Fat cat

[skogkat]

Recently a friend suggested I should really try Black Mountain vineyard '96' Cabernet Sauvignon "Fat Cat" For the dollar value I was pleasently surprised. What is known about the vineyard and has the wine been rated by Mead or others? Have others tried it and what do they think. Also, is this bottling for a specific store (not sure I can mention chain store names)where I bought it? Will appreciate your thoughts.

[Jerry D Mead]

Black Mountain used to be a real vineyard and Fat Cat represented a particular vineyard block where the owners fat old cat liked to sun himself...in fact he debated whether to use the name and asked me at the time if I thought it was too cutesy. I told him no, especially because of the double meaning of "Fat Cat."

Alas! The owner went through a particularly ugly divorce, which eventually resulted in an unpleasant bankruptcy proceding. The vineyard went to one person and lost its identity, the brand name went to someone else and continues, but without the original fruit source...which is not to say it isn't good wine. I haven't tasted any recent vintages, but the producer has a reputation for putting out good wine for the money.

It comes from the same folks who make Forest Glen, Hacienda, Napa Creek, Rutherford Vintners, Forestville, etc.