1999 Napa Cab Tastings

[RAD]

Had this little tasting troika yesterday evening in preparation for a trip to Napa/Sonoma this week. All paired with wonderful pan-seared filets by the missus.

1999 Steltzner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: was previously unfamiliar with this producer, and bought on recommendation from guy at wine shop. Upon opening, uh-oh! Smelled like grandma's basement. My 3rd corked bottle in 2 1/2 years. Promptly returned and received another bottle. Deep blood garnet color. Highly extracted, with jammy blackberry aromas. Full-bodied (14.9% alcohol). Solid midpalate, with overripe cherry and blackberry flavors give way to firm tannins and some sweet oak on the longish finish. 92/93. $28 in NYC.

1999 Whitehall Lane Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A purple, red, and black mélange. Fragrant and floral nose with blackberry, violet, and rose elements. Wound tighter than a tympani, with a focused band of dark berry fruit. Astringent tannins on the finish. A powerful wine that needs some time. 91/93. $32 in NYC.

1999 Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark purple garnet. Lots of plum and berry character, a solid midpalate, and a lengthy finish. This wine strikes a balance between the brawn of the Whitehall Lane and the slight overripeness of the Steltzner. A classic in the making. 93/94. $34 in NYC.

RAD

[winoweenie]

Steltzner has one of the oldest vineyards in Napa and was primarily a grape supplier until, I believe 1978. His wines have always been sound but a little too rustic for modern drinkers. Other producers have done better with the Steltzner grapes than him. I gave up on the wine when his 94 'twernt what it coulda' been. Have fun in Napa. I'm going up the end of the month. WW