1987 Caymus Cabernet

Opened, decanted and tasted right away. It was dark blackberry color, with a burst of fresh raisin (I know sounds odd, but think of the smell of raisin when you open a new bag) and dusty pencil lead. The taste was a very nicely resolved set of flavors. Unlike the Montelena (had it at the same time), it was not dominated by the acid. Everything seemed to have blended nicely together and the flavor included a nice combination of dried fruit, soft berry, and a dry mineral. The finish was not over long, but very nice. All in all, this was a nice glass of wine.

This bottle did raise the old wine/new wine questions. Even with the flavor and taste of this very nice glass of wine, I can’t help but think it would have been even better five years ago. I always have a hard time with this issue. Older equals, subtle, sublime, refined. Newer equals fruit, tannins, flavor power.

A link to Caymus.

The label is the 1994 year, looks alot like the 1987.


Back in awhile.

leh

1987 Chateau Montelena Cabernet

Opened, decanted and tasted right away. It was ruby, muddy, with the expected residual bits from the bottle. It had the dusty slightly porty scent of an older Cabernet. It had flavors of raisin and prune. The wine was slightly bitter/acidic. Usually those tastes have softened by this time in a California cab, twenty years in the bottle. The fruit was mostly gone. All in all not a special experience. I suspect ten years ago this would have been great. (See the notes on the Far Niente 1995 which I had at the same time, a completely different experience.)

Chateau Montelena is an absolutely gorgeous wineery. If you are in Napa Valley and you have not been it is highly recommended.

A link to their winemakers notes for the 1987 year release.

Back in awhile.

leh