Edmeades Anderson Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1979

The price tag on this bottle reads $7.99. Even considering inflation, that was a particularly low price for a 1979 California Cabernet. The 1979 Burgess Cellars was $12.50; Mondavi, $13.15 and Cakebread, $15.95. Edmeades, though, had vineyards in Anderson Valley--a cool climate area that was very low on the prestige scale at that time. In recent years, Anderson Valley has gained a reputation for very high quality Pinot Noirs and Alsace varietals. As a result, there aren't many vineyards (outside of Yorkville Cellars) producing Cabernet or other Bordeaux varietals. This wine, though, is proof that the area is capable of producing very good, ageworthy Cabernet.

Deep but with the bricking to be expected. Well focused Cabernet smells and flavors--blackcurrant, black fruits and leather. A blast from the past, well preserved. Tasted alongside a 1995 Pomerol (Clos du Clocher), this wine showed all the colors of Cabernet Sauvignon. A hit at the Thanksgiving table.