Uh-oh (WA version)

Going through my cellar inventory I came across a bottle that I thought I'd drunk up a decade ago at least - 1999 Apex Merlot.

Any Washington state fans know the wine and think it might be still drinkable?

It appears that I also have similar vintage Donedei and Hedges....

[Jenise]

'99 has been a long-lived vintage for many WA producers. Andrew Will's Sorella and Woodward Canyon's Old Vines have been superb recently. But I have zero knowledge of Apex--I recall seeing the brand when I moved up here but they disappeared before I got around to them. Donedei was great in the day--the winemaker trained in Bordeaux and was definitely of a different mindset than most, but a 20-year mindset needs 20-year fruit quality and she didn't have her own vineyards. Hedges wines tend to last, best I can tell, but I've never bought and held onto them myself.

I popped the Apex last night, prepared for the worst. It wasn't bad, still in good shape but a riper version that I prefer. I can't recall why or how I picked up that single bottle, maybe 15 years ago - maybe someone recommended it?

I still have some old Leonetti and Porteous I should get around to and Hedges and Donedei. Used to pick that sort of thing up when doing sports car trips on WA. Maybe you can help me drink it soon...... looks like maybe mid August for border opening. For those who have been inoculated only of course - its like having a free anti-moron screening!

[Jenise]

Of the three I can only account for the Donedei. I bought a bottle of that to the first one of your Palmerston garden parties I attended; I opened an older Geyserville too. (Selected from six bottles in my wine case that day--typical newbie move as I had no idea what to prepare for.) Though you obviously don't remember the wine you may remember the sundried tomato cheesecake I brought, which proved to be the ultimate friendmaker even more than the wines. (Got me invited to the first terrine dinner!) You asked me to pick up a few bottles for you, and there you are.

Actually, I do recall both the food and the wine - cabernet and I later sought it out myself as a result. I think the bottles you picked up for me were around the 2000 vintage.

[Jenise]

Yes, I recall owning 2000 and 2001 myself.