how long can Napa Cabs Cellar?

[Christian Sobb]

Hello,

I have been collecting several 91's, 94's, 95's 96, 97, 98, 99's of California Cabs. I work for a California company so I find my self in Napa over the weekends. I'm fairly a novice but have dozens of bottles and a cellar chilled at 52 degrees. How long can these cellar for? They have been kept in cold storage since day one. I mainly have Caymus, Chimney Rock, Heitz, Silver Oak, Stags Leap Fay, Duckhorn, Pride, Peju, Justin, PlumpJack etc...
What is the optimal drinking age for each year? Is there a standard?

Thanks!

[Innkeeper]

Hi Christian, and welcome to the Wine Board. Our resident Napa expert is away till the weekend, and will surely chime in then. My rule of thumb, again depending on producer and specific vintage, is ten to twelve years at optimum storage. So, you might pop a '91 or two some time soon.

[Christian Sobb]

Thanks for your help. I look forward to hearing from you resident expert on Napa/Senoma Cabs.

[Innkeeper]

He's back. I'm moving this up to the top of the thread so he sees it.

[sedhead]

I'm tring a 1992 Gallo Northen Sanoma EB tonight. I'll post the results later on the Cab. S, board when I get a chance.

[sedhead]

CS

I did post some information on two 1985 Napa Cabs I had this year. See my post on the Bordeaux Board: 1989 Grande-Puy-Lacoste.

[winoweenie]

Hi CS and welcome to the board. You seem to have either a good eye for the good cab or some very knowledgable help in your selection of wines. Without exception the wines you listed with the storage you stated will improve for 10-15 years and hold for another 10. If you go back on the Cab thread for a year I think you'll find some informative tasting notes. I normally start tasting wines at the 5 year level and make whatever opinions I can on their future at that time. Just opened a 95 Forman Napa for lunch and can give it as they say in the movie revue biz " 2 Lips Up ". If you have any specific wines you need info on, let us know. WW