1998 Lewelling

[Innkeeper]

1998 Lewelling Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't have a lot of data other than the power, 14.3% alcohol. No price as it was a gift. No appellation. They gather grapes from wherever and they are vinted and bottled at their St Helena, Napa Valley location. So, let's cut to the chase.

It was the perfect wine for our Memorial Day dinner. We decanted it two hours before eating, and it was wide open upon consumption. Loads of blackcurrent and black cherries upfront and on the nose. Perfectly balanced complexity with more fruit, modest oak, fully body, and tame tannin across the palate. At least a three alarm finish. Most impressed with the structure, a rarity in modern California cabs, making it a splendid food wine.

Matched with grilled porterhouse steak which had been marinated in red wine, patted dry, rubbed with OO and Morton steak rub, and gilled over charcoal with mesquite chips. With salad, it made for a wonderful holiday dinner. If you see it, try it.