RB’s group is having a 5 part series of Geyserville from 1968 to the present. Unfortunately, there was no '73 in part 1 (greatest Geyserville ever). One attendee has some in his cellar and said if he had known there was that hole, he would’ve brought one. Another attendee brought the '68 which he purchased on release.
Overall, a very fine group of wines. Only one (1972) was pretty far over the hill. Even it had a bit of fruit sweetness left. 1977 Late Harvest (16.2% alc) , although quite sound, was not to my taste. Porty and alcoholic.
The three stars were '68 (13.8%), '75 Late Picked (14.7%) and '78 Late Picked (14.9%). '68 showed brambly and spice notes. Very long and balanced. '75 was fragrant, tasted of sweet cherries, and was very graceful. '78 was easily the WOTN. Blackberries and spice, still had good acidity, very complex. A beauty.
As far as the rest…
'79 (13.7%) was very sweet, almost too sweet (Jolly Ranchers sweet). Plump and a bit short. '76 (13.8%) had coconut elements and a touch of VA. Lighter-styled and nice blackberry note. '74 (13.9%) was very coconut-y. Some sweet fruit notes, but dropped off the cliff from mid-palate. '70 (15.6%) had too much VA and definitely showed the alcohol.
1980-7 tonight.