In article . com>,
cwdjrxyz > wrote:

> The Clos Du Val Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1978, 13.3%
> alcohol, was properly stored since release. The fill was high, and the
> cork was still very good and firm.
>
> This wine likely is at the peak, but it could easily last 10 or more
> years before drying out too much. The color is still quite deep with
> only a little age showing around the rim. It is a fairly typical
> classic Napa in character. It has very intense cassis and other dark
> fruit, an a touch of the typical Napa herbal character. There is a bit
> of mixed spice. The extract is high, but not overblown. There is
> enough acid. The medium tannins are now well resolved. The oak is
> under control. The aftertaste is very long. It is not hot as so many
> 70s California wines were, perhaps because of the 13.3% alcohol
> content rather than 16% or more you sometimes found in the 70s. It is
> a step up from the 1974 regular, which still is a very good wine. It
> must be near the top of 1970s California CS at the present time.

Nice tasting notes. I haven't had this wine in 10 years but my notes
show it to be one of the better '78 Cabs from CA.