This is a story about two wines, both purchased at the respective winery in about 2004, on a trip to California Wine country with my brothers. I purchased a bottle at Heitz Cellars and one at Plumpjack. We tried the cabernet at Plumpjack, it was outstanding. The other bottle was older and not available for tasting. Below are the Wine Spectator reviews of each bottle.
Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2001
Score: 93 Release Price: $58
Country: California Region: Napa Issue: Jun 15, 2004
A rich, elegant, sophisticated style, built around a concentrated core of spicy blackberry, currant and plum flavors that run deep and earthy. This full-blown wine is packed with dense, opulent flavors and a long, lingering aftertaste. Best from 2005 through 2012. 9,000 cases made. –JL
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Bella Oaks Vineyard 1995
Score: 86 Release Price: $45
Country: California Region: Napa Issue: Jun 15, 2000
Medium in weight, with pretty black cherry, wild berry and plum notes. Turns elegant, with smooth tannins. Drink now through 2006. 4,529 cases made. –JL
Both bottles were carried back to Wichita and stored together in my wine storage unit (originally a 12 bottle unit, I’ve upgraded to a 36 bottle unit.
I popped open the Heitz over Easter weekend with my brother Tony, this year (2012). It was elegant and well structured with nice black cherry and berry notes. Had a great body and mouthfeel, like it would last another few years in the bottle. Really good – wish I had a couple more bottles.
The Plumpjack was opened over Memorial day, this year(2012) with my Brother J. It tasted tired and rather simple, the fruit was mild dark berry, with little aftertaste and short mouthfeel. Disappointing to say the least.
I realize that there are bottle variations, but the point is that sometimes a bottle you think will age well, doesn’t always live up to expectations, while others exceed the expert opinions. Not every bottle of red wine gets better after ten years, and some will surprise you. I’ll talk about aging zinfandel another time – that’s a story in it’s self. Let me know if you’ve had similar experiences.
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