March 13, 2012
NYC Wine Tasting Group, Cult Cabernets Part Tres
2007 Bond Quella Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
The 2007 Quella performed slightly better than I predicted last year. A magical combination of blueberry liqueur intermixed with crushed rock, spring flowers (violets?), earth, pen ink and burning ember leads to a full-bodied, majestically rich wine with a multilayered texture, silky tannins and a phenomenally long finish of over 50 seconds. This sensational 2007 should drink well for 25-30+ years. Rated 97 The Wine Advocate
2007 Corra Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
Corra’s superb 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon’s opaque blue/purple color is followed by subtle aromas of charcoal, white chocolate, blackberries, black currants, and background oak. Deep and full-bodied with impressive texture and purity, this 2007 is accessible now, but promises to evolve for 20+ years. Rated 95 The Wine Advocate
2007 Gemstone Proprietary Red Wine Napa Valley – blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, & 3% Cabernet Franc grapes
The dense ruby/purple-colored 2007 Gemstone (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc) reveals notes of ink, graphite, camphor, and sumptuous amounts of blue and black fruits along with an unmistakable minerality. This is a full-bodied, dense yet elegant red possessing both power and concentration that have not compromised its ethereal characteristics. Drink this beauty over the next 20-25+ years. Rated 95 The Wine Advocate
1997 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
The enormous 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a super-powerful, fabulously-concentrated, 50-year wine. Aromas and flavors of blackberry/cassis jam, minerals, and subtle oak are found in this extravagantly rich, gargantuan Cabernet Sauvignon that should age effortlessly for half a century. Rated 95 The Wine Advocate
1997 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
Opaque purple-colored with a dense, chewy, full-bodied personality, it displays abundant cassis, mineral, and earth notes. This brilliantly made, super-concentrated, pure, blockbuster possesses sweet tannin as well as a terrific finish. Having added additional weight since last year, this sumptuous, multilayered, profoundly concentrated Cabernet contains 14% alcohol. It is a candidate for 25-30 years of longevity. Rated 98 The Wine Advocate
1997 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon with small portions of Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot grapes
The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, is a beauty. The healthy ruby/purple color is followed by classic, unevolved but promising aromas of minerals, cedar, smoke, and black currants. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with admirable purity, a sweet, lush mid-palate, and ripe tannin in the finish. The top-notch 1997 is a classic, restrained. Anticipated maturity: now-2020. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate