Freemark Abbey
Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
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.
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.
History began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in CA. The historic site where Josephine's winery, Tychson Cellars, is now known as Freemark Abbey. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc & 5% Petite Verdot, aromas of dark fruits, oak and spice. On the palate blackberry, currants, cacao and sweet spice. Full-bodied, tight with layers of fine soft tannins and a long and finish ending with fruit and oak, very pleasant.
History began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in CA. The historic site where Josephine's winery, Tychson Cellars, is now known as Freemark Abbey. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc & 5% Petite Verdot, aromas of dark fruits, oak and spice. On the palate blackberry, currants, cacao and sweet spice. Full-bodied, tight with layers of fine soft tannins and a long and finish ending with fruit and oak, very pleasant.
Feb 26th, 2018
Just badass old school wine. This wine has a stellar track record going back decades. So delicious. I've had '92, '02, '11, & '12 this year, all were very prime examples of classic Napa flavors and terroir.
Just badass old school wine. This wine has a stellar track record going back decades. So delicious. I've had '92, '02, '11, & '12 this year, all were very prime examples of classic Napa flavors and terroir.
Nov 25th, 2017
So pretty, soft, lush, dusty, plum, cherry, raspberry, clove, beautiful wedding gift #deedubcellar #napacab @freemarkabbey
So pretty, soft, lush, dusty, plum, cherry, raspberry, clove, beautiful wedding gift #deedubcellar #napacab @freemarkabbey
Sep 9th, 2017Rich, concentrated cab but a little more tannic than I'd like for a 23 year old cab. I'll try my other bottle in 5+ years. Hopefully fruit holds up.
Rich, concentrated cab but a little more tannic than I'd like for a 23 year old cab. I'll try my other bottle in 5+ years. Hopefully fruit holds up.
1 person found it helpfulJul 22nd, 2018
Out of mag. Lucious palate, flawless tannin integration. A bit green but that is only a bonus at the age.
Out of mag. Lucious palate, flawless tannin integration. A bit green but that is only a bonus at the age.
1 person found it helpfulAug 12th, 2017Medium to full bodied delicious cab with a smooth long finish. Complex flavors. Soft tannins .
Medium to full bodied delicious cab with a smooth long finish. Complex flavors. Soft tannins .
Much like the '96 the tertiary flavors take center stage, showing sweet earth in addition to more vegetal notes. There's more fruit here also, leading me to believe the '96 might be just past it's prime and the '98 is at the end of its drinking window. Better than the '96, as it still has verve and tenacity, holding on where the other let go.
Much like the '96 the tertiary flavors take center stage, showing sweet earth in addition to more vegetal notes. There's more fruit here also, leading me to believe the '96 might be just past it's prime and the '98 is at the end of its drinking window. Better than the '96, as it still has verve and tenacity, holding on where the other let go.
Jun 23rd, 20171996 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet.
Beautiful tertiary aromas and flavors, with wonderfully sweet earth and a thin spine of red fruit. Leather and animal musk and everything you might expect from a 21 year old wine. Absolutely lovely.
1996 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet.
Beautiful tertiary aromas and flavors, with wonderfully sweet earth and a thin spine of red fruit. Leather and animal musk and everything you might expect from a 21 year old wine. Absolutely lovely.