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Napa Valley Wine Tasting Notes
1998 Grgich Hills
Napa Valley Fume Blanc
Score: 87.0
"Fresh and flowery, quite dry on the palate, with white peach character and subtle dried herb character that gives it varietal definition, and a citrusy finish. "
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1998 Grgich Hills
Napa Valley Chardonnay
Score: 92.0
Grgich Hills Chardonnays have evolved with the viticultural technology. The result is a spectacular 1998 that displays lovely tropical fruit, without being overblown or heavy. But the fruit is deep, layered and complex, showing pineapple, peaches, vanilla and a light fresh, herbal character. Refreshingly light in body, with a velvety texture, and crisp acidity that makes it an easy match at the dinner table.
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1999 Freemark Abbey
Carpy Ranch Napa Valley Viognier
Score: 89.0
"Tasting almost dry, the Freemark Abbey Viognier displays bright tangerine, guava and pineapple fruit, balanced by very crisp acidity, and finishes with a floral note. One of Napas best Viogniers."
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1997 Van Asperen Vineyards
Napa Valley Merlot
Score: 87.0
"A delicious Merlot - deep cherry fruit, a thin thread of chocolate, and cinnamon accents, along with moderate tannin, make this Merlot easy drinking now. "
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1997 Nickel & Nickel
Suscol Ranch Napa Valley Merlot
Score: 88.0
"Blackberry-currant nose, medium bodied with firm, well-integrated tannin on the palate, and a long, lightly spicy finish. Very fine structure and balance."
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1998 Smith-Madrone
Napa Valley Chardonnay
Score: 91.0
"Pineapples and peaches, butter, vanilla, and cloves all play a part in this dry, silky smooth, hillside Chardonnay. Long, mouthwatering finish. Perfect for a dish like veal Parmigiana."
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1997 Smith-Madrone
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon estate bottled
Score: 85.0
"Dry black currant fruit with its signature tobacco leaf overtones; astringent on the palate, with a hint of licorice and a drying finish. Tightly constructed and quite tannic, it benefits from decanting. This is a wine to lay away for a decade."
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1997 Nickel & Nickel
John C. Sullenger Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Score: 87.0
"Showing excellent aromatics, this Oakville Cabernet has cherry-berry fruit with a bit of dried herbal character, light vanilla, and moderate tannin."
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1996 Clos du Val
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Score: 87.0
"Almost too subtle for many to appreciate, this is a superbly balanced Cabernet, all of a piece, with a medium level of intensity throughout. It offers berry fruit augmented by mint and cocoa undercurrents, and soft tannins that make it immediately accessible."
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1997 Nickel & Nickel
Carpenter Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Score: 90.0
"A distinctive Cabernet with full-blown berry and black currant fruit, with layers of spice and vanilla, firm and dry, nicely structured, and long."
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1997 Nickel & Nickel
Rock Cairn Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Score: 90.0
"Another Cabernet from the Oakville area of Napa Valley, this one has a voluptuous cherry nose. Its full-bodied, with refined flavors on the palate of fully integrated oak and cherry fruit, moderate spice and good length."
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1997 Nickel & Nickel
Stelling Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Score: 93.0
"Nickel & Nickels third Oakville Cabernet comes from the vineyard most responsible for Far Nientes fine Cabernets. This is a stellar wine that inspired fellow tasters to pronounce, 'It sings in four part harmony,' and 'its definitely running on all cylinders.' Supple, with deep, complex, cherry-berry and spice flavors that are difficult to describe, but very easy to enjoy."
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1996 Clos du Val
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Score: 91.0
"Full cassis and cherry aroma, rich and fruity on the palate, with integrated tannin, subtle oak and spice that linger for minutes."
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1997 Robert Craig Wine Cellars
Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Score: 93.0
"Nutmeg and vanilla over blackberry on the nose; balanced, dry and spicy on the mid-palate; great depth coupled with subtle oak, toast and spice through the finish. The tannin is soft and fully integrated. A very elegant wine with great potential."
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1999 Beaulieu Vineyard
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Score: 87.0
"After tasting this wine blind, I looked at the accompanying material and found, to my surprise, that 75% was barrel fermented. If so, it must have been older oak, because it has none of the vanilla and toast character of new oak. What the barrel fermentation may have imparted is a certain creamy texture on the mid-palate. The fruit is bright and figgy on the nose, with the addition of tart lime tones and muted tarragon on the palate. Perfect with sea bass, sole, and chilled prawns."
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Tasting notes 16 to 30 of 137
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