California Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Chart
| Napa Cabernet | ||
| 2009 | 89 | D/H |
| 2008 | 95 | D/H |
| 2007 | 98 | D/H |
| 2006 | 92 | D/H |
| 2005 | 95 | D/H |
| 2004 | 91 | D/H |
| 2003 | 92 | D/H |
| 2002 | 96 | D/H |
| 2001 | 97 | D/H |
| 2000 | 86 | D |
| 1999 | 89 | D/H |
| 1998 | 80 | D/ |
| 1997 | 96 | D |
| 1996 | 94 | D |
| 1995 | 95 | D |
| 1994 | 98 | D |
| 1993 | 93 | D |
| 1992 | 93 | D |
| 1991 | 98 | D |
| 1990 | 92 | D |
| 1989 | 74 | D |
Vintage Charts should be used for a generalized guide in lieu of specific knowledge about a bottle or producer. The better wines from a vintage will generally have longer lives and cellar better. The ratings are as follows:
RATING:
95-100 Spectacular. Most producers made very good wines at all levels
90-94 Excellent. The best wines should be great. Consistency throughout the vintage.
85-89 Very Good. The best producers made top wines. Inconsistent thru the lower levels.
80-86 Good. Many producers made good wines with some inconsistency at the bottom.
75-79 Middling. Choose your producers carefully. Only the best may have made a top wine.
70-74 Below Average. Tough vintage to make good wines.
Under 70 A Poor vintage. Spend your money very carefully.
STATUS:
D=Drink
D/H=Drink or Hold
H=Hold
Loren Sonkin is an IntoWine.com Featured Contributor and the Founder/Winemaker at Sonkin Cellars.
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Comments
How long do you think it's reasonable to hold the 05 calif. cabs?
what percent of cabernet sauvnignon is cabernet grapes?
It is my understanding that for a particular bottle of wine to be labeled by its varietal name... i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon, it must contain at least 75% of that in its composition and can contain any other grapes to fill out the remainder. If less than 75% of any one varietal it must be referred to as a "Meritage" or a blended wine.