Vine Arts Presents: 1996 Napa Valley Cabernet Showdown

Santa is coming early this year and he's bringing you the opportunity to taste a stunning line-up of some of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon's from the Napa Valley...all from the outstanding 1996 vintage.

These are wines legendary for their ability to age and we're going to put that ability to the test. All of these wines have been impeccably stored and at nearly 15 years of age they should be nothing short of epic. Hosted by Sommelier Jesse Willis and brought to you by Vine Arts Enterprises this tasting will take place in the exceptional tasting room at Bin 905 Wines and Spirits (2311 - 4th Street SW)

The line-up includes:

1996 Heitz Martha's Vineyard

When listing the Napa Valley’s top vineyards for Cabernet Sauvignon, Martha’s Vineyard is always near the top. Listed by Wine Spectator Magazine as one of the top 12 wines of the 20th century, this is legendary Cabernet with an outstanding pedigree going back to its first vintage in 1966 and a proven track record of age ability.

1996 Caymus Napa Valley

Founded in 1972 by Charlie Wagner, Caymus quickly become one of the top names in Napa Cab. Now managed by his son Chuck, the Caymus wines continue to be some the world’s most sought after wines. The iconic top wine, the Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, was not released in 1996 and as such all of the fruit went into the Napa Valley bottling making this an outstanding value.

1996 Chateau Montelena Estate

In reviewing this wine in 2000 Robert Parker said the Montelena Estate was “Full-bodied, but closed, with gorgeously pure black fruits, powerful, loamy, earthy scents along with fruit and extract, this wine also needs 5-6 years of cellaring, and should easily last through the first 2-3 decades of the next century”. Year in and year out this wine is prized by collectors for its Bordeaux like structure and cellaring potential. Sure to be a knockout.

1996 Spottswoode

The hallmarks of this legendary Cabernet are always purity and finesse with Robert Parker stating that this vintage displays “Chateau Margaux-like elegance”. For those who know and love Spottswoode no further introduction is needed.

1996 Cardinale

With under 3,000 cases produced, this blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot is a rare treat indeed. Robert Parker calls this “a top rank wine, and a star of the vintage” and it is sure to live up to the hype.

1996 Quintessa

Quintessa only produces one wine, this riveting Bordeaux blend, from their 280 acre estate in the heart of Rutherford, Napa Valley. This luxury cuvee is made in small quantities and succeeds in bridging the fine balance between ripeness and structure that the top wines of Napa strive for.

1996 Robert Mondavi Reserve

Another Icon that needs no introduction this was a golden age for Robert Mondavi Wines in which the Mondavi Reserve was revered as one of the Napa Valley’s top Cabernets. I was impressed by the complexity and elegance of this wine in a tasting several months ago and I am sure it will show beautifully once again.

1996 Merryvale Profile

This flagship blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc is sourced from Merryvale’s best lots from some of the Napa Valley’s top vineyards including Beckstoffer, Thorevilos and Napanook. Always a stunner.

1996 Beringer Private Reserve

Last but not least is the Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet. In reviewing this wine Robert Parker said “I cannot recall a disappointing vintage of the Private Reserve” and year in and year out this continues to be a benchmark example of classic Napa Valley Cabernet.

Like the epic Bordeaux Battle tasting this is sure to sell out! For more information or to reserve your seat please contact us at: jesse@vinearts.ca or (403)-813-3913