lake cty CA cabs

[ufcgracie]

I am a wine novice who "inherited" a couple of magnums of Lake County , CA cabernets. I am hoping to determine if they are ready to drink ( or are they past their prime?) and whether they are decent wines or just swill.
The wines are:
Kendall-Jackson "the proprieters reserve" 1986 magnum Cabernet Sauvignon

Stuemer 1982 magnum Cabernet

If anyone woud be so kind as to advise this novice whether I should serve either of these to my boss, or with my in-laws I would be in their debt.

thank you

[winoweenie]

Hi ufcgracie and welcome to the board. The K-J mite still be alive and kicking dependant on its' storage. Not familiar with the other label. I'd preface the serving with the explanation that both wines were presents and you hope they're still drinkable. Good luck. WW

[Drew]

Can't find the word Stuemer associated with anything wine related either. Spelling correct?

Drew

[ufcgracie]

oops! I misspelled the winery- it is spelled Stuermer and was formerly known as Lower Lake winery and Steele winery


thanks
ufcgracie

[wondersofwine]

Steele we've heard of--as in Jed Steele in Lake County, CA. He makes some very nice wines but I wouldn't know about the '82 cabernet.

[Bucko]

After coming to the United Stated in 1989 to help a friend successfully "fix" a poorly made wine, Gerald returned to the United States several times, meeting Shirley on one of his visits. 1990 he was here to stay and he and Shirley were married in 1993. Most recently Gerald has been a consultant wine winemaker in the Paso Robles, Monterey and Napa wine regions.
Upon deciding to own and operate their own winery, the Ployez's explored the Napa and Sonoma areas, but fell in love with Lake County and found the Stuermer Winery for sale. Reflecting on their move, Gerald says, "We feel comfortable here, everyone is friendly and helpful. I see a lot of parallels between Lake County and the traditional spirit of winemaking from my old country".
Since moving to Lake County in August 1997 and purchasing the winery in September, the Ployez's already have wine in the tanks and have turned part of the winery into their home. "This is very much a family affair" , says Shirley, whose mother even moved here from the Bay Area recently to help with the business. The relaxed, family style environment is evident in the tasting room which is open 7 days a week.