1997 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Retrospective (Omaha, NE): Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #1 was vinous but very much alive and actually, quite enjoyable! It had a lot of the characteristics that I would generally associate with a mature Napa Cabernet…which is complimentary. Because it was the most “basic” of the group, I called Sterling. Drink now through 2027.
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Very positive surprise after reading multiple reviews of same wine and vintage. Assumed it was shot. Perfectly cellared. 20 years old. Plummy port like nose. Deep red, purple plum color, no browning edges. Medium to full bodied. Cassis, plum, blackberry, dark chocolate flavors. Absolutely delicious. Drinking without food, before dinner. Wuf wuf!
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Bottle was well-past prime, but found it in a mixed case of 97 California Cabs. I don't believe this was ever spectacular, but after 17 years was pretty anemic, with little fruit and pale burgundy color. The nose was small but still good.
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1/18/2024 - thesternowl wrote: 89 Points
1997 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Retrospective (Omaha, NE): Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #1 was vinous but very much alive and actually, quite enjoyable! It had a lot of the characteristics that I would generally associate with a mature Napa Cabernet…which is complimentary. Because it was the most “basic” of the group, I called Sterling. Drink now through 2027.
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2/4/2018 - lushious wrote: 90 Points
Very nice floral, evergreen, and earthy aromas. Smooth and easy to drink. Still has a deep ruby color. Wish I had more...
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6/16/2017 - MikeSal Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very positive surprise after reading multiple reviews of same wine and vintage. Assumed it was shot. Perfectly cellared. 20 years old. Plummy port like nose. Deep red, purple plum color, no browning edges. Medium to full bodied. Cassis, plum, blackberry, dark chocolate flavors. Absolutely delicious. Drinking without food, before dinner. Wuf wuf!
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4/26/2014 - callmeacab22 wrote: 85 Points
Bottle was well-past prime, but found it in a mixed case of 97 California Cabs. I don't believe this was ever spectacular, but after 17 years was pretty anemic, with little fruit and pale burgundy color. The nose was small but still good.
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7/9/2009 - rjeman2000 wrote: 84 Points
Lots of funk on the nose, and quite disjointed on the palate. Came in second to last at the tasting
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