1997 Justin Obtuse (fortified wine)

[Andy Velebil]

So after a 1991 Ridge Geyserville and a 375ml of a 1983 Gould Campbell VP, it was time for some friends and I to crack this one and see how she compaired. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Paso Robles, California, and fortified to 20% ABV. The color is nice and dark, like a young VP should be. The nose though was aptly described by a friend as "very sweet like a chocolate covered cherry." The palate is very simple and jammy, again decribed by a friend as "A packet of Knott's Berry Farm jam on your table at Denny's at 3am." While I wouldn't go quite that far, it is very simple and cloying. There is no acidity to balance the super sweet brambleberries and cocoa bean. A short finish that is also very simple doesn't do much to help this out. While well made with no noticable flaws per se, it is just a nice simple, easy to drink fortified wine and nothing more. 82 points

[Heather Hathwell]

Ever since I went with some friends to this winery (probably about 2005) and we were served by someone who appeared better suited for a sports bar and had the filthiest fingernails I think I have ever seen (and yes I am comparing to auto shop guys and plumbers' hands toward end of a day), I haven't had the stomach to try anything on offer. Fortunately for you Andy, I think the guy was in middle or high school in 1997-2000 so your batch should have been safe..... you are brave indeed.

[Andy Velebil]

Heather,
Love the fingernail bit. Have you ever seen winery workers hands during harvest. Everyone has purple stained hands, fingernails, and arms, it's quite funny and you can tell who are the workers and who aren't.