We are determined to plow though a number of bottles of wines in our cellar that need attention. Most of them were gifts or leftovers from cases from winery visits. Last night with grilled bone-in filet we opened a 1992 Groth Merlot and a 1994 Markham cabernet. The Groth had a price sticker of $20.99 which would have been a lot for a merlot in
1994.
1992 Groth Merlot-a bit brickish in the glass showing a dark plum colored wine. Nose was a tad herbal and ripe plums, and black coffee notes dominated. Very pale on the palate with virtually no tannins present. Fruit was a bit in the back and a pronounced herbal, sage bitterness was underneath the palate. Not history but not my cup of tea. "C"
1994 Markham Cabernet-Still inky black in the glass. Nose of Napa dust, cassis and black pepper. Big blackberry fruit on the palate, a modicum of grippy tannins and a long smooth finish of cassis and mint. Some mature notes of cedar and tobacco. Not an expensive bottle but showing well right now. "B+"