This bottle was very tight when opened, tobacco, leather and a bit flat. It also appeared to be a bit acidic and not in a really fruit forward style.
After about 45 minutes the wine really opened up and showed a layer of really nice sweet red and black fruits. A good deal of spice was noted on the medium length finish. The tobacco and leather never completely faded but were not unpleasant. For lack of a better descriptor that Rutherford dusty earthy component was in evidence. I like the earthy taste that many of the Rutherford Cabs seem to have. Some serious yet fairly well integrated tannin showed through on the finish.
All in all an enjoyable bottle of wine with enough fruit and tannin structure that I would call it a short term hold. I dont think the last bottle will be opened for at least a year. Not a bad showing for a bargain priced Rutherford Cabernet at about $27 when purchased.
WS originally gave this a 91 or a 92. GA says that is a fair rating and would give it the same amount of GA points.
Scuze me while I finish the last sip.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)