1996 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (7/14/2006)
WIML92,PURPLE92,WA93,WS95

Tasted July 14, 2006 at an offline. Opened, poured a glass and “glass and bottle” decanted about 1 hour before returning to the bottle for transport to the restaurant. Then served immediately in a Riedel Vinum Cabernet glass. Purple color in the glass, slightly opaque throughout. Nose of plums, black currants, dried herbs, black berries and saddle soap. Flavors of black cherries, red berries, maybe a hint of mint and some cedar? Medium acidity and tannins, well balanced and integrated. Still a little closed down in my opionion. I’d recommend holding another year or two before opening or plan on some “real” decanting time otherwise. No value recommendation. (92 pts.)