1998 Bryant Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor Grown

Wine: 1998 Bryant Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor Grown
Estate: Bryant Family Vineyards
Vineyard: Bryant Family Vineyard
Region: Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley, California

Location: Sunday Funday at home on 3/13/2016

Tasting Note:

First time trying the Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon. Was very excited to crack this and try it out. Wine was garnet red, no bricking on the edges yet. Definitely had an aged nose to it. Olive and truffles on the nose to start. Has some secondary earthy notes underneath. Touched by some dark spices and light dark cherries in the finish. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) and moderate body. Palate was herbaceous but no vegetal notes, and some light dark cherries. Very well integrated and balanced, literally melts in your mouth. Finish is still long and lingers for 10 or so seconds. Overall still holding on with a great body and complexity for an 18 year old bottle. If you are looking for a classic Napa Cab this is not fruity enough for you, but if you love complex wines definitely try one of these if you can find one! Drink till 2017.

Rating: 93
Price: $$$$ - Purchased for around $170.00 from Wine Liquidators.

2000 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou

Wine: 2000 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou
Estate: Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou

Growth: Second Growth
Location: St. Julien, Left Bank Bordeaux, France

Winemaker: Bruno Borie
Elevage: 18 months in 80% new French Oak.
Varietal: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot

Decant: Unknown.

Location: S&E Wine Club - 95+ Point Wines on 09/18/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Brick red, hints of brown probably due to age.
Nose/Smell: Great nose, very earthy and lots of barnyard. 
Palate/Taste: Tannins are still strong and powerful, full bodied. Dry finish like classic French Bordeaux.
Opinion: Tasted blind. Absolutely delicious, great structure, well integrated and can definitely keep going. Did not taste 15 years old! 
Dates: Now till 2030
Rating: 96

Price: $$$$ - Average around $220.00