1998 Tobin James Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

[Innkeeper]

We popped the '03 tonight. It was the first one since '99; the others having different designations, such as "Silver Reserve." It listed at $38, but came in spring '06 shipment. The alcohol level was: 14.8%.

It was a very classic Paso Cab (coming from five dry farmed vineyards) with a very heavy dose of black currents on the nose and upfront. There was much more fruit commingling with ripe tannin and just a touch of oak in the complexity in the middle. The finish went on and on.

We matched it with a large boneless shell steak (1.5 lbs) that we seared and roasted, baked tiny red potatoes; and salad with a dressing of Champagne vinegar, and a very nice EVOO and herbs. It was the best Saturday night in a long time. Hick!