1998 Mayacamas - Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - USA - California - Napa - Napa Valley - Red

This Cabernet's complex ripe fruit aroma and taste remind us of raspberries and plums, but the grape clearly reigns. As usual, it has a little Cabernet Franc and a little Merlot in its inheritance; about 4% of each in this vintage. And, also as usual, it will get better and better with further aging. Prediction of the exact timing of full maturity is an art, not a science, but our crystal ball indicates another decade, at least. Cork out breathing for at least an hour or two before service is suggested for consumption in the interim.

BDF notes: Wineaggedon I three-way tie for second place. My only notes are that (1) I initially thought this was French and younger than it is and (2) considered it a real possibility for my #1 wine. Was one of my favorite wines of the night. CD: I bought/brought this one. This was marked down 50% - an obvious warning - and I played dumb with the clerk who tld me that there are no bad years in Calif vintages. 1998? Very soft, medium oak, very old world in style, muted fruit with balanced body and a whisper finish that made want to ask "speak up." Would love to bench it with a '99 . . .