WTN: Two Excellent Older NapaVlly Cabs....(short/boring)

These were the two best of the Cabs we tasted at Pig+Fig last night:
1. Buehler CabSauv NapaVlly (13%) 1982: Dark color w/ some bricking; strong blackcurranty/CS/slight herbal light toasty/Fr.oak/smokey some complex classic NV CS fairly youthful nose; lightly tart strong cedary/pecilly/Fr.oak/slight toasty strong blackcurranty/CS/herbal fairly complex classis somewhat mature NV CS flavor w/ light smooth tannins; very long/lingering mature CS finish that mirrors flavor; probably pretty much at its peak or slightly beyond; still lots of youthful CS fruit & no signs of tired or drying out; quite a lovely mature NV CS.
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2. Ch.Montelena CabSauv Sonoma (13.7%) Calistoga 1978: Med.dark color w/ considerable browning; lovely complex rather cedary/toasty/Fr.oak some mature Cab fruit some complex nose; fairly strong blackcurranty/Cab rather tart some toasty/Fr.oak fairly smooth slight dusty fairly complex lovely flavor w/ light smooth tannins; very long/lingering finish that mimics flavor; still has plenty of mature Cab fruit w/ no signs of tired or drying out; quite a lovely example of a mature Calif Cab but not likely to improve beyond this point.
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More kipplegrit from TheBloodyPulpit:
1. Not sure when JohnBuehler founded BuehlerVnyds, but back in the '70's I recall. I fell in love w/ them, the Zins & the Cabs because the were pretty rugged mtn reds and very reasonably priced. I've not revisited Buehler wines for quite some time. I must remedy that. I gather John Buehler still runs the place & has not sold out.
Montelena is a wnry that was founded by the Barretts in the early '70's. They were put on the map by winemaker Mike Grgich when their Chard won the big Tasting of Paris. At one time, they also purchased fruit in addition to their Estate fruit. This one was the Sonoma Cabernet, but not sure where the fruit was sourced. I presume the Barretts have long ago sold out. Another wnry I should revisit.
Tom

The Barrett family still own and run Chateau Montelena. Bo Barrett, who took over from Mike Grgich as winemaker, has handed over winemaking duties to Matt Crafton but Bo still is CEO of Montelena.

-Paul W.

The Barrett family still own and run Chateau Montelena. Bo Barrett, who took over from Mike Grgich as winemaker, has handed over winemaking duties to Matt Crafton but Bo still is CEO of Montelena.

-Paul W.

Thanks for clarifying that Paul. Surprised they haven't sold by now.
Heidi Peterson Barrett was winemaker for who??
Tom

I think the Sonoma County source (or one of them, anyway) was in Alexander Valley, and may have been Robert Young Vineyard?) Been a long time ago.

I think the Sonoma County source (or one of them, anyway) was in Alexander Valley, and may have been Robert Young Vineyard?) Been a long time ago.

Sounds about right, Steve. I recall it being just over the hill in the AlexVlly as the source.
Tom

[David M. Bueker]

The Barrett family still own and run Chateau Montelena. Bo Barrett, who took over from Mike Grgich as winemaker, has handed over winemaking duties to Matt Crafton but Bo still is CEO of Montelena.

-Paul W.

Thanks for clarifying that Paul. Surprised they haven't sold by now.
Heidi Peterson Barrett was winemaker for who??
Tom

HPB (married to Bo) started at Buelher, and then moved into consulting winemaker gigs with Dalla Valle and Screaming Eagle among others. Less heralded, but she also works with Lamborn Family Vineyards.