'98 Tobin James Private Stash

[Innkeeper]

1998 Tobin James, Paso Robles, Estate Private Stash ($35, but came in the Spring ’01 shipment at an average price of $14 including shipping). Alcohol 14.1%. This is a bona fide Meritage with equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc; but not called anything except Private Stash. Grapes in this blend are harvested, crushed, and fermented together. What can I say, except yummy! Decanted it an hour and half before dinner, but don’t think it was at all necessary.

Probably because of the Merlot and Franc the fruits are more red than black. Currents, cherries, and wild berries on the nose and upfront. Unbelievable complexity including herbs and muted oak cross the palate along with tannin as smooth as a baby’s proverbial. The finish rang bells. Too bad there was only one, but at $35 a pop for extras; you know; especially since we had never heard of this one before. There is a ’00 in the rack, but we didn’t get any more of it either. Sigh!

We matched it with fillet steak in rasher grilled with mesquite chips, and served with aioli; along with salad in blue cheese dressing. Yum, yum!



[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 07-04-2004).]