I was pretty nervous about this #napavalley 1981 #cabernetsauvignon being able to go the distance. First of several 1981 bottles for my lovely wife’s 40th birthday. I’m an Ah So rookie so still managed to break the cork and drown the bottom half in the bottle. After an easy pour through a tea strainer into a decanter, let it sit for a while. Now past an hour it’s really opened up - no doubt it’s on a gentle glide slope decline but so many layers of tertiary aromas. Raisin notes, Medjool dates, maple syrup, some charcuterie notes on the nose. Not much primary fruit left at all - a bit oxidized on the palate but still robust acidity, leather, sanded-down tannins on a rapid finish. — 4 years ago
Last bit from the bottle. Orange color. Smokey and woody. Kept very well for all those years — 14 days ago
Chih winegeeks valle de los encinos — 7 months ago
A full bodied, high tannin, dry wine without as much of a bite as others in this category. Notes of cherry blackberry and raisin are well balanced and gentle with regard to aftertaste. This is a versatile table wine with regard to pairings. — 10 months ago
Stellar Cabernet from Inglenook!! very rich and balanced and much life left. Quite young but not overly tannic. Continued to evolve for more than an hour. Ripe but not alcoholic. A pleasure to share with friends and a fine meal. — 6 years ago
12/20/25 - Steak dinner with spinach nookie & bread roll. — 3 months ago

Nicely rounded with smaller cask. Maybe sherry or orloroso. Big peat per usual. — 6 years ago
James Pendergrass
Yummy and balanced. Easy drink. — 24 days ago