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The November 2017 Distinguished Cellar Auction, Part I
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1 / 2Lot 383
Estimate: $140
Very lightly scuffed label.
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Collection name
Reviews
95
95 JG "I vividly remember the hype surrounding the quality of the 1985 cabernets, and I studiously tucked away a myriad of the most highly recommended examples of the vintage in my cellar when these wines were on the market. Funny how, what clearly appears to be one of the best, if not the very finest cabernet of the vintage was not on everyone’s short list of must have wines back in 1987, but Mayacamas’ star had already begun to wane amongst the fashionable cabernet cognoscenti by the late 1980s. This was clearly too bad for my own cellar, for many of the most highly acclaimed 1985 cabs have decidedly not panned out, the ’85 Mayacamas is a brilliant bottle of wine that emphatically demonstrates what all the vintage fuss was about in the first place. The nose is deep and brilliant, as it soars from the glass in a complex blaze of black cherries, cassis, road tar, tobacco, a bit of green peppercorn and a complex base of mountain soil tones. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep, very pure and soil-driven, with a stunning core of sweet, black fruit, laser-like focus, impeccable balance and a nearly endless, still moderately tannic finish that closes with stunning depth and grip. Again, this is eminently drinkable today, but the best is yet to come."
Region
Red
Country
Score
95 JG "I vividly remember the hype surrounding the quality of the 1985 cabernets, and I studiously tucked away a myriad of the most highly recommended examples of the vintage in my cellar when these wines were on the market. Funny how, what clearly appears to be one of the best, if not the very finest cabernet of the vintage was not on everyone’s short list of must have wines back in 1987, but Mayacamas’ star had already begun to wane amongst the fashionable cabernet cognoscenti by the late 1980s. This was clearly too bad for my own cellar, for many of the most highly acclaimed 1985 cabs have decidedly not panned out, the ’85 Mayacamas is a brilliant bottle of wine that emphatically demonstrates what all the vintage fuss was about in the first place. The nose is deep and brilliant, as it soars from the glass in a complex blaze of black cherries, cassis, road tar, tobacco, a bit of green peppercorn and a complex base of mountain soil tones. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep, very pure and soil-driven, with a stunning core of sweet, black fruit, laser-like focus, impeccable balance and a nearly endless, still moderately tannic finish that closes with stunning depth and grip. Again, this is eminently drinkable today, but the best is yet to come."
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The fourth-largest wine producer in the world, led by California. American fine wine is defined by ripe, expressive fruit and a spirit of innovation, with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon among the most sought-after wines globally.
California's most prestigious wine region, celebrated worldwide for opulent, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Diverse soils and mountain-to-valley-floor sites yield wines of remarkable ripeness, power and longevity.
California's flagship appellation for opulent, structured Cabernet Sauvignon of ripe fruit, plush tannins and cellar-worthy depth.
The world's most planted premium red grape, yielding deeply colored, tannic and structured wines with cassis, cedar and graphite notes. Firm tannins and acidity make it exceptionally age-worthy, whether as a varietal or the backbone of a Bordeaux blend.