97 Oakford Cab and 96 Kistler Chardonnay Vine Hill

I think both these wines would have shown better with better wine service at a local restaurant…

  • 1997 Oakford Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (9/3/2009)
    Brooding and dark with moist earth, tobacco, and some sour blackberry. Unlike a few recent tasters, I think this wine has past its prime. While still showing significant tannins, I don’t think the fruit balance is there for longer aging. Could perhaps have benefited from a vigorous decant which unfortunately wasn’t available with mediocre BYOB wine service at a local restaurant. (86 pts.)
  • 1996 Kistler Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (9/3/2009)
    Deep gold color and huge nut and butterscotch nose. Butterscotch and caramel flavors predominate with honey-lemon tea undertones. This wine suffered from rather indifferent wine service at BYOB local restaurant. The requested ice-bucket never arrived. Not rated as I don’t think we were able to see this bottle at its best. Still, I love Kistlers with some age!

Posted from CellarTracker

great note on the Kistler Randy! I’ve had great success with 96 Kistler chards… super wines with age