REVISITING #1 CABERNET from Last Year!

Most wine judges simply proclaim an opinion about a wine’s age-ability and then never think about it again but one of our favorite wine tasting “exercises” is to revisit a wine we enjoyed a year ago. We rated Meyer Cabernet 2004 “Outstanding 94” last year making it the highest rated boutique production Napa Cabernet under $75 for the year because it was so ultra-smooth (like drinking liquid velvet) and deliciously complex. Last week, our team popped the cork on another bottle of this nectar to revisit it and we were very impressed with the development. Our tasting notes are below.

TASTING NOTES “Outstanding 94” Points: (Updated, August, 2008). “We just re-tasted this wine one year after it’s initial release and the evolution is dazzling! The first thing you notice is its plushy texture and satiny tannins continuing on the palate with cocoa powder, espresso, dark berries, tobacco, cedar, and a hint of toffee on the finish. Perfectly balanced it shows great complexity and a seamless finish that lingers delightfully for a full 30 seconds. Don’t miss this sumptuous discovery destined for fame! Drink through 2014, peaking around 2011 in our estimate. 94 points” TheWineInsiders.com

INSIDER SCOOP: Mark Herold clearly has the “Midas Touch” as chief winemaker for Merus and Hestan/ Meyer Vineyards where he’s already racking up impressive scores of 92 – 96 points from both the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker for his last two vintages. Ever since Wine Spectator magazine named Herold one of the “10 Winemakers you need to know!” his wines (and time) have been extremely sought after and highly allocated. After our team tasted the new 2004 Hestan release, we can guarantee you this wine has the pedigree of an up-and-coming ‘cult’ wine but is still a downright steal at a whopping $100 LESS than Merus 2004 Cabernet (same vintage)

Purchasing their 127 acre ranch in 1996, Stanley and Helen Cheng decided to begin making wine after falling in love with the Merus Cabernet while dining at the famed French Laundry. Sparing no expense they brought in Merus winemaker Mark Herold who began with their 2002 vintage. Previously they sold their fruit to Clos Du Val, but then gave Mark complete freedom to make the wine exactly as he wanted. Harvesting his grapes about 3 weeks later than Clos Du Val’s, he attained a richness and concentration that boldly shine through in his wines. Since Robert Parker rated their 2002 and 2003 vintages 93-95 points they’ve become the next “it” winery.

This Wine is currently available for $53 (click here)