Last night we had the chance to pop a couple of our favorite back-vintage Cali's with some incredible dry-aged NY Strips and Ribeyes. It's hard to find well-stored older bottles like this anymore, but if you get the chance to try them, don't hesitate. The Dominus was the WOTN, but the Mondavi was not far behind it. The 2015 Solaia was a surprising treat as we didn't expect this "young" wine to drink so well today. It would be hard to hold on to the Solaia because it's just so good right now. A few quick tasting notes below:
1990 Dominus – Briefly decanted. Very Bordeaux-like. Lively nose with dark fruits, tobacco and some spice. It's still drinking beautifully if you can find a well stored bottle like this. It's velvety soft in the mouth with very fine, resolved tannins and a beautiful, medium length finish that leaves you wanting more. This could easily be mistaken for a right-bank Bordeaux. Drink up if you have them.
1990 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – Briefly decanted. Β Also very reminiscent of a classic Bordeaux. They don't make Cali cabs like this anymore. Black cherry and blackberry notes are prominent on the nose along with tobacco, dark chocolate and lovely herbaceous notes. The palate still has just the right amount of acidity to balance the bold, red fruit flavors. This wine is peaking right now but still has so much energy.Β
2015 Solaia – It was surprising how approachable this wine is showing today. Bright red fruits are prominent on the nose and palate. Cherry, cassis, leather with just the right touch of oak. It's incredibly balanced with the fine tannins integrated perfectly. It's a powerful wine with a long life ahead of it, but its so good now.Β
by SokolinWine