Info on two cabernets

[Drew]

A friend inherited some wine from his aunt's collection, which he says was extensive and properly cellared, and gave me 10 bottles, two of which are:

1991 Robert Pepi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch

and

1994 Nathanson Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

any info and guestimate of drinkability? The other bottles were all 94's and included Robert Strong Merlot, 5 Bearboat Pinot Noir, a Ravenswood vinters select merlot and a 92' Arrowood Merlot. It should be interesting how some of these aged.

Drew

[This message has been edited by Drew (edited 10-24-2004).]

[winoweenie]

The Pepi should be ready. All of the 94 Merlots need opening. Have fun Drew-booger. WW

[wondersofwine]

I like Bearboat Pinot Noir but have had them within 3-4 years of vintage. Let me know how the 94s held up.

[wondersofwine]

I forgot to mention that I think Nathanson Creek is an inexpensive grocery store type brand--not anything very special. Arrowood, however, is a good winery now part of Mondavi family but perhaps soon to be returned to Richard Arrowood. I haven't tried the Merlot--they make a nice late harvest Riesling.

[Drew]

So far it seems that the storage wasn't up to snuff. 4 opened Bearboats and all corks crumbled and the wine was very tart with noticiable bricking and lacking fruit...over the hill. The Arrowood merlot was drinkable but also over the hill. Will report on the others asap.

Drew

[wondersofwine]

Bummer, Drew.

[winoweenie]

Didn't want to be a kill-joy but have found that even the best Napa Merlots have a low lifespan. Even the Duckhorn 3 Palms start toward the vinegar barrell in the sky at about 5-7. WW