1994 BPradel Howell Mtn. Ranch

[winoweenie]

Bernard Pradel, a frenchman, bought 40 acres on Hoell Mtn. I bought and reviewed his 92 in the 92 series and said this "My first bottle of his wine. Lots going on. Can't wait to see what he did in 94." Well it's a shame that this was his last bottling. Never got to meet him nor find out why he packed up and left Napa. A definate Bordeaux slant on this very subtle bottling. Brite ruby with darker highlites. Black cherry, mint, chocolate, and cigar-box aromas jump outta the ole' Reidel and come across on the palate. Silky entry, mid-weight center and a solid 4-lapper finish make this one outstanding bottling. He also made a Yountville Ranch bottling I'll pull. Super juice from a super vintage. 91/93. 30 by the box.12.8% alc. WW

[hotwine]

Here's some words on the gent and his wines: http://www.goosecross.com/about/bernard_pradel.html

[Kcwhippet]

Tried the 1988 version and was so impressed I bought a case. Later got a case of the 1989, but nothing afterward. Don't know why because I liked it. Guess I should have kept up.

[winoweenie]

After posting this morn about the Yountville it dawned on me that noone had read about this wine from Howell by the venerable frenchman. This wine has definately peaked and has nowhere but the soap-box derby course to go. Still a viable drink but not close to the Howells' from producers such as Dunn or Craig. Glad there's only a couple left in the cave. Knock it down to am 88. WW

[winoweenie]

Found a couple of these dudes hiding and opened one for lunch yesterday. Seems like the structure has firmed up or else there's lots of variance in the wines. All are from the same case so bottle variation must be the answer. This bottle was a carbon copy of the 1st that I reported on and may even have been a tad better. Lovely stuff and certainly deserving of the 91 score. WW

[winoweenie]

The Last of the Mohikies! Somewhere between the last 2 bottles. Methinks there be a passel of bottle variation on this hummer. Glad the bell rung. Lovely stuff but......WW