Meritage - Napa

2004 Shafer Cabernet “One Point Five” $110 – this angry, young beast shows a little promise but not much. The people love the name; I hate the lack of earth. It’s a fruit-bomb and cheap Chilean Cabernet gives it a run for its money. Nevertheless, there are no vegetable aromas and it’s juicy. Last tasted 10/9/07) Drink now-2015 

2000 Chateau Montellena Cab Sauvignon. - Napa - Big and masculine but after tasting the Old World wines, it tasted super-extracted with some banana or strawberry nose. The epitome of a fruit-forward wine with black asphalt masculinity. Last tasted 2007 Drink now-2015 

1999 Spottswoode, Napa $195 - this displayed nuances of licorice and espresso grinds with a tinge of chalk. Not much of a selling point, but it tasted good. There was pickle in this one too. The tannins were mellow, but the wine wasn't watery. At one time, the host sold Casanova's the best figs around! Last tasted 8/18/07 Drink now-2015 

1991 Heitz "Martha's Vineyard" - I took the guest down to the cellar because his buddy was celebrating his birthday. This was the year of the freeze and I got lots of eucalyptus. Some of the organisms that struggled for existence produced complexity. A bit tight at first, but the mint was ever-present. Last tasted 8/20/07 Drink now-2015 

1984 Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa - The dirty and supple tannins overshadowed barky eucalyptus, leathered and ripened roses. I thought it might be younger than 89' and was impressed with the tons of tobacco and cherry-like fruit. It had a dried candied fruit character. I didn't know California wines could age this well. Maybe I should've read about the judgment of Paris in 76'? Last tasted 2007 Drink now-2015 