March 24, 2012 – Wine: 1997 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Once again, an older half bottle seems to be past its prime.  I opened this bottle at 9:30pm, and by midnight, the wine was still locked down.  This experience brings to mind a friend’s daring purchase of a 1981 Rubicon Estate Red, which he shared with me about a year ago.  That wine remained locked down for over three hours.  It wasn’t until after 3 hours and 40 minutes that the wine opened up and then exploded on the palette.  This older Duckhorn seems to be following the same path, but it’s now time for bed.  I have bottled up one last glass to revisit for tomorrow.  I’ll add more then.