by AiasTelemonian » Thu Mar 26, 2009 10:00 am
Here's my experiance so far with California cabernets. In the past year I've tasted alot of 1997's. Ridge Montebello is good but I don't think it is any better now than it was two years ago. Dunn - both the Howell and the Napa - are very good. I think they could go a few more years. All the others were (my opinion) over the hill. I didn't get to try any 98's - I didn't buy any myself (on the advice of WS - more on that later) and I didn't see any at the tastings I went to. All the 99's (including Heitz, Caymus, Cakebread etc.) are drinking well but I don't think they are better than they were a year ago. I'm finishing off the ones I have and I'm glad I have them. I have no information on the 2000's. The 2001's are all fine. Even the 'new wave' ones (as I understand the term) are good. For example, I tasted a 2001 O'Shaughnessy Veeder - it was fresh and sweet. Like the 05 only smoother. I'll hold the 2005 for at least four more years. In general I hold 'unproven' stuff about 6 years and 'old school' (Mayacamas, Ridge, Dunn, Togni, Mt. Eden etc.) for 8 years. I don't think there's much sense going beyond about 12. One final note: 1998, 2000 and 2003 are all considered 'bad' (cool) years in CA. But so far, I'm really impressed with the 2003's and I regret not buying more of them (I have Mayacamas, Dunn, Anakota, Fisher). I like the 03's much better than the 04's so far. Anyway, I'd Love to hear specific information about which wines improve...