TN: 1997 Beaulieu Vineyards Tapestry

[tjaehnigen]

3/29/03

TJ Rating 92+

I had this at the VC Rocks at Equinox event on 3/29/03. This was perhaps a step behind my WOTN, which turned out to be the 1994 Ridge Montebello.

This wine had a nice dark density to it. Not inky black or anything, but it seemed to have this density to it that was alluring. I got sense of leatheriness, some really nice allspice and nutmeg notes along with some decadent mustiness (no taint here). All of this was surrounded by really delicious fruit. Nice finish.

[redwinegulper]

I've liked this wine. Seems like my favorites out of California these days are the blends (meritage) wines. And although this keeps climbing in price, it is more fairly priced than most.

[tjaehnigen]

blends are what I crave most these days, too.

[Elissa]

A question: I remember liking the 97 Tapestry as well; thinking that for a Californian wine it was damned potable. But your rating of 92: would that be relative to only other California red blends, or in comparison to red blends from both new and old worlds?

Edited July 22, 2003 by lissome (log)

[tjaehnigen]

I actually enjoyed the 96 even more.

For my rating, it's compared to all others I have tasted, New and Old World. My experience tends to be much more heavily weighted to New World, if that gives you a reference point. I also have only been in to this wine thing for about 3-4 years, if that helps, too. I am a tougher grader than I used to be as well.