'98 Easton Shenandoah Valley Cabernet

[Innkeeper]

1998 Easton, Shenandoah Valley California, Cabernet Sauvignon ($30 but paid much less with a healthy discount in the '03 Fall Sampler). Alcohol level 13.5%. This was the last wine from that shipment, and we thoroughly enjoyed all of them.

A very dark, unlikly Cab, color for the eye. Gives a huge array of dark berry aroma to the nose along with some spicy/oaky nuances. The same transmits to the tongue with ever so slightly herbal notes. It all gets together with a very solid middle comlexity that is really more Zin than Cab-like. The finish is a 3.5 lapper.

The lack of varietal character does not diminish this wine. It was excellent and fully fleshed out. Matched it with grillpanned porterhouse steak, roasted gold fingerlings, and salad with balsamic vinegar and EVOO.

Great way to celebrate a bid on our house.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 04-30-2005).]