1998 Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
This wine is one of a pair, with its Merlot counterpart, which come from one of Napa Valley or Napa Mountain each year, which sounds a bit tricksy to me. Deep crimson and a vague whiff of wood chips (not that I am suggesting for one minute that a wine at this price would have seen actual chips rather than top-quality barrels, but perhaps the wood for the barrels had been less than perfectly seasoned). Very chewy and with an extremely dry finish. Perhaps the vintage is at fault here. (JR)
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Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
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An uninspiring wine, although certainly competently made and good, is the 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has plenty of concentration, power, and density, but seems somewhat monolithic and slightly austere. Jagged tannins in the finish may always be an annoying aspect of the wine's texture. It is capable of lasting 15 or more years. What an impressive debut performance. Tel. (800) 244-4090 Fax. (800) 600-5895
Medium ruby. Dusty, slightly high-toned aromas of black fruits, dark chocolate and nuts. Lush and rich, with plum and currant flavors and a slight dusty element. Finishes with drying tannins; betrays a green aspect with aeration.