I need Help

[Ricka]

I have recently started at a new company that the principals really enjoy wine. I'm not to familiar with wine, recently we had a wine tasting at our comapy picnic. I came in third. Not to bad for my first time. We currently have another wine tasting coming up, I need to know what is a GREAT bottle of CS for around $50.00.

Also i have a bottle of Sliver Oak that was given to me by a friend, Does it age well in the bottle?

[Thomas]

If by CS you mean Cabernet Sauvignon, winoweenie might soon come to your rescue,..

[Bucko]

Older Silver Oaks have aged well from the 70s and early 80s. I have less impressed with the winery over the last several years.

"Great" is in the eye of the beholder. One that might fit the bill is the 1998 Clos Du Val, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vineyard Georges III, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, $55, 2,000 cases. Deeply colored, with aromas of blackberry, mint and perhaps a touch of blueberry. Full-bodied and quite elegant, the tannins are substantial yet glide over the palate with a velvety touch. Black fruit, coffee, mint, and an ever so slight amount of herbaceousness define the flavor profile. An excellent effort from a "tough" vintage year. 92/89.

Another -- 1997 Hess Collection, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California, $35, 15,000 cases. Deeply colored, with splendid aromas of licorice, plum blackberry and cedar. Elegant on the palate, with full flavors of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, and French oak. The tannins are silky, the finish long. Classic California Cabernet. 91/94.

[winoweenie]

Put a big second on the Hess Collection. Also one of the late arriving 97s' that IMHO is a dynamite wine is the Grigich Hills. At 40-45 a veritable steal. Wow him with your footwork if all else fails. WW You dint' supply the vintage of the Silver. It's hard to be Karmack in the wine Biz.

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 07-18-2001).]

[cabfan]

If you want a stellar cab for under $50 try one of these:

Madrigal Vineyards '97 Cab - $30 (A steal)
1998 Groth - $47
White Cottage Ranch - $50 (Really good - winemaker used to be at st. clement but now he has the freedom to produce stellar wines!)

These are great small producer wines that most people don't know about - so you'll really surprise your tasting group. You can buy these wines online direct from the wineries at http://www.winetasting.com/

Happy tasting! YOu won't be dissappointed with any of these choices - I promise!