Wine, being the wild entity that it is, can be difficult to predict how it will taste in 20 years, but fortunately all of the bottles we tasted showed extremely well. The diverse range of flavors varied tremendously from bottle to bottle, each with its own distinct (and delicious) flavors, aromas, and textures.
Some of the highlights of the evening included the Heitz Cellar from 1991, which had notes of eucalyptus and mint mixed with Cabernet Sauvignon's signature fruit forward profile, and a velvety earthiness. The La Jota Anniversary Release from 1997 was fruity and peppery, incredibly smooth earthiness with flavors of stone fruits, cherries, and black currants with hints of fresh sage, a sleeper hit that opened up in the glass beautifully. Another amazing offering was the Opus One 1995, an incredibly complex wine that was fruity and rubbery on the nose, with a savory brininess that offered more and more flavors as time went on including dark chocolate, cherries - a Pandora's box of flavors in a glass. I also enjoyed the Joseph Phelps Insignia 1995, which was full of minerality, stone fruit, prunes, and a minty finish.
Some of the other lots that caught my eye: a range of Screaming Eagle from 1996-2011, a pairing of Dominus 1992 and 1994, Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill from 1987 - 1995, an impressive Opus One Vertical with 22 bottles ranging from 1988-2009, and Caymus Special Selections from 1992-2000.
Bidders be ready, the Christie's Wine All American Sale ends Tuesday 7/14 at 12 noon EST.
