Tastes like the coast I miss the most. — 22 days ago
1991 | Cabernet Sauvignon
Freemark Abbey; Sycamore Vineyard
Napa Valley; Rutherford, California, USA
(93-95; Drink 2023-31)
Decanted 8H, more time appreciated.
Bought winery direct about 15Y post vintage.
We've always found the Sycamore as the more understated of the FAW Cabernet trifecta, but mostly over delivering each instance, and today is no exception. Some funky raspberry/cherry lead the nose, fruit leather, rich garden soil, shaved tanned leather; palate extends with dried Bing cherry, tobacco, dried raspberry, faint cedar notes. Tannins banished.
Possibly an ultimate burger wine when gratuitously paired with USDA Prime ground beef from Allen Bros. — 4 months ago
Very good! — 4 days ago
Decant and pour. A fabulous still dark garnet with bricking. On the nose: Intoxicating musky sweet notes of cherry/plum, wet forest floor, stewed meat, black olives. Taste: creamy, silky smooth wine with dried cherry, prunes, soy sauce, pepper, smokey earth, mocha and a medium plus finish. Sure, on the downside, but showing its 31 year age beautifully and fun to drink tonight. Won a charity auction of old wines direct from the winery so more old vintage reviews down the road — 4 months ago
Opened on Rick’s birthday, July 5, 2023. — 5 months ago
Marc Melser
We had the 2012 Vintage on 12/1-2/23. A real RRV PN with tastes of blackberry, black raspberry, baking spices and cinnamon. Medium bodied and well balanced. New World, but not overly fruity — 4 hours ago