Robert Pecota Cabernet

1997 Robert Pecota, Kara's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($38) -- Napa Valley. Found this straggler at a big store that was blowing out some old inventory. I figured 97 was a big year for Napa Cabs so what the hell, it should have some stuffing. I can't say whether it was the storage conditions or the age of the wine, but most of the fruit was gone. It didn't taste as delicate and fragile as a 1970's Napa Cab from a good producer but it was headed that way. It reminded me of some of the average 1998 Napa Cabs, 98 being a relatively difficult year.

Fading elusive nose, with tight, straight-forward un-complex flavors and a medium finish. As the 97 is well regarded by others I can only assume that this is a badly stored bottle. In most vintages the Kara's Vineyard Cabs are blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, fermented in stainless steel and aged for 20 months or so in mostly new French oak.

Last year Pecota sold his vineyard and winery (but not the name as he has bought new property and will continue to make wine there) to Jess Jackson where he will produce the Atalon brand.

Pecota Family Sells Calistoga Estate . . . Will Launch New Vineyard and Winery

In July, 2006, Robert Pecota and his family sold their Calistoga winery and estate vineyard, established in 1978, to Artisan and Estates, owned by Jess Jackson of Kendall-Jackson fame. It will become the home of the high-end Atalon brand of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Pecota family has retained ownership of the Robert Pecota Winery name and all Pecota-branded wines, and has acquired another property close by on Bennett Lane just across the Napa River from Chateau Montelena. Plans are to plant 22 of the 27 acres to grapes, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, while devoting the balance to a home and small winery. Until the new winery is operational, the family will continue to produce wines at its former facility.

It will be interesting to re-taste the Pecota wines from the new vineyards when they are released.