2001 Cabernet Sauvignon from Folkendt Vineyards Vineyard in Livermore Valley

timo said:

posted Jul 26, 2004 at 5:02PM

It'd be nice if you reviewed some of those overpriced napa cabs you keep referring to so we know what you're talking about. As far as I can recall, you keep referring abstractly to these "overpriced napa cabs", but you haven't listed any specifically. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

ryano said:

posted Jul 27, 2004 at 7:59AM

I've been abstract to not drag their names through any more mud than I already have. But if you want names...

Merryvale, some Whitehall Lane, and Mount Veeder come to mind that I've reviewed. Others I have heard of the same gripe: B.R. Cohn, Parador, and Silverado Vineyards come to mind...

I don't think all Napa Cab is overpriced. In fact, I would even be as bold to say things have been getting better and more wines coming out of Napa are worth every penny.

However, from a "value" perspective, there are much better bargains to score than dropping $100/bottle of Napa Cab. But hey, if you have the loot to drop, go for it. For all you other folks not wondering what to do with your money... there are better deals i.e. Try cabs out of Sonoma!

timo said:

posted Jul 27, 2004 at 9:20AM

Hehe... oh yea, those three definitely are overpriced. Thanks for the reminder.

timo said:

posted Feb 7, 2005 at 9:50PM

Alright, I think I need to revise my previous comment. My initial comments were made after tasting at their tasting room. I bought a bottle that day, but just opened it tonight. I gotta say, this wine blew me away tonight. So much so that I'll be hitting up my Livermore contacts to grab me a few more bottles before they run out.

The '01 Steven Kent is what I consider a "classic" cabernet. Aromas of cherry and oak (I can even see where you get your "pencil shavings"), with smooth (oh so smooth) tannins, but extremely well structured. A worthy rival to Napa Cab at half the price? No question now. You couldn't have been more right. I can't say how much longer I'd hold it. It's really not a very big cab. In fact, I'm betting it should be drunk now, and not something that should be in the cellar for very long. Highly recommended, indeed.