Birthyear wines! 1983 Groth, 1986 Silver Oak Bonny’s, 1989 La Jota Howell Mountain

Had a fun evening out at Saison Wine Bar and enjoyed three different birthyear wines! One for my friend, one for me, one for my wife!

All three were Napa, all three Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blends. Let's dive in!

1983 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon

Groth is one of those classic Napa producers that can age really nicely. I recently had the 1987 and it was brilliant.

Gave this a decant, at the sommelier's recommendation, and it actually did improve with some air.

Picked up notes of dried blueberry, dried cherry, and green bellpepper.

Alongside this, some dark cocoa and cinnamon notes.

Also some leather and tobacco that I expect from aged Napa.

This is in great condition and can last a lot longer!

91 points.

1986 Silver Oak Bonny's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

A good reminder that Silver Oak used to make some legit wines and this single vineyard is even more special.

Gave it a decant and the air benefitted this wine as well, since it's a more powerful and concentrated wine.

But only 12.8% ABV, compared to today's Silver Oak at nearly 15%.

Really beautiful nose and even better on the palate, with solid acidity.

Blueberry, sour plum, and tart cherry.

Also picked up cocoa powder, nutmeg, eucalyptus, and slight graphite notes.

In a beautiful place today, but I think this can go on for a while.

Drink now, but no rush.

93 points.

1989 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

This is my second time drinking this in the past two months.

This time felt even better than last time and more "fresh", even though both bottles came from the last auction lot.

Dark plum, blackberry, and brambly fruit.

Also some dark chocolate and cinnamon bark.

I think this can last quite a while, but is likely at its peak (not past the peak)

92 points.