Opened for dinner last night with grilled hanger steaks 1996 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet. I still ahve a few bottles left from a case I bought on release. I always thought of the 1996 vintage as being the last of the "old style" vintages in Napa before rampant ripeness and lavish oak treatments really took hold. The Caymus was still dark purple with no signs of age. Nose of crush black fruits and black pepper with a touch of mint and a slight vanilla aok aroma. Medium bodied on the palate with cassis, blackberry and black coffee flavors. Tannins are still present and still a bit firm. I'm not sure the tannins will ever fully resolve but the wine will last another decade in the cellar. Not spectacular but quite good. "B"
- posted
11 years ago