Too good not to post: Aged Cabernet Series

[Robin Garr]

The Aged Cabernet Series

Normally I keep WLDG advertising-free, without banner ads at the top of the pages, hoping that folks who enjoy the forum will help support it by clicking ads and considering the products of advertisers on the main WLP site and 30 Second Wine Advisor. This month, though, we're running such an unusual offer that I want to point it out in detail here because I am sure some of you will want to take advantage of it. For me, even though I tend more toward European than California wine, I'm excited about this.

The Aged Cabernet Series features well-aged California Cabernets from many of the classic producers, carefully cellared and ready to drink. I've picked up two for myself and have them stashed in a safe place, resting from their journey. I'll report as soon as I've tried them, but if you're interested in this opportunity, I strongly recommend that you sign on soon. Some of these treasures are necessarily available in only small quantities, and they may not be available for long.

Here's today's Wine Advisor ad. If you have additional questions, post here or contact me by Email at wine@wineloverspage.com.



Access to Napa Valley's Most Prestigious Aged Cabernet Sauvignons!

http://www.cawineclub.com/aged-cabernet-series

Experience aged Cabernets from top Napa producers like Jordan, Joseph Phelps, Mayacamas, Heitz, Clos du Val, Chappellet and many more.

Aged Cabernet is the ultimate reward of fine viticulture, deft winemaking and years of patience. Years in the cellar transform a finely made, boisterous young Cabernet into a magical mix of rich texture, multi-layered flavors and complex nuances of oak and tannin.

Introducing The Aged Cabernet Series. This exciting new club delivers premium Napa Valley Cabernets 10 to 15 years old, with our guarantee of quality, and your enjoyment.

Each month members will receive two different bottles of 10 to 15 year old Napa Valley Cabernet, aged in stringent temperature-controlled conditions and ready to drink now. Members may choose to receive shipments monthly, every other month or quarterly. Cost will average $150-$235 per shipment, every wine is 100 percent guaranteed, and a discount of 20 percent is available on reorders (limited to 6 bottles per member).

Experience the luxury of aged Napa Valley Cabernets with The Aged Cabernet Series. Call 1-800-777-4443 to learn more or visit http://www.cawineclub.com/aged-cabernet-series

The inaugural selection from The Aged Cabernet Series is ready to ship and features the 1997 Joseph Phelps Vineyards "Napa Valley" Cabernet Sauvignon and the 1995 Chappellet Winery Signature "Napa Valley" Cabernet Sauvignon. To start your membership with these two gorgeous wines call 1-800-777-4443 or visit
http://www.cawineclub.com/aged-cabernet-series

This is a pretty intersting offer, but I must say a July (in the heat of the summer) shipment of wines this precious, even if it's 3 day air, would make me nervous. Am I being overly paranoid about this?

[Robin Garr]

This is a pretty intersting offer, but I must say a July (in the heat of the summer) shipment of wines this precious, even if it's 3 day air, would make me nervous. Am I being overly paranoid about this?

Bob, I know summer shipping is of concern to folks, but they do seem to take pains here ... ours was marked for "early delivery" and actually turned up at 6:45 a.m. It looks good, but watch for my report when I taste them.

I'd also note that this program is operated by our long-time associates at California Wine Club, whose regular packages go out every month, year round, and carry a "100 percent satisfaction guarantee."

For me, since I loved California Cabs the way they used to be, this is an outstanding opportunity. I'm really looking forward to it.

[Robin Garr]

This is a pretty intersting offer

Bob, I've just had confirmed, by the way, that the club does have registered agents and thus can ship legally to Kentucky and Indiana (and many other "problem" states).

[David M. Bueker]

5 years ago this might have really interested me. But now I am starting to have 10+ year old wines in my own cellar.

Just a little too late.

[Robin Garr]

5 years ago this might have really interested me. But now I am starting to have 10+ year old wines in my own cellar.

Understood ... if you've already got these wines (or similar) you're in hog heaven, as the saying goes. Personally, I'm excited about it because writing about new wines several times a week discourages my cellaring much, but I love older Cal Cabs - especially those from before things started getting so big and blockbustery. The legal shipping to KY is also a huge plus for me.

I love older Cal Cabs - especially those from before things started getting so big and blockbustery.

[/quote]

Um, I don't think there has been a big change in CA Cabs since mid-90s. Now if they were plugging 60s and 70s CalCabs..... Though there are certain to be some winners with that lineup, some of my favorite producers .

I love older Cal Cabs - especially those from before things started getting so big and blockbustery.

Um, I don't think there has been a big change in CA Cabs since mid-90s. Now if they were plugging 60s and 70s CalCabs..... Though there are certain to be some winners with that lineup, some of my favorite producers .

I'd also say that the sea change began in the early '90s and progressed to near-completion by about '95. Phelps in particular took a while longer, maybe until this Millennium. Looking at the names in their list, actually, most are from the "traditionalist" camp (Mayacamas, Clos du Val, Jordan, Heitz and maybe Chappellet [I haven't had any in ages]) even now. This would be a fairly attractive offer except that, like David, I have a cellar filled with aged Cabernets. In fact, most of mine are now 10-15 years old and several came from that very same CA Wine Club long ago

Mark Lipton

I love older Cal Cabs - especially those from before things started getting so big and blockbustery.

Um, I don't think there has been a big change in CA Cabs since mid-90s. Now if they were plugging 60s and 70s CalCabs..... Though there are certain to be some winners with that lineup, some of my favorite producers .[/quote]

My vote goes for around '94, '95 seemed ok but by the time you got to '97 I quit buying. Proabably have no more than 12 bottles of CA cabs after that except for Rafanelli. Love their Zins but also buy their cabs. As a coincidence I quit major purchases of Bordeaux about '96. Stopped CA cabs for goopiness, stopped Bordeaux because of ridiculous prices. Still lots of red wines in Italy, Spain and Rhone. Also cellar about twice a many whites as I used to cellar.
Walt