2002 Far Niente Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Probably infanticide/needed a longer decant, but this was a classic example of Oakville Cabernet, imho. I actually bicycled down their driveway to the gate, and it is a stunningly beautiful property right below the edge the true beginning of the Mayacamas Range (Oakville Grade starts its climb practically at their driveway).
Dark red berry fruit, with a strong note of anise underneath. Quite a hefty hit of oak still visible-Otto would not like this. Very elegant and structured mouth feel. Lovely, lovely berry fruit with a still evident firm structure. With time...this needed more time in the glass...savory elements and herbs began to appear. Quite lovely. 92 points. The last glass was the most interesting.
BUT on a QPR level, I found the Freemark Abbey cabernet we also drank that evening showed itself quite well-at much less cost. Still, a nice discovery in the depths of the locker.
Am I becoming such a wine geek that I can tell the difference between Rutherford and Oakville? If I do, I prefer the former.
On a side note, I also stopped at Clos Du Val on my bicycle Friday. The conventional wisdom seems to be continuing to fail-the "vintage of the decade" 1997 was actually kinda tired-but the 1998 showed a depth of fruti and delicious waves of flavor. Maybe it is just a few 1998s that are good, but some of my favorite cabs have been 98s!