Steel yourself, random reader. This was one of the best, if not the best, California Cabernet I've ever had the pleasure of owning, opening, and drinking. The only bummer was finishing my last bottle from this 1997 vintage. For me it was the wine of the night on May 7, 2010, and it's on
your far right in this picture. Right from the start, we knew we were in for a treat, as we enjoyed this at
Jake and Telly's Taverna (Greek Restaurant) in Old Colorado City. The cork was
pristine, the color
gorgeous - dark ruby red, betraying almost none of this 13 years of age.
The aroma? Think of blackberry cobbler tempered with some summer herbs, a sliver of vanilla, and the backdrop of cedar lilting on the wind. This wine screams of California, and then some. On the palate, more delicious abuse continues: The density and stuffing of this wine were spot on, no heat of alcohol, perfect balance, great acidity. Blackcurrant velvet fist is the best descriptor I could come up with, but a it's a friendly velvet. Mated to a portion of sliced lamb meat from our mixed mezze platter, and we were all in heaven. Finished clean, long, and endured for well over a minute in the mouth. Like watching an amazing lover walk slowly out the door....wait, OK, a bit much. I'll stop now.
97/100 -- If I get a better Cab in my life, it will have all been worth it.
Bottom line: If you ever see a 97 Heitz Trailside Cab, and you don't buy it, you're an idiot.
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