Deceivingly Young

1997 Guenoc Langtry Meritage

Pardon the procrastination in posting our Thanksgiving wine. The sworn duty of a wine blogger includes writing about and informing the masses of one’s holiday wine choice so without further ado, the belated wine:

This is not your mass-production Guenoc found on store shelves today. In fact, there is no mention of the name Guenoc on the bottle until you peer closely at the back label. Here it outlines the production area as being the Guenoc and Langtry estate, just north of Napa, CA in Lake County.

Prior to being sold in the early 2000’s, this estate was owned by the Magoon family. Orville Magoon was proclaimed to be the first to plant Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, together with Cabernet Sauvignon in a single proprietor appellation, Guenoc Valley.

The high end Meritage blend Langtry, was Guenoc’s flagship that once ran among the ranks of Opus One (in the 90’s mind you, when quality was king) producing very high quality Bordeaux style blends.

As many of you know, cellaring is not our forte here at Fermented Thoughts so we looked to our friend Alixe over at Cabernet & Co. in Glen Ellyn, IL to help select a special bottle for us. Cabernet & Company specializes in sourcing both current and expertly cellared examples of fine wine at all levels.

Our request, a nicely aged example of a California Cab or Cab blend perhaps from the strong 97 vintage at $50 or less – The wine chosen, a nicely aged Langtry Meritage:

The color was deceiving. Deep purple, almost black at the center with dark ruby edging, giving no forward signs of age. The nose did however provide a sense of refinement. Brambly blackberry jam and hints of allspice were layered with notes of tar, sweet, smokey oak and a touch of dried mushroom.

Again deceiving, the body was full and decadent but, not over the top. Traditional cassis flavors lead to complex folds of brandied cherries, tobacco, black pepper and leather showcasing the decade plus of maturity.

Powdery tannins embrace your palate and gently carry you to a smooth, gentle and intoxicating finish.

Cheers and happy holidays all!