1987 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
The 1987 Napa Valley Cabernet offers more of a black fruit character in the nose and less of the herbaceous, spicy component found in the Alexander Valley. It is also a bit denser, more tannic, and slightly deeper and more ageworthy than the Alexander Valley. Irresistibly precocious, it can now be guzzled with great pleasure, but it could be cellared for at least a decade. Silver Oak's 1987s do not have the weight, richness, and multi-dimensional character of the 1984s, 1985s, and 1986s. But do not expect them to gather much dust on retailers' shelves.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(bottle tasted at Silver Oak) Medium-deep red with an amber rim. High-toned aromas of currant, tobacco, cedar, green bean, stewed tomato and scotch. Tart and on the lean side, with modest sweetness and flesh. This still offers good freshness for '87 thanks to brisk acids, yet the flavors are rather green and pinched. Finishes with firm tannins that avoid dryness. I preferred the texture of the Alexander Valley bottling, although I did not taste these two wines side by side.