1998 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Community Tasting Notes (32) Avg Score: 93 points

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  6/18/2022 - Nothung Likes this wine: 96 Points

  A truly magical wine in a great place right now. Opened for 3 hours and then decanted for another 2. A bit more would have been better as it continued to open up in the glass.

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  5/25/2022 - G_H wrote: 96 Points

  This is getting better and better, as the once underrated vintage comes into its own with age. More bordeaux in style than napa, but i’d say the best of both worlds. Perfect now and for the next 10 years.

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  12/4/2021 - levinml wrote: 92 Points

  Well, at least it goes out with style. Much better than my notes from a little over a year ago. But not worthy of cult status or cost. Still drinking well, but on the long decline.

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  6/1/2021 - msuwine wrote: 94 Points

  This earthy and elegant Pritchard Hill Cabernet is still going strong, with a density and lift that speak to the magic of more than two decades in the bottle. Garnet in color; medium in body; aromas of dried blueberry, tobacco, dried roses, and baking spices. Mature flavors of sour cherry, rhubarb, and cardamon, with an integrated and delicate finish that has plenty of lift. 13.9% alcohol. Drink in next 3-5 years, but no rush: this wine has hit an impressive, mature stride. 94+ at the moment.
  
  I drank this on the same night as a 1997 Monte Bello (out of half bottle), a blend from a warmer year and more southern appellation. As one might expect from Paul Draper, the Ridge was more herbal and savory, with pronounced notes of olive, ribeye, and ash (notes that most Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernets have, with perhaps some dried dill coming from Ridge's American oak regimen). Regardless of what one thinks of Helen Turley and Napa in the late 1990s (e.g., "shame! shame!"... or something similarly stupid), this Bryant has a more delicate mouthfeel and buoyant finish, while the Ridge was more full and damp. (Your preferences will track if you lean Napa or Bordeaux, respectively.) Each wine was lovely to me, but tonight I preferred the brightness and energy of the New World.

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  3/6/2021 - jordanj wrote: 92 Points

  45th Bday 1934-1999. When Diamond Creek is weakest of the night (Zoom): Very good. A different league than the volcanic - perfumed red fruits - I would have not guessed 98. Very dark mountain fruit, perfumed fruit. Incredibly long finish. This showed very well. Those who dismissed the 98s should be vanished to an island where all they drink are 97s.

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