1994 California Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Tasting at Wine Watch

     Wine, Wine, Wine
     All hail the Grape Divine!
     Wine, Wine, Wine
     Makes everyone feel fine!
     You got yours, and I got mine -
     Wine, Wine, Wine, Wine, Wine!

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red wine in the world today and when it comes to immediate gratification wines this varietal it is hard to beat.  Some of the critics have speculated that the new wines of the 1990’s and beyond from California that contain higher alcohol will not age as well as the ones of the 1970’s and 1980’s which were made more in the fashion of the old world Bordeaux.  Well, that is why we do these tastings, this is scientific wine research and you our “Wine Drinking People” are invited to join us for our 1994 vintage California Cabernet Sauvignon tasting on Wednesday, September 14th!   But hurry Cabernet Sauvignon is popular and there are only 14 spaces available for this event.

Most people know about Napa Valley's Cabernet Sauvignon and although it only accounts for around 3-5% of the total production in terms of volume it is probably closer to 40-50% of all the total volume in terms of dollars.   They do make great Cabernet Sauvignon in Sonoma and even places like the Santa Cruz Mountains but the most sought after Cabernet Sauvignon from California comes from Napa Valley.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is a relatively new invention it is the result of the combination of a white varietal Sauvignon Blanc and a red grape Cabernet Franc crossed by some mad grape scientist in southwest France in the 17th century.  Because of its thick skin and relative ease of cultivation this varietal has spread around the world and makes high quality full bodied red wines in many parts of the wine world.

There are several growing regions in California that make outstanding examples of this varietal and tonight we will showcase one of the best vintages from the 1990’s, every Cabernet Sauvignon will be vintage 1994 and we have wines from Sonoma, Santa Cruz Mountains and of course Napa Valley.

California Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the easiest wine tastings to sell, can you say immediate gratification but these wines can age for 20+ and we like to say that older California wines are incredible values when you look at the price of these wines many are the same or even less than the price of the new releases!!  Cabernet Sauvignon always draws a crowd and this is a pre-poured sit down tasting and is limited to 14 tasters, the fee for this tasting is $95 + Gratuity + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.

1994 California Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Tasting
Wednesday, September 14th
7:30pm

1994 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
 Price: $114.00    Your Price: $100.32
Quantity in Stock: 9

The fruit is rich and concentrated with the Mayacamas signature juicy acidity and the tannins while present are soft and forgiving. A delicious example of Mayacamas' unique style.

1994 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Price: $59.00    Your Price: $51.92
Quantity in Stock: 5

This is the winery where Bob Levy and Bill Harlan got started and is one of the great properties in Napa.

1994 Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 
Price: $39.00    Your Price: $34.32
Quantity in Stock: 4

Mount Veeder is one of the original wineries from this region from the 1970's and we have featured many of their older vintages in tastings and they have surprised many with their quality value ratio.

1994 Newton Cabernet Sauvignon Unfiltered  Napa
Price: $49.00    Your Price: $43.12
Quantity in Stock: 5

It will be fun to taste these two Newton wines in this mix, this was the first winery in Napa Valley that the great Michel Rolland was hired to consult for and is still one of the top wineries in Napa that many of the Napa Valley wine cognizante have forgotten about.

1994 Newton Cabernet Sauvignon Le Puzzle Unfiltered  Napa
Price: $95.00    Your Price: $83.60
Quantity in Stock: 5

1994 Oakford Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 
Price: $65.00    Your Price: $57.20
Quantity in Stock: 9

(91 points)  The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon is performing even better than it did last year. The wine, somewhat of a sleeper, is a medium to full-bodied, rich, smoky, mineral and black currant-laden Cabernet. It reveals a classic structure, but the austerity it possessed last year has been shed in favor of a well-structured, undeniably rich, well-delineated, pure Cabernet Sauvignon that should handsomely repay 5-6 years of cellaring; it will keep for 20+ years. As a side note, well-known Heidi Barrett is the consulting oenologist for this estate. Production is about 1,000 cases per vintage. This 8-acre estate owned by Charles Bell is superbly located on the hills above the Oakville Crossroad, not far from the exceptional Harlan Estate. (12/1997)  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

1994 Ridge Monte Bello Estate Santa Cruz Mountains
Price: $199.00    Your Price: $175.12
Quantity in Stock: 11

(95 points) Saturated medium ruby to the rim. Multidimensional, intensely spicy nose combines black plum, black cherry, black raspberry, chocolate mint, coffee and cedar. Fat, thick, dense and impressively deep; penetrating vinosity gives the currently austere black cherry and menthol flavors superb clarity. Powerfully structured and exextremely unevolved. Finishes with superb persistence and toothcoating tannins that spread out over the palate. Will be a great Monte Bello. (10/2000) Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

1994 Silver Oak Cabernet Alexander Valley
Price: $95.00    Sale Price: $75.00
Quantity in Stock: 10

(93 points) The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley reveals a provocative nose of tobacco, black cherries, cloves, fruitcake, and spice. Some plum and raspberry fruit also emerges on the palate. This is a hedonistic, sexy, seductive, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with low acidity, and loads of toasty oak. It will be a huge crowd pleaser when released next year. It should show well for at least 12-15 years. Tel. (707) 857-3562; Fax (707) 857-3135 Wine Advocate # 114 Dec 1997

1994 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Price: $165.00    Sale Price: $125.00
Quantity in Stock: 4

(93 Points) The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc) reveals toasty sweet oak in the nose, bombastic levels of black currant fruit and spice along with a hint of mint in the background. Supple and full-bodied, with delirious levels of cedar and unctuously-textured fruit, this fleshy, gorgeously made Cabernet Sauvignon should drink well for 14-15 years. Wine Advocate # 120, Dec 1998

1994 Staglin Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Price: $159.00    Your Price: $139.92
NA
This is one of the cult Cabernet Sauvignon producers in Napa and should be a contender for wine of the night!

Menu

Selection of cheese

Beef Shortrib shepards pie with mole sauce and beemster Gouda

Chocolate Covered Bacon

This tasting is a sit down event with only 14 spaces available.  Wine Watch Caterings toni Lampasone will be making a special meal to accompany the tasting wines and the fee for this event is $95 + Tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463.