Since August 1995, this wine has developed similarly to the 1992 vintage. Yet, unlike the 1992, it seemed to call for more time in barrel. Finally, it was bottled on February 14, 1996 ♥. I have enjoyed its balance during barrel ageing. Often, I have found myself relating to this wine on an emotional level, as with Pinot noir. Maybe you will too. Lately, I have found that half a bottle left a day or two (yes, it does happen sometimes–especially when one’s wife is pregnant) really “opens up” and shows off. The same thing occurred with the 1992 Zin also.
Concerning “bottle-sickness”: Last year I said this, and it is worth repeating. Often, after a wine has been in bottle for about 6 to 10 weeks, the aroma just seems a bit “dull” or “dumb” and the palate a bit disjointed compared with what it was before being persuaded out of barrel. Rather than try to give a scientific explanation for what is happening (I can’t), I find it much more practical to suggest that we all put the bottles in a nice, cool, dark place for at least a month after their arrival at home. If you can’t stand delayed gratification, go ahead & pull a cork, while practicing the ancient Santa Cruzian ritual of “Nepenthean Decantation” (you could use a glass if you wish). My point is that the wine will be singing forte rather than a delicious piano (the adverb, not the instrument) a couple of months from now. We will enjoy the wine’s crescendo in concert (pun intended). I have considered changing to a fall release, but the threat of a riot is
unsettling.
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