1987 Phelps Eisele

[Bucko]

Somewhat of a disappointment..... Still youthful appearing with eucalyptus on the nose and palate. Sweet black fruit is still prevalent, with some leather and chocolate nuances, nice acidity, but there are obtrusive, bitter tannins that ruin the wine, making it appear disjointed. This is a shame, because it would be a beauty otherwise.

Bucko

[Randy Caparoso]

Yikes, Bucko, sounds awfully young (considering the lineage). Are you getting impatient with youth in your advancing age? Because judging from your description, it still sounds like a very interesting wine, even if bristling with untamed tannin.

[Bucko]

Nope, the fruit is fading faster than the tannins......

Bucko

[Randy Caparoso]

Oaky doke. I agree -- never thought Phelps did the best possible job with Eisele anyway (although I wish I still had some '77!).
What do you think Bart and Daphne Araujo (with Tony Soter's help) have been doing with the vineyard, by the way? I hope you like them, because I certainly do. Too bad most of the wine world thinks so also -- reducing my yearly allocations severely and, of course, driving the price up. I think they've tamed that wild, monsterous quality, while maintaining the intrinsic intensity. Remember the '74 Conn Creek "Eisele"? Now that was something soul man from another planet!

[Bucko]

Randy, the 74 Conn Creek ANYTHING was wonderful. Their 74 Zinfandel was a stunner, but unbelievably not as good as the 78 Zinfandel, the last bottle of which I finished last year - wow!

AFA the Araujo, the price has gone too crazy for me. I sold *one* bottle of the 1991 for $310, turned around and purchased a *whole case* of 1997 Z-H Gewurztraminer, which will give me a lot more enjoyment.....

Bucko

[miner49er]

Randy
You peaked my interest. The only Phelps Eisele I have left in the cellar(one btl) is the 1977. Want do you recommend? Is it a New Years 2000 candidate?

[Bucko]

Drink up!

Bucko

[Randy Caparoso]

I agree. Give it a shot, but have a backup of something else ready. I can't say for certain since it's been about 7-8 years since I've had a bottle (and I thought it was as good as it would be be then).