By: Simon Roberts
In true Graileys fashion we tasted a few cracking wines last night.
2007 Shafer Hillside Select is a monster of a wine, this one needs to sleep for a few more years but has all the stuffing to be a legend. It had a smoky nose, with deep red and black fruits and massive concentration. The tannins covered up the flavors until we tried it again this morning, it had softened considerably showing blackberry and cedar nuances with a super long finish..decant this one if you are drinking it over the next few years..it made all the difference.
1992 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill drank exceptionally well. Out of all the great Napa cabernets I think Diamond Creek is more reminiscent of a Bordeaux than any other. This wine showed really well integrated oak with very soft and plush black fruits and some truffle notes. These Diamond creeks have great longevity, it is the second Diamond creek opened in a week, the other being the glorious 1994 Lake Vineyard.
1989 Chateau Leoville Barton , a nice find in the cellar! The 89 vintage is just about hitting it’s stride for me, this wine has lost its heavy tannic overcoat and is now drinking with finesse and precision. It has that text book St Julien dusty character backed up by a subtle nose of forest floor. This wine did not last long on the table, it was wine of the night for me.