1986 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Excellent color for a 38-year-old wine. The first aromas were full of sweet dried fruits and exquisite notes of fine leather and dried flowers. Layers of earth and tobacco express as the wine opens and further elaborates with nuances of kirsch and Benedictine. The attack is still bright, showing a nice acid backbone. Bittersweet cherries, plum, and rose petals all evolve on the palate and the flavors persist across an elongated finish. Still showing life, this wine will hold up well over the next couple of years. Decanting should take place no more than 15 - 20 minutes before serving so all the changes the wine displays as it opens can be enjoyed. The cork had some pliability, but care should be taken by using only slight pressure with an 'ah-so' cork puller.