I have a little extra cash now and would like to treat myself. Should I buy the 99 CAB SAUVIGNON ALEXANDER VALLEY SILVER OAK?
Thought I'd cellar it for 6 years so when I turn 60 I'd crack it open. Maybe at 60 I deserve a better bottle to crack. What ya think? What should I be opening in another 6 years. I love big reds.
Larry Stumpf, S. Ontario, Canada
Larry Stumpf, S. Ontario, Canada
I did... But if you take WS as gospel, you'd be better off spending the money on 3 bottles of 2000 Franciscan Oakville Cab Napa.
I'm in the mode now where I have to buy two of everything, because I just don't have the self control to leave something unknown in my cellar for a long time. So I drink one and save the other... I did buy only one Silver Oak 99 AV, but only because my wife "wouldn't approve" of spending that much on a single bottle. I do plan to soon use stealth techniques to buy another one and drink it so I can see what all the fuss is about.
As for the Franciscan, I could swear I saw it at BJ's for $20. I'm going back tomorrow to find out...
Or two and half bottles of almost any Merryvale Napa Cab.
Or two bottles of Estancia Alexander Valley Meritage...
Or two bottles of Franciscan Magnificat.
I'm pretty sure I've had the '99 SO Alexander Valley, it was really really good. It wasn't *that* good.
Or three bottles of Arroyo Napa Cab. Mmmmmmmmmm....
Dana
Dana,
Are you referring to the Vincent Arroyo Winery in Calistoga? If yes, I had a very nice tasting experience there a few years back. Talked with the owner (was referred by another winemaker who is a friend of Vince). Low-key experience. I recall a cab-merlot blend named Joy's Choice (named after their black labrador retriever), which I liked better than the individual varietals that were available that day.
$20 sounds about right. Usually a decent CalCab for the money. Unless the Portugese Menace gets in the way (I opened the '97 Oakville Estate last night- aaaarrrgggghhhhhhh!!). Dale
Dale Williams Drop "damnspam" to reply
We visited Vincent Arroyo Winery in May. Every wine he served was great. I especially loved his Petite Sirahs.
I agree the Joy's Choice blend is also good, but it will be renamed starting next year. Alas, Joy succumbed to age and is no more. The next vintage will be named after the new lab, but I forget its name at this moment.
Cliff
So would you say: A) Franciscan is a bargain B) Silver Oak is overpriced C) Both D) Neither
The Franciscan Napa Cab 2000 is at Costco (Minneapolis) for $19.99.
Yes.
Great wine, great place to visit.
Dana
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