1994 Liparita Howell Mtn

[winoweenie]

Found this orphan while looking for something else so thot I'd open the sucker even tho I was sure it had left for the ole vinehgar barrel. Still medium ruby, slight orange edge. Pretty floral nose with a touch of spice and red fruit. Still alive and swinging for the fence. Definately on the downward slide but very drinklable. 88 13.5% alc. WW

[mrdutton]

This bottle had a lot of sediment, so I gently filtered the wine through a coffee filter.

Still mostly dark ruby red and I don't see but a very slight hint of brown on the edge in a half-full glass; maybe a bit more brown brick as the glass nears empty.

I am getting some fruit on the nose, dark fruit, some spice and slight hints of chocolate.

I certainly can tell there is tannin and acid in this wine - but not vinegar for sure. I can feel the acid in my mouth and the tannin on my teeth - as WW might say, this takes a couple of tongue laps around the teeth.

I get more spice than fruit in my mouth, but then at the finish it almost seems like I am getting a small hint of fruit before the the taste vanishes.

I like the feel of it in my mouth and am enjoying it. I sure know there is alcohol in this wine, but it is not hot. But the tannin is definitely fighting with the fruit and I think the tannin is winning.......

Again when the glass is up to my nose, I can sure tell this is a Merlot. But not having the experience of drinking a number of older wines, I can't really evaluate it, but it is probably just past its prime, because I get the sense that it is not balanced - good tannin, good alcohol, nice nose for my limited experience, but still not quite ........ something??!!??

None-the-less, I am thinking that this is an intersting experience, drinking this roughly 13 year old approaching 14 years old........ I still have a couple more bottles of this year, so I don't think they'll make it into spring. Best to finish them soon.

[winoweenie]

Good ideer there MisserD. This is definately emmininently drinkable but is on the down-snort. WW