1986 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

There was no controversy over the 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley. It exhibited significantly less of the fruitcake, cedar, herb component of the 1986 Alexander Valley, and more of the classic, blackcurrant, tobacco, toasty oak personality. Rich and fleshy, with a deeper garnet color containing less orange and amber at the edge, this full-bodied, lush, concentrated wine was hedonistic, voluptuously-textured, thick, and juicy. While the 1986 Alexander Valley requires consumption over the next several years, the 1986 Napa Valley will drink well for another 7-10 years. The tasting notes for this section are from two single blind tastings, one conducted in May, 1996, in California, and the other in June, 1996, in Baltimore.