1996 Regusci Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District- USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (5/14/2012)
I got this wine as part of a ot at an AMC Auction in 2010. I wanted a bottle of 1997 Monte Bello and this came along with it. I was prepared to pay the bid amount for that, so this came along for the ride. I knew nothing about it and stuck it in the win fridge in the office. When driving down the Silverado Trail, we saw a sign for the winery, which reminded me to open it, so I brought it to dinner with my wife and friends. Popped, decanted and poured. What a wonderful surprise. This wine was outstanding. Patience proves to work again. Perfect dark opaque color with not a touch of brown at the edges. Smooth red and dark fruit, cedar and earthiness. An overall sweet feel with no sugar. Meatyness and a long finish. Maybe it was just this bottle but Napa cabs from 1996 are looking up. (91 pts.)
91 is “outstanding.” It’s the other Jay who give out 95 points to any wine that looks red and doesn’t make you puke. I would gladly buy a case of this wine if I could get it for the price I paid for it (next to nothing) or even more than that. I regret mot stopping at the vineyard to check out their new releases, since I had never tasted or even heard of the wine before this bottle.