1994 Grace Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

(94 Points) The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon is the last wine made from the original vineyard plantings. The opaque purple color is accompanied by an explosive bouquet of blackcurrants and cherries, intermingled with toasty, new oak. Full-bodied, with a lead pencil, cedary, cassis-like characteristic not dissimilar from a high class Pauillac, this tightly-knit yet formidably-endowed Cabernet Sauvignon should last for 20-25 years. I hope the handful of multi-millionaires who latch onto a bottle or two will have enough patience to cellar it for 5-6 years before pulling a cork. These limited production gems certainly merit the hyperbole and accolades they receive. This wine is only available via the winery's mailing list, and I am sure there are more potential suitors than wine to be sold. Current production has dwindled, largely because much of the vineyard is in the process of being replanted due to the phylloxera scourge. For example, in 1995 only the upper block of the vineyard was in production. Only 75 cases will emerge from this vintage, further ensuring a preposterously high price. In 1994 there are 175 cases. These beautifully made wines are among the finest Cabernets in California. I rarely report on them because they are, for all intents and purposes, unobtainable. Yet there is no doubting the high quality aspirations of the owner, and the skills exhibited by winemaking consultant Heidi Barrett in the production, aging, and bottling of these 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Wine Advocate # 108 Dec 1996