1997 Phoenix Vineyards Napa Estate

[winoweenie]

Thor maybe me tired ole'schnozz had finally gone beserk. When I opened this hummer last nite I was carried back to around 1981-or-2 . Surely Joe Heitz dint loan some of his Marthas' grapes to this Napa newcomer. The lovely scents of gorgeous red fruits, sweet spices and a touch of the tell-tale eucaliptus minty notes hit on all cylanders and were magnified on the palate. This was the 1st estate bottling from this property and there hasn't been any buzz at all for any of the subsequent vintages. I bought this in St. Helena at the SH Wine Merchants as they were my major pusher for all the newest and best new producers during the 80s' and early 90s'. Great entry, solid center and a 4&1/2 lapper finish. Was so overcome by the massive fruit and likeness to the Marthas' I drank every drop and dint notice the tannins so they must be very much in the background. 93/95 29 buy the box. 14.3% alc. (Blended with 13% Cab Franc)
WW

[winoweenie]

Opened another of these last nite whilst fending off them dragons and butterflys. Has not been treated kindly by the extra time in bttle but still tasty aas all git-out. No bricking and seems to have lost the "Marthas" character. Mite just be bottle variation. Have to take this lil' darlin down to a 90 based on last nite experience. WW