Hi, I decided to start going through some of my stuff that hasn't been kept in the best condition. I had given away most of my collection when I discovered my wife had a drinking problem. She passed away tragically in Dec.2001 at a young age leaving me with my 5yo daughter at the time. I had given a couple of cases to my parents for safe keeping but they of course just had it in one of their closets for almost 10 years. The only stuff I think may be salvagable for cellaring are my ports, and I'm hanging on to as many 1983, 85 and
92's as I can. I am going to go through everything else in the weeks to come. Now for the cabs I busted open the last 10 days: So far all the bottles-the cork has crumbled and the lees have settled in the necks.Beringer Reserve 1990- better than I expected. a little flabby, with little to no traces of tannin. burnt and oxidized, but still drinkable. Looking back, I'm glad I opened this first. I have a bunch of 1991's to crack open-I remember them to be be thick, chewy and young, so hopefully they fared better cellarless.
Phoenix-Vindicator-93. We absolutely loved this wine when it was young and picked up over 2 cases of it. It was a small production and since returning to the wonderful world of wine, I haven't stumbled across it nor heard of it. If I remember correctly, this single vineyard vintage was made by the owner's young son(late teens -early
20's). This cab was a mere shadow of it's former forward, fruity and chewy self. It was a tremendous buy at the time, and may have been age worthy under ideal conditions. I still enjoyed it , probably primarily for old time's sake. It still showed black fruit but lacked the layers that made it so special.Mondavi Reserve 91-this one still had legs to it, and although mellowed, some of the tannins still came through. It was dense and typical of Mondavi's style. I have a few more of these and the 1992's to go through, and they should hold up reasonable well.
Opus 1990- Very nice-mellowed and a little burnt. It lost some of it's luster, Not as concentrated or multi-layered as I would have liked , but still a special experience for me.
Dominus 1990- Wow! Despite the storage conditions, this wine held up well! It still has much Bord character, and out of all the bottles tasted the best. I'm on my 2nd glass now and it is lip smacking wonderful! The tannins rounded, and the black and red fruit have married well. I coupled it with an Angus Rib steak, and relished every moment!
Well, there you have it. These wines had a sentimental attachement for me, and brought back many poignant memories. I drank them alone, with vestiges of the Glory Days playing like movie scenes in my head. My point is that everyone should enjoy each moment, and make memories to come. Sometimes a good drink and fine cigar with great tunes, makes all the difference in the world! Cheers (as Russ used to say) Jeff in NYC irenegadeatATTdotnet