Heitz Cellar '98 Cab (#12849)

(Did not see a string on this previously, but may have missed something).

I recently noticed this vintage is in ample supply at my local store and across the network. Apparently another wave coming in since last spring, although I did not purchase this at that time.

Question: Does anyone have insight as to what is the underlying cause of the extreme variation within the ratings posted by our members? This is rated anywhere from 1 to 5 on this site. I do not recall seeing such a diverse expression of opinion before.

Given that the product is 11 years old now, are we perhaps experiencing quality issues within the vintage itself (i.e. different lots/batches from the vintage declining disproportionately?). Something else going on?

I guess my question is, "to buy or not to buy"?

Red-

How precious is $30 at the moment? 1998 wasn't a great vintage but if there are inconsistencies for a reason it's probably storage/transportation instead. My recollection is that it was a good wine, better than average regardless of vintage. The detractors seemed to find it too spent or flavorless rather than subtle - the fans just the opposite. What's wine drinking after all if not an adventure so roll the dice.

7 positive ratings, 1 semi-negative and 1 very negative:
http://www.pawinetalk.com/detail/?code=12849&mkt_c ategory=3

It seems as though the PLCB has received another shipment of this wine. At the PLCB Chairman's tasting last spring the story on this wine was nothing unusual, they had juice to unload from an off year and were concerned about potentially diminishing their brand by letting it be sold at such a large discount. But in the end it's all about dollars and sense, meeting payroll etc. So to answer your last question Bigred nothing else is going on. If anything the wine should be in relatively good shape considering its age, it was stored by the winery and came straight to PA. But clearly not everyone has had a positive experience.

Cellar Tracker has 37 ratings with an average of 90 points. Mine being the lowest :-(

I have had a lot of the Heitz Cellars wines dating back to 91. The wines age very nice and I would not be concerned except for the 98 vintage. The 98's are breaking down so it is probably hit and miss. The 91's are still drinking nice.

Thanks all for the feedback. Just wanted to garner some ideas on this one; the inputs make sense. I'll be giving this a try in the near future and post my thoughts.