Otis said that this was rated 86 by both Parker and WS. It is drinking well now and I do not think there is any reason to hold this longer. Simple cherry and dark chocolate notes with a sharp fruity midpalate. It starts to fade a bit on the finish. Medium bodied. 88-89 points.

VM

The wine felt like it has been developing very well over time. I'd say it's at optimal drinking right now. 90

I don't remember much about this wine, other than being glad I didn't wait much longer to crack it. 87-89P.

Cheers,

Otis

I had this wine last November, 2002. 1976 was a drought year and this dry farmed vineyard produced extremely small berries with very thick skins making this wine your classic tannic monster.

After all these years the iron curtain of tannins has taken a back seat to the incredable fruit that's been sleeping there. Very cigar box on the nose but on the palate the blackberry fruit just piled out like a bomb blast.(yes, I'd call it a fruit bomb!) Imagine that after all those years. My bottle was given to me by a friend who lives on the Oregon Coast and because of that climate it was in excellent condition with a good fill level(well up the neck above the shoulder like a wine of half it's age). Alexander's Crown is one of the best vineyards in California. Rodney Strong still lives in a house on the property. Reguardless of what the wines have become now, the older vintages are still worth seeking out. I was truly surprised. I thought this was just going to be a curiosity, but was pleasantly surprised.

Cheers
P3