1998 Vintage California Cabernet Tasting at WWWB

"Spent my days with a woman unkind,
Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine.
Made up my mind to make a new start,
Going to california with an aching in my heart."

Going to California by Led Zeppelin

We have a tradition here at Wine Watch of studying 10 and 20-year old wines every year just to see how they are progressing from adolescents to young adults and these 20-year olds from California are the subject of study this evening.  We will be hosting this tasting blind in efforts to see if our "Wine Drinking People" can pick out the ringers and we have some excellent ringers like Carruades De Lafite and Chateau Palmer from Bordeaux. 

1998 California Cabernet Tasting at WWWB
Friday June 1st
7:30pm

1998 Opus One Napa

(93 points) Next to the 1997, the 1998 Opus One is naturally a bit slender, but it, too, boasts striking balance. Savory herbs, mint, licorice and plums are woven together in a fabric of notable class. Still young and vibrant, the 1998 is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade. The focus, length and persistence are all super-impressive, especially within the context of a challenging vintage. The 1998 is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. (AG) (6/2013) Vinous

1998 Hollywood and Vine 2480 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
 Price: $99.00    Sale Price: $79.00     Quantity in Stock: 1

Hollywood and Vine Cellars, where two guys from the entertainment biz have gotten together to make the best, hand crafted, ultra-premium Napa Valley wine ever!    When you hear the words “Hollywood and Vine," the famous intersection in Los Angeles might come to mind, but for us, the name represents the partnership between friends and a mutual love of wine.

Actor turned director and screenwriter, Doug Barr, relocated to the Napa Valley from Hollywood, in the early 1990’s. Inspired to try his hand at the wine business, Doug called his longtime pal, Bruce Orosz, and together, they created Hollywood and Vine Cellars. Recruiting one of the most talented winemakers in the valley, Celia Welch, H & V released it’s first vintage in 1998 to glowing reviews and you get to taste the first release of this Napa treasure tonight!

1998 Merus Cabernet Napa
Price: $159.00    Your Price: $139.92 Quantity in Stock: 1

Merus has been sold to Foley Family wines and it was started by Mark Herold who is considered to be one of the top minds in the California.

1998 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum Napa

One of our favorite Oakville wineries and this wine is in magnum so it will be served bling as two different wines making our blind tasting even more exciting you need to pick out the wine that is on the table twice!!

1998 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa

This is all To Kalon vineyard and is one of the best values you will find today from this outstanding fruit source.  This historic vineyard that provides Robert Mondavi Winery with grapes for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and Oakville District Cabernet Sauvignon

1998 Verite Sonoma/Napa
Price: $155.00    Your Price: $136.40             Quantity in Stock: 2

(90 points) Dark, rich and chocolaty, with black cherry and blackberry fruit that's deep and concentrated. Gains complexity with mineral, cedar, coffee and tarry notes, turning dry and tannic. Best from 2002 through 2010. 1,956 cases made. “JL Issue: Aug 31, 2001

1998 Carruades de Lafite Pauillac
Price: $295.00    Your Price: $259.60    Quantity in Stock: 3

(90 points) This has become one of the finest second wines produced. The 1998 (a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1.5% Petit Verdot) is an outstanding effort. While very Lafite-like (although more supple and forward), it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to an excellent bouquet of black fruits, smoke, earth, and minerals, supple tannin, an excellent texture, and a long, fine finish. (RP) (4/2001) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

1998 Chateau Palmer Margaux
Price: $275.00    Sale Price: $225.00  Quantity in Stock: 1

(91 points) A classic Margaux, the 1998 Palmer has put on weight and fleshed out during its elevage in barrel. It displays a dense purple color as well as a sumptuous bouquet of black fruits, licorice, melted asphalt, pain grille, and a touch of acacia flowers. Full-bodied, with brilliant definition, this blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a dollop of Petit Verdot, will age well for 20-30 years. It is one of the Medoc's, as well as the Margaux appellation's finest wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2028. (RP) (4/2001) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

1998 Michele Satta Cavaliere Bolgheri
Price: $90.00    Your Price: $79.20     Quantity in Stock: 10

This is a 100% Sangiovese based wine and is the top wine or the Super Tuscan from this estate.

Menu

Charcuterie Selection

Harpke Farms Tomato and Wild Mushroom Tartar with micro greens and edible flower garnish

Duck Confit Lasagna with Cabernet Demi Glaze

Dark Chocolate Soufflé

The fee for this tasting is $195 + tax per person for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.