1999 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Community Tasting Notes (14) Avg Score: 89.9 points

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  12/21/2019 - Vine Likes this wine: 94 Points

  It was a dinner at the Boston Harbour Hotel in the early 90's where we ordered a bottle of the 1978 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon. Such are the events that create a love affair. The wine was spectacular, and my search for information about this wine and the driving force behind it was on! Living in Toronto, getting a few bottles for my cellar was not an easy task, but I did over the years find a few.
  
  In 2002 we took the long trek up Mount Veeder (no appointment) to see if we could meet Bob Travers and perhaps taste and buy some wine. When we arrived we were not sure we had - barely passable "driveway" up to a very modest building which was the office, with what seemed like a ramshackle winery off to the left. What a contrast to the shiny Napa wineries we had visited previously on our visit.
  
  We found Bob Travers and a couple of cellar rats on the crush pad, bringing in that years crop of Chardonnay. He let us taste, talked about the winery and his philosophy and was the most gracious of hosts imaginable (we were the only guests there for the two hours we hung out).
  
  I bought this bottle of the 1999 vintage from Bob Travers that day back in 2002, and it was spectacular this evening. A brilliant, deep red colour that defied its 20 years of age; a nose of the finest Bordeaux (I say this intentionally as I strongly believe Bob wanted to make a "California Bordeaux", letting his terroir express itself with minimal intervention and whatever alcohol level that gave him - 12.5% - no fruit bombs for Bob); and a refreshing taste of red fruits. It still is not really ready to drink. My last bottle of the 1999 and my last bottle of the 2002 will rest in my cellar for another 10 years.
  
  Bravo to the late, great Bob Travers!

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  11/25/2019 - Cosmo M. Likes this wine: 91 Points

  Smooth, balanced, elegant Cab. Medium bodied, round fruit. Tannins are muted. Low acid.

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  10/13/2019 - mlawren1 wrote: 94 Points

  Dark and brooding with currants and cherries. Finishes with a bit of pumpkin pie spice.

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  2/4/2019 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 90 Points

  Good showing. Lots of dusty, earth, savory, spicy elements on the palate. Dusty but still structured, lively and fresh, the fruit takes a back seat to dusty, spicy, earthy tones. Paired nicely with a grilled pork chop.

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  1/28/2015 - henrygjeffreys wrote:

  very dark colour, some red at the rim
  Odd nose - smells a bit musty and vegetal - i thought perhaps corked but more experienced taster said not
  very light, very little tannin or fruit
  Quite a bit of VA
  Bad bottle?

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View all 14 Community Tasting Notes

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