First of 7 bottles in the cellar -- wanted to try it "outside of the winery".

Opened and let it sit for ~ 1 hour before first glass. Initial nose was hot, hot, hot. Little fruit. After some serious swirling, was able to detect some dark fruit - but it wasn't cooperating fully. First glass was a disapointment, as it was nothing like the '98's that I've had. Very little fruit, the tannins were nice, but it was lacking any type taste. I was very disappointed....

I would give it 84 RRV pts.

Now, I have to say that I've had a difficult time with my CSM Cab's -- one bottle is good, the other is ok, etc. I've drank 4 of the '98 CC Cabs and have had 1 outstanding bottle, 2 good, and 1 very poor. Out of the '98 and '99 Columbia Valley, I've had hit or miss experiences as well.. So I'm banking on the remaining 6 bottles showing better, but I'm not opening another one for at least 6 months.

RRV

What you must realize is that there is no spoon...

We shared two bottles among four at dinner on Thursday and enjoyed the wine after it opened up.
Think it would have been much better had it been decanted. Nevertheless I'd rate it in the 88-89 point category.

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.

too bad. 1999 was such a great vintage overall.

**********
When will I learn?
The answers to life's problems aren't at
the bottom of a bottle! They're on TV!
- Homer Simpson

RedRedVine,
I haven't tried the 99 yet but I know that the distributor just slashed the price on the 98 CSM CC Cab. I believe the wholesale price is at around $10 per bottle.

CC,
Welcome to the forums. Sounds like a heckuva buying opportunity.

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.

I am fairly confident that I will find some gems in the remaining bottles that I have.

And if I found the '98 for $10, or even the '99, I'd buy them up in a snap -- this wine is usually very good!

RRV

What you must realize is that there is no spoon...