I bought this from Stirling Fine Wines a couple weeks ago along with the '99 Robert Craig Mt. Veeder Cabernet.

The Mt. Veeder was good, but not quite up to expectations. I'm hoping I got a mediocre bottle.

This Affinity, however, is simply delicious. I should preface this by saying I love both straight cabernets as well as blends.

Consumed w/o food and over the course of three hours in a Riedel Sommelier Grand Cru Bordeaux.

This stuff was singing right from the first pour (reminds me of the '99 Whitehall Lane the first time I had it). In the glass it's as dark as could be - if not for the reddish hue on the circumference, you'd think you were drinking oil.

About as fruit-forward as you could get with a wine, this bottle starts with a short finish but explosive fruit. The extraction on the CA cabernets amazes me.

60 minutes in (splash decanted), the finish extends and some Bordeaux-like qualities shine through - pencil lead, chewy earth, etc. The acidity also becomes more noticeable with some aeration. Just enough glycerine and oak round out the profile.

This deserves a 92 in my book. No doubt about it.

I'm going to buy more.

Short,
Great Notes. This sounds like my kind of juice. If you don't mind, how much is the Affinity going for in your area? Thanks in advance!

Mmmm.....sounds tasty, I guess I should seek1 out!

Would expect nothing less from a wine I've enjoyed since the 1994 vintage. He made a winner in '98 as well. Just picked up eight bottles of the '99, but likely won't deal with for a while.
Thanks Short.

Short: Thank You, Sir. Have a case of Affinity on order. Good to hear.

Mr. Heart: I also love all his stuff. Including the '98s.

PS: I also like the chards, which I always order. But no one talks about here. Besides, Mr. Craig is a Great person....

Craig's tasting room is either open and will be opened by the time the Queen and I get out there in November. Looking forward to that bigtime.

I had bought a bottle of this several months ago when I first saw it and tried it that same night. Went out the next day and bought 6 more. This is just a wonderful bottle of wine.

Whenever I think of R. Craig, I think of you & Jules. The 2 of you always comments on R. Craig.

The last time I visited R. Craig, he was still in a warehouse with BIG Fans pointing @ the Barrels. Funny.