2002 Estancia, Paso Robles

[hotwine]

With oak-grilled NY stips, new spuds and green salad. Color of black currant preserves; somewhat subdued nose but showing ripe cab fruit with very light wood in background; balanced cab fruit on the palate with good character, not at all a fruit bomb; moderate finish. D loved it so I'm cleared for more. 13.5% alc/vol and $10.45 at Costco. Probably the best Cal cab I've tried for less than $25.

[winoweenie]

Estancia keeps on keepin' on. Seems to always be there in the P/Q catagory. WW

[Drew]

How was the oak level Gil, as I remember Estancia is full of it.

Drew

[hotwine]

The '02 at least was balanced, Drew, with oak in background.... not at all what I'd call a "woody wine". But also now have some '01 and even an '03, so will be interesting to compare notes.

[hotwine]

Had an '01 last night with a NY strip. Unremarkable (nice way of saying mediocre). Seemed disjointed and out of sorts. Probably needed decanting, which I didn't take time for after wasting time on a bummed-out St Sulpice.

[Innkeeper]

Gil, you may have noticed that the last one was two years old, and that this one was six years old. They are made ready to consume, and again not an ager.

[hotwine]

Yup, I did notice that Carl. No graceful decline, just a drop off the cliff.