Aged Californians in Wellington (Abbot Street, Ngaio, Wellington, New Zealand): Outstanding expression of the 1997 vintage - with a ripe, roasted quality to the fruit, which is backed up by a formidable tannic structure, and an opulent finish. This is big cabernet, but it is not an over-the-top example, that some of the cults in this vintage display.
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Very moldy on the nose after initial decant. Cork held up very well After an hour, still moldy on the nose with a dirty vinegar on the palate. Left in decanter for another 2 hours. While nose improved slightly, flavor profile improved tremendously. Not as bold as expected at prime. Definitely on the back side of prime. Strongly suggest immediate consumption with lengthy decant.
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Was expecting this to be OTT, but was surprised to find a well balanced, relatively understated Cali Cab. Nicely concentrated (but not over extracted or overly rich) tart black fruit, plenty of cigar box, a bit of dark chocolate, very good acidity, and a long, smooth finish. Probably at its peak.
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8/13/2021 - Marc wrote: 93 Points
Aged Californians in Wellington (Abbot Street, Ngaio, Wellington, New Zealand): Outstanding expression of the 1997 vintage - with a ripe, roasted quality to the fruit, which is backed up by a formidable tannic structure, and an opulent finish. This is big cabernet, but it is not an over-the-top example, that some of the cults in this vintage display.
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2/9/2020 - MADemers wrote: 88 Points
Very moldy on the nose after initial decant. Cork held up very well After an hour, still moldy on the nose with a dirty vinegar on the palate. Left in decanter for another 2 hours. While nose improved slightly, flavor profile improved tremendously. Not as bold as expected at prime. Definitely on the back side of prime. Strongly suggest immediate consumption with lengthy decant.
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4/19/2016 - Brad Tsai Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent wine , still imperfect condition.
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11/4/2015 - sunnylea57 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Was expecting this to be OTT, but was surprised to find a well balanced, relatively understated Cali Cab. Nicely concentrated (but not over extracted or overly rich) tart black fruit, plenty of cigar box, a bit of dark chocolate, very good acidity, and a long, smooth finish. Probably at its peak.
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7/7/2015 - Malc wrote: 85 Points
a Shame...waited to long for my last bottles. the wine has thinned out excessively,
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