Cailles
Member #384,118 signed up 3/9/2015 and last accessed 5/3/2024
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1974 Heitz Cellar Angelica
5/1/2024 - Cailles wrote: 83 Points
23x California 1974: Do the legendary 1974s still hold up? The answer is a resounding YES, and not just for one or two top wines, but across the board. These best wines showed incredible complexity, with still vibrant fruit cores perfectly complemented by layers upon layers of tertiary aromas, a fully intact structural frame, stature, poise, and freshness. While many of these wines should continue to age well, I don't expect them to get any better than they are now. The top wines in the tasting were the Mondavi Cabernet and the Phelps Insignia (both 97pts), the Mondavi Reserve and the Mount Eden (both 96pts), and the Ridge Monte Bello (95pts). Many more wines scored in the 90-94 point range. I'm convinced that many wines would have scored even higher in a different tasting setting, where you can follow the wine over the course of an evening. Only 5 of the 24 bottles showed signs of weakness, with 1 of those already oxidized, but given the substance that could be tasted underneath, this is more likely due to weak corks or poor storage than anything nature delivered this year. All the wines had very good fill levels and had been quickly double decanted before tasting to remove the sediment.
TN: A unicorn sweet wine, produced only in 1974/76, it spent 17 years in barrel. Many people loved it thanks to an impressive complexity and superb precision, with a sweetness well kept in check by a deep acid backbone. I didn't like the aromatic profile, with lots of dried fruit, and the alcohol was strong on the nose and palate, which is not surprising at 19% alcohol.
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1974 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello
5/1/2024 - Cailles wrote: 95 Points
23x California 1974: Do the legendary 1974s still hold up? The answer is a resounding YES, and not just for one or two top wines, but across the board. These best wines showed incredible complexity, with still vibrant fruit cores perfectly complemented by layers upon layers of tertiary aromas, a fully intact structural frame, stature, poise, and freshness. While many of these wines should continue to age well, I don't expect them to get any better than they are now. The top wines in the tasting were the Mondavi Cabernet and the Phelps Insignia (both 97pts), the Mondavi Reserve and the Mount Eden (both 96pts), and the Ridge Monte Bello (95pts). Many more wines scored in the 90-94 point range. I'm convinced that many wines would have scored even higher in a different tasting setting, where you can follow the wine over the course of an evening. Only 5 of the 24 bottles showed signs of weakness, with 1 of those already oxidized, but given the substance that could be tasted underneath, this is more likely due to weak corks or poor storage than anything nature delivered this year. All the wines had very good fill levels and had been quickly double decanted before tasting to remove the sediment.
TN: This Ridge Monte Bello showcased a bouquet with some impurities, that obscured its otherwise rich dark fruit and mineral profile. However, the palate was much more impressive, displaying intricate layers of cola, truffles, abundant black fruit, and minerals. Over time, complex meaty and bacon fat nuances emerged, enhancing its depth. Despite lacking some refinement compared to the top wines, it was still a standout, showing great potential for further development over many years.
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1974 Charles Krug Winery (Peter Mondavi Family) Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Selection
5/1/2024 - Cailles wrote: 91 Points
23x California 1974: Do the legendary 1974s still hold up? The answer is a resounding YES, and not just for one or two top wines, but across the board. These best wines showed incredible complexity, with still vibrant fruit cores perfectly complemented by layers upon layers of tertiary aromas, a fully intact structural frame, stature, poise, and freshness. While many of these wines should continue to age well, I don't expect them to get any better than they are now. The top wines in the tasting were the Mondavi Cabernet and the Phelps Insignia (both 97pts), the Mondavi Reserve and the Mount Eden (both 96pts), and the Ridge Monte Bello (95pts). Many more wines scored in the 90-94 point range. I'm convinced that many wines would have scored even higher in a different tasting setting, where you can follow the wine over the course of an evening. Only 5 of the 24 bottles showed signs of weakness, with 1 of those already oxidized, but given the substance that could be tasted underneath, this is more likely due to weak corks or poor storage than anything nature delivered this year. All the wines had very good fill levels and had been quickly double decanted before tasting to remove the sediment.
TN: Initially, the wine displayed some tired and unpleasant oxidative characteristics. However, with sufficient exposure to air, these notes mostly dissipated, revealing a robust palate rich in dark berries, malt, leather, tobacco, and mineral tones. It demonstrated a pleasing balance, seamless structure, and refreshing qualities, culminating in a successful tasting experience.
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