I was feeling the need for a big cab weekend, so I pulled one from the cellar to start off Friday evening - a 2005 Madrigal Las Viñas del Señor Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. We bought this one directly from the source after a nice tasting at their estate in St. Helena.
The nose yields dark fruit and cassis with a bit of earth. First taste tells me the tannin subsided and the cherry fruit is showing nicely. Very smooth, nothing bitter or tanninic. Quite nice, ready now. I would not let this one sit much longer, I can't say how much life is left in it.
Next, we lucked into two giant finds at local retailers. First, the La Jota 2005 Cabernet arrived in a six pack b
ox as we were tasting. All six bottles sold instantly. We don't know which distributor held these back, but thanks!After decanting and Vinturi, the La Jota came to life. As time passed, this got better and better. This is a true slow-sipping Cab with a lot of life and a lot of change with each passing moment. It is wise to exercise patience with the La Jota, it will pay off with palette-pleasing notes and flavors that become more enjoyable with each sip. Very nice!
The last was a fluke find - the 1998 Crocker and Starr Stone Place Cuvee. This wine still wore the original $49 sticker from it's delivery to the shelf. (Keep in mind that the 2009 release of the Stone Place is $96!) Being familiar with recent vintages, I was anxious to compare the early release of Pam Starr's now famous cuvee with the current releases.
The structure paid off with a long shelf life. Plenty of fruit and green peppery taste left. All
tannin subsided and fruit became forward. This held up nice with air and time, showing what good structure will do for a long-term investment wine. The current releases are certainly even more structured and cellar-able. The 1998 is at the end of its life span, however. If you have one, drink now.Madrigal 2005 Las Viñas del Señor Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - $80 - T-Scale 89, pricey, but nice
La Jota 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - $39 - T-Scale 93!!! It's a steal! This IS my idea of great Cab
Crocker and Starr Stone Place Cuvee 1998 - $49 (the original price at release!) - T-Scale 89, shelved well, at end of its life, but still a good wine.
