Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting of nine 1996 Cabernets, Merlots and Bordeaux blends from California, Bordeaux and Australia. I thought this was a gorgeous wine. Apparently he also released two ports that year that both received 100 points from Parker.

Bryan opened this for us at Oakton Wine Shop at our little stop over this afternoon. Dark ruby red with purplish hues. Nose had some restrained dark berries. Definitely tight but started to open up with some more baking spices, like cinnamon. A little dirty too, like dust or dirt undertones. Slight heat on the nose. Moderate plus tannins (7.5/10) definitely needs some time to develop and fill out. Dark cassis and cherries with an undertone of warm spices with a little bite. Seems like the fruit on the palate is tied down. Kinda makes us want to cuddle up and watch a movie very warm and grows on you. Drink from 2017 till 2026.

Not past its prime but not worth full tariff. Nice fruit but not much of a finish. Dark fruits prevail

A little something left, but not much

Great bottle

Small bottle with dad 8-12-20

Amazing Napa Cab! would drink again for it’s classic style and oaky finish

Opened on a Thursday and drank half. Good but very tight. Vacuum sealed and let sit till sun PM and had much more character. Bizarre way to decant but point is it needs a little oxygen on it.

Consumed 6/2018. Needed to breath blackberry blueberry and toasted oak. Not good w balsamic vinaigrette in a warm spinach bacon salad.

Wow. Tony Soter is a made genius. Can't believe how young this tastes.