• 1988 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
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1988 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

1988 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

$400.00
$400.00

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The aromas are very dark and brooding with strong forest floor, tobacco and cocoa notes complemented by delicate dried flower, herbs, and berry fruit. On the palate, the entry is round, generous, and polished. There is still structure to the wine, marked with a depth and complexity. The tannins are present through the finish, and they add dimension which helps carry the wine through to a soft and long finish.

Wine Specs

Appellation: Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley – Estate Grown & Bottled
Élevage: 22 months in French oak, 60% new

Winemaker’s Comments

The nose is very Bordelaise with earthy elements that surround a center of surprisingly concentrated berry fruit. Well-married vanilla oak and a spice component expands the aroma profile, giving the wine a nice combination in its maturity. The attack is round and polished. Earth and berry fruits promised in the nose resonate on the palate. The tannins are still prominent, while layers of leather and dry flowers show the wine's maturity. For extracting the cork, I recommend using an 'ah-so' compression type cork puller.

Additional Notes

The 1988 vintage in Napa Valley underwent an uneven spring with rain during bloom, which impacted the quantity and evenness of fruit set. This required rigorous selection during harvesting and blending, but the resulting wines are both structural, fresh, and long-lived. Pateince was key with the 1988 vintage because while the wines were certainly a touch austere in their youth, the firm tannin structure has lent a longevity to the vintage, which is drinking great right now.

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