Opened two Cali Cabs at a party last night. Note that neither were decanted:
2002 Lancaster Estate (Alexander Valley, Sonoma County). This was a very rich and thick wine. Lots of black fruit, nice fuzzy soft tannins that seem to be a characteristic of Alexander Valley reds. However, the wine was marred to my palette by very heavy handed oak notes. I would only rate this a 2/5 or 2.5/5 stars because of the oak treatment. However, the fruit was big enough that maybe in five years it would have been better integrated and more balanced.
2003 Pine Ridge Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon. I liked this wine more than many "Oak Ridge" wines I've had in the past. Oak is less dominant and the wine overall has a lighter, more acidic texture. Definitely the bright raspberry/berry/currant that seems to be common in Stag's Leap wines. Not really thick or jammy, because the wine, as noted above, had a nice level of acidity. My only critique is the wine does share a toughness and a green-ness that many 2003 Napa Cabs seem to share. Maybe 2.5/5 or 3/5*
Both wines were too young-and I need to learn to wait more. The most important thing, though, is the beneficiary of the bottles, who is going overseas for a long period of time, enjoyed them!