Two nice new release Cabs

[Bucko]

Both of these wines are at the upper limits of my oak tolerance, but both were nice wines. The regular Cab is the better value IMO.

1997 St. Clement, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $35, 7,100 cases. This wine has luscious blackberry and plum aromas and flavors, well-integrated spicy oak, impeccable balance, and finishes with silky tannins. Good value in today’s market.

1998 St. Clement, Oroppas, Napa Valley, $45, 3,600 cases. Another well-balanced wine from St. Clement. Rich, sweet black fruit is accentuated by spicy vanilla oak flavors, chocolate, and soft tannins.

Bucko