The 97 BV GDL has a bit of sentimental value, as it was one of the first ‘nicer wine’ I ever bought (circa 2005/2006), and definitely the first one I ever paid $100 for (not exactly a steal…but like I said… I was pretty new to the fine wine game).
Regardless, this wine was absolutely fantastic tonight. Let it slow ox for a couple hours but it didnt really need it, as you could tell from the first sniff at PnP that it was ready to rock. Violets, cherries, and leather on the nose, with much of the same on the palate, along with leather, cassis, and a long, long finish. Plenty of acidity to keep this fresh in the mouth, along with tannins that are well integrated but still kicking around a tiny bit on the backend hinting at additional years of enjoyment. But for my money, this wine is in an absolutley perfect spot right now, with an ideal mix between the fruit/acidity/secondary flavors. A classic Napa Cab that has aged incredibly well. Life is good!!
Those wines were really good. Some of my father in law’s faves. They changed a lot after 2007, but the earlier ones kept an elegance and held back as many other Napa wines got bigger and bigger. Nice to know it’s still good.
They got slammed by Laube in 2001 and then RP found them indifferent. In 2007 they hired Rolland and the wines picked up his trademark richness. RP was of course ecstatic about the changes, but tasting some of the newer ones side by side against a few of the then-recent “older” ones blind, everyone preferred the older style. They’re not as big and sweet as say Pride, but they’re not like they used to be unfortunately.
I just had a 2004 on Sat night. I thought it was a little overipe for my tastes. I had always thought it had more of a Bordeaux style but the 04 did not.
Its almost like the corporate masters have a slow reaction, making style changes only at the top of the cycle…right as fashions are about to change. I remember having this in its youth and thinking it was good, but at the same time, at the same price point, there were so many other better/great wines.
Surprised no one mentioned the BV TCA issue from 97 to 99. Small issue in 97 but in 98 and 99 lots of corky wines due to contamination in the facility.
