WTN: 2004 Hess Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

oof...tight as a drum. Closed down hard? But it's not particularly tannic...no raspyness on the back of the throat or anything like that. Offputting. No easy, blowsy rich fruit here...pretty austere anise. With rapid swirling and time, some soy notes appear. What bothers me, though, is the alcohol (14.5%) really sticks out-but then I can be really sensitive to this. Not my favorite cab of the year...much prefer the 2003 Ahnfeldt which had somewhat similar flavor profile but seemed less unyielding.

Maybe I am to blame? I actually missed work yesterday because of a chest cold and stumbled out of bed because I was sick of lying down and allowing the goo to collect in the lungs. So...maybe my palate was messed up?

I actually missed work yesterday because of a chest cold and stumbled out of bed because I was sick of lying down and allowing the goo to collect in the lungs. So...maybe my palate was messed up?

Just a slight possibility of that!

Although if your nose was not affected by the cold, you might have had a fighting chance.

Regardless, I like the way you were too sick to work but not to drink wine. Dedication and priorities!

Regardless, I like the way you were too sick to work but not to drink wine. Dedication and priorities!

LOL. welll...after spending literally all day in bed yesterday, I just couldn't stand it anymore. Plus, my two indoor dogs had to be walked, and the local chapter of the Bluegrass Society was holding a song circle, so I ended up three blocks from my townhouse.

Your cold could easily take an "average" cab and move it in the direction you indicate. The cold will kill fruit and the rich undercurrent of tannins, just leaving bitter tannin and alcohol. The soy note might be transmogrified fruit.
I hate drinking wine when I have a cold - it just doesn't taste good.

John