' old session (Pine Close): Tasted blind. Pop and poured. Drank over 2 hours. Appearance is clear, deep intensity, ruby colour. Legs. Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of tobacco, cigar, earth, blackberries, blackcurrant, chocolate. Developed. On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium+ alcohol (14.3%), soft plush medium+ tannins, full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberries, dark chocolate, earth, tobacco, cigar. Long finish. This felt like a ripe Bordeaux! Very good quality. Drinking at peak now. Unlikely to improve with further ageing. I think this is probably only 75+% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Malbec softening it up.
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Another great reason to own a set of Sommelier Series glasses. Nice enough out of Vinums but the tannins were a bit overpronounced. The Sommelier nicely brings upfront the mint-tinged nose. Probably should have opened this 4 or 5 years ago for my own palate but the wine has plenty of life left.
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Very similar notes to my February 2013 tasting. Still alive, great aromas the moment the cork was pulled. I noticed a nice bit of expresso that wasn't in my previous tasting. A somewhat shorter finish, however. Cellared correctly since release.
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Le vin est grenat bien foncé et fait jeune. Nez sur le menthol, feuilles d'arbre, épices (vanille), cuir, tabac et un peu de fruit. En bouche, le vin fait moins évolué avec une bonne présence, du fruit vanillé, du tabac, du cèdre, un petit caratère végétal (feuille d'arbres), des épices et une touche d'alcool. Relativement long. Ne semble pas complètement fondu et un 3 à 5 ans de plus ne lui aurait pas nuit...Très bien (mais pas plus)
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Medium/Dark red, with a bit of bricking. 2-1/2 years since last tasted and still drinking beautifully. I admit to surprise. Nose: subtle tones of blackberry, cedar, and hints of vanilla. Nice soft entry and then a balanced mid, with 15-20 second finish that still has some stuffing. Purchased at release.
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Second bottle of two, the first bottle showed some age and bricking with a red color in the glass, but was smooth with minimal complexity. My second bottle was a darker magenta on the glass with violets and a hint of plum on the nose. This wine was at peak tonight, semi sweet on the front end with plum and blueberries midpalete. The backend showed youthful tannins and a wonderful finish of fresh berries. If you have got any left, now is the time to enjoy! 94
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Pretty red black fruits on the nose. The palate shows a playful & youthful wine with a 'bouncy' feel. very nice indeed for this. The Mondavi house style shows itself here in the balance and delivery; red currants, raspberries and some mild cassis, this shows hints of graphite, flint, tar and cedar. Finish goes long and this really holds itself through the few hours is sat on the table. A very nice wine to start our Mondavi dinner with.
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Wow! What a pleasant surprise. I was half way expecting this wine to be over the hill. Instead it was deep in color, had a nice nose and full of rich, mature balanced fruit. I was a great presentation of an aged, old style Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Deep ruby color with just a hint of garnet around the edges. Very perfumed aromas of berries. Plenty of fruit, soft tannins and grip to carry this beauty for several more years. Long finish. Very surprised by the total quality of this wine. Only have two more bottles left, too bad!
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Very average - drink now as it has lost a lot of fruit and the tannins have completely softened - not bad just silky and smooth with little fruit and structure left
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In a sweet spot now, with rich perfume of violets and minerals. Lush mouthfeel with silky cassis, black olives and fresh herbs. The tannins are fine and the finish long.
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This is certainly unfiltered as the label says. Dark, cloudy red. Nose of cassis, tobacco, damp black dirt, and a hint of cedar; continually evolving as it opens. Round and rich in the mouth. Finally, firm tannins take over for a fairly long finish. Still has surprising life to it. I don't think much of the "Unfiltered" Oakville was made. 3 bottles still remain from my 6 pack, but they need to go on the "drink soon" list.
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Gorgeous brick red with a bit of amber at the rim. Nose of cassis with a bit of Napa dirt and a hint of minerality. In the mouth, lovely mouth filling smooth cassis fruit followed by a bit of bright acidity at the mid palate and still somewhat noticeable tannins on the very long and lovely finish. This is a very nicely structured wine. Definitely not overripe. Good stuff indeed! I wish I had more.
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Dark in the glass, beautiful nose of currant, darker fruits and a hint of cedar. Nice tastes of currant, dark cherry and other dark berry flavors. Nice finish, but the tannins were just slightly drying on the finish. Excellent wine, will be looking to buy more.
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Ruby color with brickish tones. Nose of bright cherry, vanilla, oak, cedar, sage and leather. Cherry and blackberry on the palate. Medium tannins and acidity. Medium to short finish. This wine is a little subdued, not quite the finesse / balance I'd hoped for.
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Tasted in a blind test finished second out of 4 wines!!! Was by far the most expensive wine by more that 2 to 1 with the other three wines!!! Nose is very subdued, a bit of cherries but mostly wood and vanilla!!! Tastes is a bit awkward, a bit fake in the fruit, overtaken by the wood and the vanilla. The mouth is really the worst, this is short of cloying and near the 2 X4 variety, no finesse or class here it's again a bit too much cliche for us! Finish is very short and boring. WILL NOT BUY AGAIN, this is grand theft rip off!!!
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Excellant bottle of Cab at its drinking peak right now. It was a crowd pleaser, not over the top, just mouth watering good. Glad I bought so many so long ago. But my next and last bottle will be used soon because the acid is just about gone.
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Very disappointed. Not completely gone, but lacked all depth and power, best described as "blah". Remember an earlier bottle being fantastic. 1 more to go so I'll hope for the best.
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Truly wonderful Cab made in theat 90's style that I love which seems so hard to find now. Loamy, dark fruit, chocalate, Delicious. Still plenty of gas left in the tank
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At 12 years old this wine has a wonderful nose, layers of pepper, cassis, blackfruit, and coffee. The taste gets even better sweet fruit and full bodied, a layered fruit, citrus, blackfruit and acidity and a soft wonderful tannin and long finish: 94 a real treat if you can find it.
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Poured and let rest in glasses for an hour prior to drinking. Aroma of dark fruit. Very hot at first sips, took at least another hour to blow off. After that, the wine was extremely well integrated with good tannins balancing the fruit. Tannins win slightly, this wine has more growing to do.
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Oakville is such a fitting name. Tons of oak and cedar. Tannins still very evident. Should have many years left to go. Very enjoyable, but not a knock-your-socks-off wine to me.
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Wow - still young after all these years. Aging very well with many good years ahead. The tannin is still a factor - I recommend eating with red meat - but the fruit is starting to come forward. With meat the fruit really shows itself.
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Ripe, warm, and fleshy, sweetish cassis and blackberry fruit mixed with dill and cedary oak flavors, some restraint given the warm year. Pretty classic Napa Cab for me. I liked better than MJ who found it too much.
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Took a little while to open up. Classic flavors of cassis, olive, dill and tobacco. Great sweet fruit that is well balanced by fine tannins. This tastes like it is at early peak. The one detraction was a hint of chalkness that is tempered with food.
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My last bottle, and the best one I've had! Nose of vanilla, cedar, and dark fruit. The palate had an ideal balance of oak and fruit, mostly black cherries. Long, smooth finish, with integrated tannins. No sign of old age in this 10 year old cab. I wish I had a few more!
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Drank alongside '96 and Shafer '97 and '99. Overall quality of the 2 Mondavis were very close, with the '97 showing a bit more fruit but perhapos a touch less balance/elegance. Drink now or over the next few years.
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Did not decant and for the first 30 minutes the mid-palate and finish were a bit light with rather simple cherry and plum fruit. However, this wine completey transformed with some air. The palate become much fuller and richer with loads of dark cherry, plum, anise, cedar and spice with a medium length finish. This wine is definitely in its peak window just be sure to give it a little air.
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Awesome bottle. Nose was blackberry and licorice. On the palate, there was cedar, black fruits, and vanilla. Midpalate was awesome. The finish was a bit short, but other than that, it was a fantastic experience.
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I would agree with others comments that what is really hold this back is a lack of depth. Well integrated tannins, good fruit and a good palate and finish but not a lot of intensity.
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ABS SP Mondovino (ABS-SP): This is tecnology and tradition in harmony. Structure and longevity. The wine is absolutely correct, no edges, nothing, but lacks a deeper personality, a little too made up for my personal taste. It is very balanced, a pleasant drink but the word artificial comes to mind.
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I was surprised at the amount of tannin here - it's not shut down like it was two years ago, but a mix of fruit and herbal/almost vegetal. I guess I'll let my remainders sleep another two years.
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Still tight and restrained, chalky tannins, cassis with a tiny hint of green pepper, some cherry cough syrup and cranberries, a bit coarse and a little hot (but not overly so), certainly an "Old World" style - surprising to find in a '97 wine from Oakville, this is structured somewhat like the '96 Mondavi Reserve but lacking some of the class and power of that wine.
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disclaimer: i like cal-cabs, i drink cal-cabs, too bad that they cost too much, i don't care. that being said, was i really that stupid 3 years ago? well, i was probably that stupid 3 minutes ago. this wine got great reviews. RMP 91 and WS 94. i have to admit i bought wines from reviews back then, and i was obsessed with obtaining the 97 vintage. i eventually accummulated over 200 different 97 cal-cabs. flame on, i can take it.
no reason to open this except that i have a couple of bottles, and i was eating leftovers of a stupendous meal from last night that had cut-up steak in it. jesus, what did i have last night? can't even remember. totally brain dead.
this wine would make a silver oak seem like a vegan sandwich. this isn't a 2 x 4, it's a 2 x 8 stuck right up the can (with extra splinters). is there any fruit in there? i'll loan you my ax, be my guest, send me a report. virtually undrinkable. i set it aside and came back to it after an hour. more wood than raney at a linda lovelace film festival. parker says anticipated maturity 2000-2025. ok, i'll report on the next bottle in 22 years. stay tuned.
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11/19/2023 - Joelene wrote: 92 Points
Drinking very well… at or just past peak.
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10/29/2022 - ShangGuy Likes this wine: 92 Points
Inky dark colour, soft fruit aroma. Big first cab sav taste, rich, dark fruits, tobacco and leather, soft barnyard finish. Good rich big cab sav, drinking well.
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7/11/2021 - olioli wrote: 92 Points
Great balance. Still nice fruit. Very good match with deer steaks.
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5/22/2021 - jkalm wrote:
Excellent
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5/13/2020 - jmh st louis wrote: 90 Points
Still lively
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10/26/2019 - Decanting Queen wrote: flawed
Sadly this was corked. I say sadly because the tannins had completely mellowed but there was a perfect acidity and some nice sweet fruit poking through. I smelled the TCA right away but there was so much fruit I thought maybe it wasn’t actually corked and would blow off so I drank a bit. It really was so good under that nasty mildew note but I couldn’t get past it.
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4/18/2019 - andyf Likes this wine: 96 Points
Wunderful and not expensive wine. Still great to drink. Last bottle unfortunately.
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2/14/2019 - 9 and 3/4 wrote: 94 Points
the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts
great color after decanting a double magnum into 2 decanters
whiff of smoky fruit with the enticement of more flavor
this wine is living the dream
a mature sexy wine, fun for everyone at the party
romantic and flavorful
life is not perfect but who cares with so much good wine from Mondavi
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1/19/2019 - callmeacab22 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Bottled was stored in a friend's controlled wine cellar. Wine and cork were in excellent condition. Full bodied, great deep color and nose, and flavors that just seem to linger from start to a long finish. Unfortunately this was my last bottle.
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12/25/2018 - nmoreilly Likes this wine: 93 Points
My last bottle. Still in very good shape and can't see it getting any better. Drink em you got em
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9/3/2018 - tinycellar Likes this wine: 92 Points
Been sitting my cellar since 2000. Lovely, cherry, plum, nose and taste that matched the nose precisely. Tannin still holding albeit light. Silky, long finish. Hits the spot. Drink now.
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5/23/2018 - AV2012 wrote: flawed
Corked or flawed.
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12/24/2017 - JS1056 wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for about 3 hours.
Very structured wine. Dark fruit with some tobacco and spice box. Tannins are firm but resolved. The wine is in balance.
A very good age cab but just missing that extra something that makes it really memorable.
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12/5/2017 - Redteeth wrote:
The cork fell to pieces. But, the wine was pretty good. It has a bit of a funk initially, but then opened up and was enjoyable. it is definitely an old wine experience while showing the beauty of these old style Robert Mondavi Napa Cabs.
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6/10/2017 - orange boy wrote: 96 Points
not a easy 96 guy but this was amazing. Drank over 3 days and held its core. Dark fruit and balanced aged tannins. Full complex wine without the austere of a Bordeaux
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5/29/2017 - nmoreilly Likes this wine: 92 Points
See previous notes, would add drink me you got em, ready if not slightly past ready
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5/15/2017 - JKelly05 Likes this wine:
Ok bear w/ me...
Ruby core, slightly oxidized bricking to the rim.
Musty red fruits, smells old world, some candied dark cherry, violet florals, hint of vanilla oak.
Med+ body, soft and plush, finishes long, alcohol and tannins are integrated beautifully, acid rip balances.
This was an experience for me. The wine sang to me and consumed me. Ethereal, wine is balanced, silky red fruits dance across the tongue and down the throat coating and finishing long and clean. Cherry medicinal notes, green herbs, black pepper, vanilla.
Apologies, may be ridiculous, but this is as perfect as an experience as i've had w/ a wine.
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1/15/2017 - efeldhake@yahoo.com Likes this wine: 91 Points
Bright garnet in color. Nose of red fruits, cherries, tobacco and hint of menthol. Tastes of cherries, green olives, tobacco, and hint of earth. Took an hour to open. Was very austere for the first 30 minutes, but opened nicely with great balance of fruits and acid after a half hour. At its peak but should drink well for several years.
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12/2/2016 - BBoulais Likes this wine: 90 Points
So fun when you drink a wine that is at its best.Should have bought more or should i say my dad could have given me a couple more.§
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10/21/2016 - JKelly05 Likes this wine:
Tasted in front of '99 Mondavi Reserve, Brion '02 and Fisher '07.
Red ruby vibrant color. Very much alive. Bright shine, slight rim variation.
Lifted red fruits, vanilla, pepper.
Red fruits forward, integrated tannins and fruit, med+ body, long smooth finish. Elegant dark red beautiful dried fruits, cherries, florals, new oak. drinking very well, lovely restrained wine.
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10/12/2016 - FCHOW113 Likes this wine: 94 Points
This bottle is gorgeous!
Nose : Medium intensity of ripe black fruits, cassis, vanilla, chocolate
palate : Medium acidity , polished tannins, full body, high intensity of ripe black fruits, vanilla oak, chocolate, hint of black tea, well balanced and complex, long sweet finish.
Couldn't believe this is a 1997, still at it's peak with intense fruits.
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6/19/2016 - clairenclarence wrote: 91 Points
pop n pour
nose:plum,,blackcurrant,touch of cherry,,slite coca,leaf,reveal tobacco with more air.more earth with more air.
palate:nice integration.manage to display reasonably concentration despite so many years.nice acidity support.pretty decent depth.wud like to hve better finishing.getting lots of graphite finishing with more air.each fresh pour,show gd richness of primary character but subsided after a while.the fruits complement nicely with the secondary notes.
flavour notes:blackcurrant,oliveplum,toast,a hint of cocoa,cherry,sweet liqourice,graphite n leafr finishing with a hint of eucalyptus.
conclusion:seems to me tat tis bttl stil has slite room to improve.if not,its at its prime now.just wonder how many bordeaux wine can perform at such level at this peanut price??
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5/23/2016 - Bordeaux_Jon Likes this wine: 95 Points
First pour from a coravinned bottle. Wow! This wine had some nose. Over the course of 2 hours, I smelled every kind of black fruit - plum, black currant, cassis, black cherry, and blackberry. Added to that there was oak, walnut notes, vanilla, and an interesting loaminess. Finally, there was a very fresh menthol/mint note like a Heitz Martha's Vineyard Cabernet. The nose was just incredible, and having had, in the past couple years, the 1997 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet, the 1997 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet, and the Robert Mondavi Reserve To-Kalon Vineyard Cabernet, I can say that this wine's nose was without a doubt, the best.
However, the palate left some to be desired. The wine did not feel particularly concentrated on the mouth, and the alcohol was a bit noticeable. The finish was somewhat short. Mostly it tasted of black fruit and some oak. It wasn't bad, but a serious disappointment after the nose. Needless to say, I spent 2 hours smelling my 3 ounce pour.
There were some tannins still, so I might argue the wine might just not be mature enough yet. With the nose so primary I could see it going for another 15 years. I really can't believe it's a 1997 or that it's 19 years old.
I debated the 95 score a lot given the palate, but this wine's nose blew away the 2001 Harlan and 2001 Araujo I had a couple weeks back, so it just feels like the wine really earned those points. It's a steal at $55.
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4/20/2016 - Derek Darth Taster wrote: 93 Points
Wine more than 10 years' old session (Pine Close): Tasted blind. Pop and poured. Drank over 2 hours.
Appearance is clear, deep intensity, ruby colour. Legs.
Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of tobacco, cigar, earth, blackberries, blackcurrant, chocolate. Developed.
On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium+ alcohol (14.3%), soft plush medium+ tannins, full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberries, dark chocolate, earth, tobacco, cigar. Long finish.
This felt like a ripe Bordeaux!
Very good quality. Drinking at peak now. Unlikely to improve with further ageing. I think this is probably only 75+% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Malbec softening it up.
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6/26/2015 - The Raven Likes this wine: 94 Points
Smells like heaven! Taste even better!
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4/26/2015 - littlefoot wrote: 92 Points
Another great reason to own a set of Sommelier Series glasses. Nice enough out of Vinums but the tannins were a bit overpronounced. The Sommelier nicely brings upfront the mint-tinged nose. Probably should have opened this 4 or 5 years ago for my own palate but the wine has plenty of life left.
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1/12/2015 - andyf wrote: flawed
Litte cork unfortunately, else I'm sure this would be a great wine even after 18 years. One is left let's hope .......
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12/25/2014 - JM_MadTown Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice wine right now. It has notes of cedar, vanilla, black cherries, but still firm, but integrated tannins. A very nice Mondavi Cabernet.
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10/26/2014 - orange boy wrote:
still good after all these years, firm tannin, adequate fruit.
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5/30/2014 - nmoreilly wrote: 92 Points
Incredibly sturdy '97 the guys at Mondavi really know what they're doing. I'd say these and the '95 still have a few years left
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12/29/2013 - RR47 wrote: 91 Points
Very similar notes to my February 2013 tasting. Still alive, great aromas the moment the cork was pulled. I noticed a nice bit of expresso that wasn't in my previous tasting. A somewhat shorter finish, however. Cellared correctly since release.
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10/27/2013 - dzitt wrote: 89 Points
Le vin est grenat bien foncé et fait jeune. Nez sur le menthol, feuilles d'arbre, épices (vanille), cuir, tabac et un peu de fruit. En bouche, le vin fait moins évolué avec une bonne présence, du fruit vanillé, du tabac, du cèdre, un petit caratère végétal (feuille d'arbres), des épices et une touche d'alcool. Relativement long. Ne semble pas complètement fondu et un 3 à 5 ans de plus ne lui aurait pas nuit...Très bien (mais pas plus)
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9/15/2013 - helicopterbob wrote: 94 Points
Absolutely wonderf
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5/4/2013 - bcmatthias Likes this wine: 91 Points
Smooth, red fruit. Holding up amazingly well.
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2/10/2013 - RR47 wrote: 92 Points
Medium/Dark red, with a bit of bricking. 2-1/2 years since last tasted and still drinking beautifully. I admit to surprise. Nose: subtle tones of blackberry, cedar, and hints of vanilla. Nice soft entry and then a balanced mid, with 15-20 second finish that still has some stuffing. Purchased at release.
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9/6/2012 - djs wrote: 92 Points
Very nice bordeaux- like quality. Medium body, good acidity, good length, and held nicely in the decanter for three nights.
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7/27/2012 - GNorton wrote: 94 Points
Second bottle of two, the first bottle showed some age and bricking with a red color in the glass, but was smooth with minimal complexity. My second bottle was a darker magenta on the glass with violets and a hint of plum on the nose. This wine was at peak tonight, semi sweet on the front end with plum and blueberries midpalete. The backend showed youthful tannins and a wonderful finish of fresh berries. If you have got any left, now is the time to enjoy! 94
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5/1/2012 - Teamcrev wrote: flawed
Dry cork broke to pieces. Wine was tainted. Too bad, last bottle.
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2/17/2012 - King Cab wrote: 91 Points
Pretty red black fruits on the nose. The palate shows a playful & youthful wine with a 'bouncy' feel. very nice indeed for this. The Mondavi house style shows itself here in the balance and delivery; red currants, raspberries and some mild cassis, this shows hints of graphite, flint, tar and cedar. Finish goes long and this really holds itself through the few hours is sat on the table. A very nice wine to start our Mondavi dinner with.
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1/21/2012 - Capybara562 wrote: 92 Points
Still holding up well - great aromas and still 'grippy' on the palate.
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1/4/2012 - Redteeth wrote:
Wow! What a pleasant surprise. I was half way expecting this wine to be over the hill. Instead it was deep in color, had a nice nose and full of rich, mature balanced fruit. I was a great presentation of an aged, old style Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
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7/13/2011 - mygrogro wrote: 93 Points
worth the wait
delicate yet full of ripe cherry!
Beautiful nose with silky finish. enjoy!
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5/18/2011 - mobley wrote: 93 Points
Deep ruby color with just a hint of garnet around the edges. Very perfumed aromas of berries. Plenty of fruit, soft tannins and grip to carry this beauty for several more years. Long finish. Very surprised by the total quality of this wine. Only have two more bottles left, too bad!
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1/15/2011 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 88 Points
Very average - drink now as it has lost a lot of fruit and the tannins have completely softened - not bad just silky and smooth with little fruit and structure left
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11/3/2010 - rmodak wrote: 92 Points
In a sweet spot now, with rich perfume of violets and minerals. Lush mouthfeel with silky cassis, black olives and fresh herbs. The tannins are fine and the finish long.
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9/22/2010 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 94 Points
Very nice wine -- great body and nose -- was acutally surprised how good this was as I am not usually a fan of Mondavi wines.
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6/30/2010 - RR47 wrote: 92 Points
This is certainly unfiltered as the label says. Dark, cloudy red. Nose of cassis, tobacco, damp black dirt, and a hint of cedar; continually evolving as it opens. Round and rich in the mouth. Finally, firm tannins take over for a fairly long finish. Still has surprising life to it. I don't think much of the "Unfiltered" Oakville was made. 3 bottles still remain from my 6 pack, but they need to go on the "drink soon" list.
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1/25/2010 - tbone wrote:
Sensational. Mondavi rocks tonight. Very old worldy meets subdued California sunshine.
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1/23/2010 - winemaker wrote: 93 Points
Gorgeous brick red with a bit of amber at the rim. Nose of cassis with a bit of Napa dirt and a hint of minerality. In the mouth, lovely mouth filling smooth cassis fruit followed by a bit of bright acidity at the mid palate and still somewhat noticeable tannins on the very long and lovely finish. This is a very nicely structured wine. Definitely not overripe. Good stuff indeed! I wish I had more.
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12/29/2009 - thirstyman wrote:
Dark in the glass, beautiful nose of currant, darker fruits and a hint of cedar. Nice tastes of currant, dark cherry and other dark berry flavors. Nice finish, but the tannins were just slightly drying on the finish. Excellent wine, will be looking to buy more.
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5/30/2009 - mik3p0p3 wrote: 90 Points
Ruby color with brickish tones. Nose of bright cherry, vanilla, oak, cedar, sage and leather. Cherry and blackberry on the palate. Medium tannins and acidity. Medium to short finish. This wine is a little subdued, not quite the finesse / balance I'd hoped for.
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5/29/2009 - maxima wrote: 85 Points
Tasted in a blind test finished second out of 4 wines!!! Was by far the most expensive wine by more that 2 to 1 with the other three wines!!! Nose is very subdued, a bit of cherries but mostly wood and vanilla!!! Tastes is a bit awkward, a bit fake in the fruit, overtaken by the wood and the vanilla. The mouth is really the worst, this is short of cloying and near the 2 X4 variety, no finesse or class here it's again a bit too much cliche for us! Finish is very short and boring. WILL NOT BUY AGAIN, this is grand theft rip off!!!
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5/26/2009 - TripDaddy wrote: 88 Points
Just OK. Loads of cedar and leather. acid was pretty high until we decanted for abour 4 - 5 hours. Fruit is fading. Drink em if you got em.
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5/16/2009 - dcohen wrote: 95 Points
Excellant bottle of Cab at its drinking peak right now. It was a crowd pleaser, not over the top, just mouth watering good. Glad I bought so many so long ago. But my next and last bottle will be used soon because the acid is just about gone.
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4/25/2009 - callmeacab22 wrote: flawed
Very disappointed. Not completely gone, but lacked all depth and power, best described as "blah". Remember an earlier bottle being fantastic. 1 more to go so I'll hope for the best.
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4/4/2009 - swittersMN wrote: 93 Points
Truly wonderful Cab made in theat 90's style that I love which seems so hard to find now. Loamy, dark fruit, chocalate, Delicious. Still plenty of gas left in the tank
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2/20/2009 - OregonWineGeeks wrote: 94 Points
Friday, February 20, 2009
6:02 PM
At 12 years old this wine has a wonderful nose, layers of pepper, cassis, blackfruit, and coffee. The taste gets even better sweet fruit and full bodied, a layered fruit, citrus, blackfruit and acidity and a soft wonderful tannin and long finish: 94 a real treat if you can find it.
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12/27/2008 - Zingrrl wrote: 91 Points
Poured and let rest in glasses for an hour prior to drinking. Aroma of dark fruit. Very hot at first sips, took at least another hour to blow off. After that, the wine was extremely well integrated with good tannins balancing the fruit. Tannins win slightly, this wine has more growing to do.
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11/12/2008 - mattiasjansson wrote: flawed
Corked
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11/12/2008 - goofy Yno wrote: flawed
corked
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11/12/2008 - kstoddard wrote: flawed
Josh's 1997 California Cabernet Tasting (Coups des Tartes, Phoenix): Badly corked. Haven't had much luck with this wine.
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11/12/2008 - jeff nowak wrote: flawed
corked.
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10/7/2008 - bonustime7 wrote: 89 Points
Not quite what I was expecting, and a bit simple. Enjoyable, and favourable comments from guests, but not much there for the price.
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7/4/2008 - zgray wrote: 90 Points
This bottle was not as mature as a bottle opened a week earlier.
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6/29/2008 - zgray wrote: 94 Points
Time to drink.
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6/21/2008 - GrandeSerataFuori wrote: 88 Points
Oakville is such a fitting name. Tons of oak and cedar. Tannins still very evident. Should have many years left to go. Very enjoyable, but not a knock-your-socks-off wine to me.
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4/30/2008 - TRS-Wine wrote: 94 Points
Wow - still young after all these years. Aging very well with many good years ahead. The tannin is still a factor - I recommend eating with red meat - but the fruit is starting to come forward. With meat the fruit really shows itself.
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12/21/2007 - marc d wrote:
Ripe, warm, and fleshy, sweetish cassis and blackberry fruit mixed with dill and cedary oak flavors, some restraint given the warm year. Pretty classic Napa Cab for me. I liked better than MJ who found it too much.
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6/21/2007 - rmodak wrote: 90 Points
Took a little while to open up. Classic flavors of cassis, olive, dill and tobacco. Great sweet fruit that is well balanced by fine tannins. This tastes like it is at early peak. The one detraction was a hint of chalkness that is tempered with food.
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5/11/2007 - budman wrote: 93 Points
My last bottle, and the best one I've had! Nose of vanilla, cedar, and dark fruit. The palate had an ideal balance of oak and fruit, mostly black cherries. Long, smooth finish, with integrated tannins. No sign of old age in this 10 year old cab. I wish I had a few more!
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4/6/2007 - gordoh wrote: 89 Points
Not up to expectations
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12/20/2006 - kstoddard wrote: flawed
Corked
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11/12/2006 - Ibetian wrote: 91 Points
Drank alongside '96 and Shafer '97 and '99. Overall quality of the 2 Mondavis were very close, with the '97 showing a bit more fruit but perhapos a touch less balance/elegance. Drink now or over the next few years.
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10/9/2006 - jmd60611 wrote: 89 Points
deep color, decent nose...I was expecting a bit more from this guy...Mid weight and a bit of heat, but not a bad wine, just not a great one
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9/2/2006 - RussW wrote:
Did not decant and for the first 30 minutes the mid-palate and finish were a bit light with rather simple cherry and plum fruit. However, this wine completey transformed with some air. The palate become much fuller and richer with loads of dark cherry, plum, anise, cedar and spice with a medium length finish. This wine is definitely in its peak window just be sure to give it a little air.
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7/23/2006 - budman wrote: 92 Points
Awesome bottle. Nose was blackberry and licorice. On the palate, there was cedar, black fruits, and vanilla. Midpalate was awesome. The finish was a bit short, but other than that, it was a fantastic experience.
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3/15/2006 - Ibetian wrote: 91 Points
Drinking very well, though no hurry. Dark cherries/chocolate on the nose. Smoothe, rich, oak and tannins now resolved. Very enjoyable.
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1/7/2006 - jonphillips wrote: 89 Points
not giving much
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10/25/2005 - Burgundy Al wrote: 88 Points
Large scaled and brash fruit, little subtlety or nuance. Blackberry and plum on nose and palate, modest spice. Very easy to enjoy.
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6/30/2005 - g-man wrote: 91 Points
I would agree with others comments that what is really hold this back is a lack of depth. Well integrated tannins, good fruit and a good palate and finish but not a lot of intensity.
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5/18/2005 - cousteau wrote: 90 Points
ABS SP Mondovino (ABS-SP): This is tecnology and tradition in harmony. Structure and longevity. The wine is absolutely correct, no edges, nothing, but lacks a deeper personality, a little too made up for my personal taste. It is very balanced, a pleasant drink but the word artificial comes to mind.
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5/5/2005 - bdenuyl wrote: 93 Points
Excellent cabernet. Excellent balance and richness with finesse. Fully mature, but will live on for some time.
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9/6/2004 - jonphillips wrote: 90 Points
I was surprised at the amount of tannin here - it's not shut down like it was two years ago, but a mix of fruit and herbal/almost vegetal. I guess I'll let my remainders sleep another two years.
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6/9/2004 - Blair Curtis wrote: 90 Points
Still tight and restrained, chalky tannins, cassis with a tiny hint of green pepper, some cherry cough syrup and cranberries, a bit coarse and a little hot (but not overly so), certainly an "Old World" style - surprising to find in a '97 wine from Oakville, this is structured somewhat like the '96 Mondavi Reserve but lacking some of the class and power of that wine.
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2/29/2004 - twoamps wrote: 93 Points
currents and chocolate big full mouthful
plenty of life left in this; should last until 2007+
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10/29/2003 - jeff nowak wrote:
disclaimer: i like cal-cabs, i drink cal-cabs, too bad that they cost too much, i don't care. that being said, was i really that stupid 3 years ago? well, i was probably that stupid 3 minutes ago. this wine got great reviews. RMP 91 and WS 94. i have to admit i bought wines from reviews back then, and i was obsessed with obtaining the 97 vintage. i eventually accummulated over 200 different 97 cal-cabs. flame on, i can take it.
14.1% alcohol, 84% cab, 9% merlot, 7% cab franc, $45.
no reason to open this except that i have a couple of bottles, and i was eating leftovers of a stupendous meal from last night that had cut-up steak in it. jesus, what did i have last night? can't even remember. totally brain dead.
this wine would make a silver oak seem like a vegan sandwich. this isn't a 2 x 4, it's a 2 x 8 stuck right up the can (with extra splinters). is there any fruit in there? i'll loan you my ax, be my guest, send me a report. virtually undrinkable. i set it aside and came back to it after an hour. more wood than raney at a linda lovelace film festival. parker says anticipated maturity 2000-2025. ok, i'll report on the next bottle in 22 years. stay tuned.
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12/30/2001 - callmeacab22 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Reviewing old notes. Voted "Best of Show" at my blind wine tasting
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