Merryvale 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon "Starmont." Like the last Merryvale we had, this entry-level Cab also came out of a metal lockbox in my father's un-air-conditioned San Francisco garage, where it was stored from release until 2014. Still vibrant ruby-purple in color. Very aromatic, fresh ripe red currant fruit along with some leafiness, cedar, and dust. Tannins mostly resolved; still lively. This isn't especially complex on the palate, but the nose is great, and it drinks just fine -- a "modest claret," California-style.
Another win for passive storage! (Albeit fog-cooled...)
