WTN: Two stunners and one that stunned again

[David M. Bueker]

Monthly tasting group the other night. Most of the tasting was 2002 Cali Cabs which did not thrill me, even blind, but there were two wines that were amazing, and a third that was a positive surprise for the third time.

1992 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Elegant, stil structured, holding sufficient fruit to ensure several more years of profitable aging. Of course it was quite tasty on Wednesday, yet I would make sure to decant, as the wine improved markedly (group consensus) over the 3 hours it was open. Excellent.

1985 Cos d'Estournel
Evolved, but oh so elegant. Great balance, harmony and integration of lingering fruit and emerging earthy elements. This is suave right now and perfect drinking.

2002 Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
This South African blend has now appeared in three consecutive tastings (all blind), and it has been highly rated by the group all three times. It took some time in the glass to really come out and play (initially I found it rather hot), but when it did there was good fruit/tannin balance, lots of aromatic and flavor interest & just an enjoyable drink that punched way above its class for under $15.

One other thng that should be noted from the rather unimpressive 2002 Cali Cab portion of the evening is that the 2002 Justin Isoceles is a hot, disjointed, acidic mess. Avoid at all costs.

David,

Thanks for sharing your notes.
The last time I had 85 Cos d'Estournel it was on the way down. I have one more bottle, and will try to have it soon.

As for Justin Isoceles, how much does that hot, disjointed, acidic mess cost?

Best regards,
Alex R.

I have several bottles of Cos 85 left so I am encouraged by David's report that his recent bottle was excellent but worried by Alex's that his were much less so. Mine have so far been variable with the best sublime but that was about 5 years ago.

[David M. Bueker]

Alex & Tim,

This bottle was procured on the secondary market by its owner, so while it certainly seemed a pristine bottle, one never knows its provenance. It certainly did not seem on the way downhill though.

As for the Justin, it can be had for the bargain price of about $50. It's not worth it at $5.