1998 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
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Tasting notes
(14.1% alcohol; includes 3% Petit Verdot): Good dark red. Highly expressive aromas of dark berries, truffle, meat, white pepper and exotic spices. Distinctly drier than the 1997 but with pungent acidity intensifying the flavors of black cherry, herbs, resin and peppery spices. The palate doesn't quite deliver what the nose promises but there's no shortage of personality here, especially for a wine from a difficult vintage. The tannins seem resolved but still retain a distinct firmness. This reminded me of a cross between a Bordeaux and a northern Rhône wine. According to Steve Pride, the estate's Cabernet was picked into the second week of December!
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The opaque purple-colored 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is extraordinarily full-bodied and powerful, with unbelievable finesse and harmony for a wine of such great extract and richness. Pure creme de cassis intermixed with licorice, minerals, smoke, and incense is accompanied by sweet tannin, well-integrated acidity, wood, and alcohol, and a stupendous finish lasting nearly 45 seconds. The wine is approachable, but should age easily for two decades. The limited production Reserve cuvee (450 cases) is an expression of California winemaking at its most compelling. Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039
Saturated purple-ruby. Restrained but complex aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet, licorice, bitter chocolate and minerals. Juicy and very firmly built; conveys a stronger impression of acidity. Black fruits complicated by mocha and dark chocolate notes. Less broad than the reserve claret but subtler and longer. Finishes with nobler tannins and slowly mounting, extremely persistent flavor.