1994 Santa Cruz Mtn Vineyard Bates Ranch

[winoweenie]

BRW and I had this along with a 94 Truchard Napa at lunch. Both wines showed the breeding of the vintage but whereas the Bates had the slight mid-palate acidic note I associate with a wines proximity to the start of decline, the Truchard still had the vibrancy of fruit and depth of flavors of a vital fully mature outstanding bottle. Both score in the 90 range but the Bates needs immediate attention while the Truchard should go another 4-7. WW