WTN: 1991 La Jota Vineyard Co. Cabernet Sauvignon

[Brad Ballinger]

1991 La Jota Vineyard Co. Cabernet Sauvignon, "Howell Mountain Selection," Napa Valley. With grilled ribeye and grilled steak fries. Decanted and aerated 30 minutes before serving. My first impression was that the wine either needs more air or it needed to be opened a couple of years ago. Nose gives off a strong whiff of alcohol (although the label reads 12.5%). After enough of that finally blows off, there are some pretty cherry and violet aromas along with coffee. In the mouth, the attack is also strongly alcoholic at first and the fruit either seems tired and old or tired and not yet awake. The last glass finally had lost enough of the volatility and gave way to a core of black cherry accented with a floral component. Tannins are still kicking and provide a sturdy backbone. Reflecting, I think it should've been given more air time before showtine.