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California Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Chart

by Loren Sonkin

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.

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