1995 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Silky, layered and nuanced, the 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon is hitting its full stride. More importantly, the 1995 shows all of the quirkiness that is such a signature of the Bob Travers-era wines here. The 1995 is gracious and beautifully persistent on the palate, but even those commendable qualities can’t mask a very perceptible element of brett. With age, brett can be an attractive strand in a wine’s fabric. That is very much the case here. In my view, though, the 1995 sits on the edge of where small imperfections are a distraction. Frankly, the 1995 could have and should have been a better wine. Even so, it is very pretty and highly expressive today, with hints of sweet pipe tobacco, crushed flowers and leather that extend the finish effortlessly. The 1995 is intriguing, but to be fully appreciated it requires a taster willing to look past some of its flaws.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(12.5% alcohol): Good dark red. Sexy if distinctly funky aromas of plum, game, leather and spices, plus a whiff of leafy herbs. Silky on entry, then very firm, even a bit tart, in the middle, with slightly sour acidity carrying through to a firm, herbal finish featuring dry, granular tannins. This rather dusty style of mountain Cabernet does not really follow through on its inviting nose.
A totally seamless, impeccable wine, the 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon is all about grace. Sweet red cherries, anise, dried flowers, mint, spices and crushed rocks abound in a beautifully expressive Cabernet Sauvignon built on pure silk. The 1995 can be enjoyed today, but it is texturally so well balanced it will drink well for many, many years. There is a slight element of brett in the 1995 that may bother some tasters more than others.