This wine was given to me as a part of two mixed cases of relatively inexpensive vintage wines. Someone was cleaning out a cellar and asked if I would take them. I opened this wine fully expecting it to be over the hill. The cork was shot and the fill was mid shoulder.
I was wrong. While the appearance of the wine was what you would expect from a 1974, on the nose there was an immediate and lively presence of tobacco, dried leaves and anise. The palate did not disappoint either - lots of ripe plum and some raspberry.
Plenty of acidity still on the wine, but well balanced. Moderate finish. I almost wish I had picked another time to open it knowing how well it was drinking - but either way I am glad I did. Difficult to rate based on what it is (if I should even rate at all), but I went with 91. Not the most complex wine in the world, but it certainly over delivered on expectations.
12% Napa Valley Zinfandel from 1974. Delicious.
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8/27/2022 - fionban100 Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine was given to me as a part of two mixed cases of relatively inexpensive vintage wines. Someone was cleaning out a cellar and asked if I would take them. I opened this wine fully expecting it to be over the hill. The cork was shot and the fill was mid shoulder.
I was wrong. While the appearance of the wine was what you would expect from a 1974, on the nose there was an immediate and lively presence of tobacco, dried leaves and anise. The palate did not disappoint either - lots of ripe plum and some raspberry.
Plenty of acidity still on the wine, but well balanced. Moderate finish. I almost wish I had picked another time to open it knowing how well it was drinking - but either way I am glad I did. Difficult to rate based on what it is (if I should even rate at all), but I went with 91. Not the most complex wine in the world, but it certainly over delivered on expectations.
12% Napa Valley Zinfandel from 1974. Delicious.
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9/13/2017 - nywine68 wrote: 85 Points
1974 California Tasting (Cafe Boulud): Oxidized and mature nose. Still some nice acidity left. Short finish. Still remarkable this is alive at all
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5/5/2014 - chiliman96 wrote: 97 Points
wow
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2/17/2012 - mlawren1 wrote:
Real funk onthe open, took about an hour to blow off. Lots of sour fruit with a jaminess underneath. Finishes with some raisins.
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