1996 Kathryn Kennedy Lateral

[Drew]

Eileen and I popped this on Christmas night after all the hu-bub. Very floral on the nose but flavors didn't follow nose. Tired and diluted flavors of brite and dark fruit, cinnamon and creamy vanilla oak nuances. Short finish. Don't know if this was over the hill or a bad effort. 60% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Drew

[Thomas]

I think it was over the hill--I remember that wine when it was released; it seemed like it would fall apart, as many of the fruit bombs do.

[winoweenie]

Haven't had the Lateral but have always been very pleased with the Cabs. Good structure with lots of staying power. WW

[stevebody]

I've had good luck with the Laterals but I can see how they might wilt on you. She's been known to buy bad corks that admit air and breed germs, so maybe you got one of those. It's pretty nice stuff when you get a good 'un.

[Thomas]

With Drew's description of floral nose and those flavors he picked out, I doubt the wine suffered from a bad cork and oxygen. It simply went over the hill, as some wines do.