Quick impressions from last month's trade tasting. No scores. Hopefully got most of my labels right.
Whites:
2009 Schweiger Sauv Blanc: well balanced, sharp acidity, crisp clean citrus
2009 Kelly Fleming Sauv Blanc: Rich, great mouthfeel. Round citrus flavors with plenty of acidity. Not grassy.
2008 Alpha Omega Chard: nice chard, lemon oil, a bit too buttery
2009 Dutton Ranch Chard: Green sour apple, a bit off putting
2010 Roger Roessler R2 Vin Blanc: Soft, nice floral component, white peaches, could be great food wine
2009 Tor Chard Durrell: Butter and oak with some lemon oil. Not my style.
2009 Kistler Les Noiselliers Chard: Nice, easy to drink, light mouthfeel. Not overdone.
2009 Kistler Sonoma Chard:A bit more citrus and acidity. Liked the low key style.
2009 Three Sticks Chard Durrel: Best chard of the day, complex, big and rich. Not over-vinifiied
2009: Daealus Gruner Vetliner: Nice food wine, very clean, nice acidity, grapefruit, lemon/lime fruit but not in your face. Closed nose. Light on its feet but a bit one dimensional finish
2009 Jonata Paring White: easy to drink, complex flavors, very solid
Pinot:
2008 Atticus Pinot: funky but inviting nose, mushroom and loam, tight entry but opened up in mid palate, savory pinot fruit
2007 Atticus Select Pinot: Barrels that best represent their vintage. Floral, cranberry and raspberry nose, bright fruit, more feminine than other offering. Great structure
2009 Roessler Blue Jay pinot: fruity, jammy, too sweet
2008 Roessler La Brisa: very tight and sour, yuck
2008 Roessler Laurelwood pinot: softer mouthfeel, but one dimensional. Bright red fruit
2008 Roessler La Encantada: best of the lineup. Great fruit and structure
2008 Three Sticks Pinot Durrell: Big and a bit over-extracted for my taste. Beautiful fruit components. Just overdone.
2007 Daedalus Labyrinthe Pinot: Thin wine with decent fruit, not that interesting
2009 Pali Riviera Pinot: very well made with nice strawberry and cranberry. Nice structure.
2009 Revana Alexana Pinot: Absolutely delicious. Bright red fruit, great acidity. My fave pinot of the day
2009 AP Vin Clos Pepe: nice, very solid. Not overly complex but yummy.
2009 AP Vin Turner: More tannic and somewhat tight. Better at the back end. Red fruit.
Cab and other reds:
2001 Palmaz Cab: great backbone, plum, cassi and cherry, soft tannins. Nice surprise
2007 Palmaz Cab: really solid. NIce red fruit.
2009 Three Sticks Cab: Sonoma fruit, has 10% petit verdot, a bit green with monster fruit profile. Huge wine. Maybe needs time for the green tinge to dissipate. A winery to watch
2008 Alpha OMega Cab: chocolate, red cherries. Not as complex as I would have liked. An everyday drinker.
2004: Xtant: Very soft, delicate, not that interesting
2007 Kelly Fleming Cab: So easy to drink, delicious fruit, not sure on age-ability but who cares
2009 Vineyard 29 Cru: Solid, consistent offering, black cherry and dark chocolate
2008 Celani Tenacious: teeth licking yummy
2008 CJ Melka: really big and very rich
2006 Andrew Geoffrey: Mountain fruit that needs a lot of time. Stuffing is there.
2008 Celani Napa cab: Made by Mark Herold. A bit pruney and overextracted.
2006 Adore: just outstanding, rich and sexy, great finish
2008 Spring Valley Vineyards Urich: very nice, great mouthfeel, mostly merlot, good, not great. A bit hot.
2007 Spring Valley Vineyards Frederick: very nice and delicious red and black fruit. Complex
2009 Revana Cab: soft red fruit, has nice backbone, not sure if it has legs for long-term aging.
2009 Hourglass Blueline Merlot: very nice, big wine with lovely texture and mouthfeel
2009 Hourglass Blue Line Cab: Chocolate, blueberry and cherry pie. Dense.
2007 Jonata Pairing Red: no brainer everyday quaffer
2007 La Tierra de Jonata: Sangiovese, warm vintage, good food wine
2007 El Alma de Jonata: Cab Franc, very big, need time but wow!
2008 El Desafio de Jonata: 84% cab, sweet, complex cab, big presence.
2007: Jonata Todos: So good!
2007 Cedar Knoll Cab: solid QPR
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
DAN'S 50TH BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA - Abe & Louie's (11/4/2011)
Good friends with great wines to celebrate life
1959 Château Lafite Rothschild - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
My oh my! Monumental. This wine was an unbelievable mix of earth, mushroom and vibrant roasted cherry. This fruit is so pure and alive. This is one of those wines where you remember where, when and with whom. This is my new WOTN and maybe the best wine in the last ten years. Interestingly, the ullage was low shoulder and we were concerned at first. The cork came out in one piece. We drank the wine over three hours and it developed a nuanced lead pencil finish throughout. (98 pts.)
1982 Château Cos d'Estournel - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
Lots of mocha on the nose and palate. Dark chocolate and mature cherry permeates the palate with round soft tannins. Tastes like a very ripe vintage. Ullage: high neck, cork was crumbly but the wine was in great shape. Softened up nicely over three hours. Very good with steak lunch. Needs food. This is an inviting wine and you want to hang out with this for a few hours. A pleasure. (95 pts.)
1982 Château Lafite Rothschild - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
This was just eked out for WOTY for me from the 1959 Lafite. I actually think they are both in the same unbelievable category but had to give the '59 extra props for bottle age. The first sip of this wine made me shrug my shoulders and lick my lips. Tasted much younger than the 82 Cos which we drank side by side. Note of interest was we had the 59 next to the 82 and the nose was so close that it would have been hard to distinguish. This wine is jumping with exotic red fruit and is great place. Finished with subtle lead pencil. Damn is this extraordinary. (97 pts.)
1996 Château Haut-Brion - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
I may be too conservative with this score but we drank it with the 59 and 82 Lafite which were in another league. This wine is a winner, just young and muscular. Awesome backbone and mouthfeel. It is in the early miles of a marathon. In 20 years, it has the potential for greatness. After three hours, the wine softened and the tertiary flavors emerged. So, if you kill it young, decant for 4 hours beforehand. (94 pts.)
1959 Château Lafite Rothschild - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
My oh my! Monumental. This wine was an unbelievable mix of earth, mushroom and vibrant roasted cherry. This fruit is so pure and alive. This is one of those wines where you remember where, when and with whom. This is my new WOTN and maybe the best wine in the last ten years. Interestingly, the ullage was low shoulder and we were concerned at first. The cork came out in one piece. We drank the wine over three hours and it developed a nuanced lead pencil finish throughout. (98 pts.)
1982 Château Cos d'Estournel - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
Lots of mocha on the nose and palate. Dark chocolate and mature cherry permeates the palate with round soft tannins. Tastes like a very ripe vintage. Ullage: high neck, cork was crumbly but the wine was in great shape. Softened up nicely over three hours. Very good with steak lunch. Needs food. This is an inviting wine and you want to hang out with this for a few hours. A pleasure. (95 pts.)
1982 Château Lafite Rothschild - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
This was just eked out for WOTY for me from the 1959 Lafite. I actually think they are both in the same unbelievable category but had to give the '59 extra props for bottle age. The first sip of this wine made me shrug my shoulders and lick my lips. Tasted much younger than the 82 Cos which we drank side by side. Note of interest was we had the 59 next to the 82 and the nose was so close that it would have been hard to distinguish. This wine is jumping with exotic red fruit and is great place. Finished with subtle lead pencil. Damn is this extraordinary. (97 pts.)
1996 Château Haut-Brion - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
I may be too conservative with this score but we drank it with the 59 and 82 Lafite which were in another league. This wine is a winner, just young and muscular. Awesome backbone and mouthfeel. It is in the early miles of a marathon. In 20 years, it has the potential for greatness. After three hours, the wine softened and the tertiary flavors emerged. So, if you kill it young, decant for 4 hours beforehand. (94 pts.)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Blind is Beautiful Tasting at 32 East
Wines with Appetizers
2008 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley
Tasted Blind (Black Bag 1): Bright red cherry, some vanilla but primarily red fruit. Most int he group guessed Washington State. This was my wine and I orgininally thought Washington to but after I identified the sweet but somewhat tart finish, I nailed the correct bottle. Originally I thought 2005 to 2008, but there was a youthful edginess that finished with some cocoa that changed my mind. (91 pts.)
1998 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
Tasted Blind ( Red Bag #2): Sweet blueberry with a perfume nose with violets. Rich in the mid palate but exhibited some dustiness. Some thought Ritherford fruit. I had guessed Phelps Insignia but was wrong. Finish was a little flat but it had some vanilla and oak in the finish. As the night progressed, picked up some tobacco on the finish. Got dustier as the night went on. Fruit began to fade quickly. (89 pts.)
2004 Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
Tasted Bind ( Red Bag #3): This is killer juice. Inviting candied nose. Entry had some cedar and tobacco but definitely not Bordeaux. Fruit was mostly currants and plums. Seamless mid-palate and great mouthfeel. I guessed young Napa. Wrongo. This wine is elegant. (96 pts.)
1995 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
Tasted Blind ( Red #4): This is exactly why blind tastings rock. I am definitely guilty of writing off certain vineyards and Silver Oak has been on that list over the last five years. This wine tasted aged. It was elegant and soft on entry. Some guessed Bordeaux and others thought Dominus. This wine is in a great spot and was regal. A bit of a clipped finish but that is splitting hairs. Fruit is near peak but this is sophisticated juice. Guilty as charged for writing off a great wine! Will think my pre-conceptions in the future. (95 pts.)
2008 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley
Tasted Blind (Red Bag #5): Somewhat sour and tin. Initially very disappointing and that view was shared by the group. Everyone was silently hoping it wasn't there wine. The wine felt over-manipulated, tannic and thin. Just too simple. The interesting thing is I had this a few weeks back in a non-blind setting and really liked it. Was it pre-conception or was this an off bottle. I will reserve judgment to try again before writing it off. (17 views) (84 pts.)
Wines with Main Courses
1996 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace - USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain
Tasted Blind (Red Bag #1): This looked and tasted older than the first flight. It tasted tired and lacked character. Not a lot of fruit and the tannins were overpowering. Some guessed Diamond Creek and they were right. It wasn't me. I had no clue accept I didn't like it. After the reveal, a few thought that the wine needed another decade and all I could think of was if the fruit ain't here now, how could it show up in ten years? Clearly a bias to seeing the label. Blind is beautiful in these circumstances. (83 pts.)
1999 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection - USA, California, Napa Valley
Tasted blind (Black bag #2). Everyone smelled it said, whoa, this is funky and musty. Flat and dead. Undrinkable. Cork was very crumbly. Won't make judgment. The person that brought it said others in the same lot recently were really good. (FLAWED)
2008 Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
Tasted Blind (Black Bag #3) Beautiful fruit, big and bold. I guessed mid 2000s Napa. I thought it might have been the Realm that I brought but ws wrong. The wine had a great sweetness. Mnay said, I want to buy this wine. Very enjoyable. (93 pts.)
2005 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
Tasted Blind (Black Bag #4): Young and sweet, just like I like them!! Red fruit, including strawberry and red cherry. The fruit profile was bright and laser focused. Seamless. Someone thought that they drink this all the time in the tasting but I was the only one with any Realm experience. Ain't blind fun. (92 pts.)
2007 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley
Tasted Blind (Red Bag #5): The wine was black as night. Gorgeous wine and nose. Proper structure, tannins and backbone. Very well made. Some guessed Insignia and they were right. This wine is full of blackberry, black cherry and plum. It is built to last. Finished a buit on the tannic side. (92 pts.)
Wine of the Night: 2004 Corliss
Surprise of the Night: 1995 Silver Oak Alexander Valley
Disappointments of the night: 99 Caymus SS, 2008 Paul Hobbs Napa, 1996 Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace
Blind is Beautiful!!
2008 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley
Tasted Blind (Black Bag 1): Bright red cherry, some vanilla but primarily red fruit. Most int he group guessed Washington State. This was my wine and I orgininally thought Washington to but after I identified the sweet but somewhat tart finish, I nailed the correct bottle. Originally I thought 2005 to 2008, but there was a youthful edginess that finished with some cocoa that changed my mind. (91 pts.)
1998 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
Tasted Blind ( Red Bag #2): Sweet blueberry with a perfume nose with violets. Rich in the mid palate but exhibited some dustiness. Some thought Ritherford fruit. I had guessed Phelps Insignia but was wrong. Finish was a little flat but it had some vanilla and oak in the finish. As the night progressed, picked up some tobacco on the finish. Got dustier as the night went on. Fruit began to fade quickly. (89 pts.)
2004 Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
Tasted Bind ( Red Bag #3): This is killer juice. Inviting candied nose. Entry had some cedar and tobacco but definitely not Bordeaux. Fruit was mostly currants and plums. Seamless mid-palate and great mouthfeel. I guessed young Napa. Wrongo. This wine is elegant. (96 pts.)
1995 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
Tasted Blind ( Red #4): This is exactly why blind tastings rock. I am definitely guilty of writing off certain vineyards and Silver Oak has been on that list over the last five years. This wine tasted aged. It was elegant and soft on entry. Some guessed Bordeaux and others thought Dominus. This wine is in a great spot and was regal. A bit of a clipped finish but that is splitting hairs. Fruit is near peak but this is sophisticated juice. Guilty as charged for writing off a great wine! Will think my pre-conceptions in the future. (95 pts.)
2008 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley
Tasted Blind (Red Bag #5): Somewhat sour and tin. Initially very disappointing and that view was shared by the group. Everyone was silently hoping it wasn't there wine. The wine felt over-manipulated, tannic and thin. Just too simple. The interesting thing is I had this a few weeks back in a non-blind setting and really liked it. Was it pre-conception or was this an off bottle. I will reserve judgment to try again before writing it off. (17 views) (84 pts.)
Wines with Main Courses
1996 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace - USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain
Tasted Blind (Red Bag #1): This looked and tasted older than the first flight. It tasted tired and lacked character. Not a lot of fruit and the tannins were overpowering. Some guessed Diamond Creek and they were right. It wasn't me. I had no clue accept I didn't like it. After the reveal, a few thought that the wine needed another decade and all I could think of was if the fruit ain't here now, how could it show up in ten years? Clearly a bias to seeing the label. Blind is beautiful in these circumstances. (83 pts.)
1999 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection - USA, California, Napa Valley
Tasted blind (Black bag #2). Everyone smelled it said, whoa, this is funky and musty. Flat and dead. Undrinkable. Cork was very crumbly. Won't make judgment. The person that brought it said others in the same lot recently were really good. (FLAWED)
2008 Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
Tasted Blind (Black Bag #3) Beautiful fruit, big and bold. I guessed mid 2000s Napa. I thought it might have been the Realm that I brought but ws wrong. The wine had a great sweetness. Mnay said, I want to buy this wine. Very enjoyable. (93 pts.)
2005 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
Tasted Blind (Black Bag #4): Young and sweet, just like I like them!! Red fruit, including strawberry and red cherry. The fruit profile was bright and laser focused. Seamless. Someone thought that they drink this all the time in the tasting but I was the only one with any Realm experience. Ain't blind fun. (92 pts.)
2007 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley
Tasted Blind (Red Bag #5): The wine was black as night. Gorgeous wine and nose. Proper structure, tannins and backbone. Very well made. Some guessed Insignia and they were right. This wine is full of blackberry, black cherry and plum. It is built to last. Finished a buit on the tannic side. (92 pts.)
Wine of the Night: 2004 Corliss
Surprise of the Night: 1995 Silver Oak Alexander Valley
Disappointments of the night: 99 Caymus SS, 2008 Paul Hobbs Napa, 1996 Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace
Blind is Beautiful!!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Wine Pairings with Chinese Food at Uncle Tai's
We debated in our tasting group of what to bring for a dinner like this. There was no set menu and it was a free for all when ordering. Appetizers ranged from candied walnuts, schezchuan dumplings, soft shell crab and noodle in peanut sauce. Meals ranged from Peking Duck, Scheczuan Whole Fish, scallops as well as other chicken dishes. We started with whites, went to pinot and finished with two syrahs and an Aussie uperstar.
2008 Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes - France, Alsace, Alsace AOC
This was the WOTN for me as it paired really well with Chinese food. Beautiful golden color. Honey suckle, apricot and lemon peel on the nose and pallet with a touch of nectarine. Great acidity and some wet stone minerality that added character. Excellent mouthfeel and body to this wine. Sweet but not cloying. Better served on the chillier side. (94 pts.)
2005 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve - France, Alsace, Alsace AOC
Crisp, clean and solid acidic mid palate with depth of flavors: mostly lemon and grapefruit for me. Finished with subtle vanilla undertones. Somewhat simple but nice pairing with the Chinese food. (87 pts.)
2007 Melville Pinot Noir Swan Clone Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
Now we are talking. I was doubtful that pinot would match with Chinese food but it worked really well. Forest floor and raspberry nose. Same on palate. This is a delicious wine with great body and awesome finish. Silly how well made this is! The sweet cherry finish had me sold! (93 pts.)
2005 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
Went well with spicy Chinese fish. Bright red fruit but a bit tart in the mid-palate. This wine is fresh and young in a big Cali style. I think it may show better in a year. (91 pts.)
2006 Grand Rêve Vintners / Force Majeure Syrah Collaboration Series III Ciel du Cheval Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
This wine was somewhat awkward with the food pairing of Chinese whole fish. It was well made and well balanced. Blackberry and other black fruit formed a chewy mid palate. The finish was nice, a bit soft and somewhat non-descript on this showing.
On Day2, since there was 1/3 bottle left, the wine showed beautifully. I let it slow ox overnight and the complexity really came out. I would give it 92 points on Day 2. The moral of the story is... Don't eat with Chinese food and decant or slow ox this puppy for a long time before drinking it. (87 pts.)
2007 Ramey Syrah Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Like the Grand Reve, I just think this score was more a function of the pairing with our meal and not the wine itself. It was awkward as well. Nice smokey nose with a bit of heat in the nostrils. The fruit was there with red cherry and some blood sausage but it seemed hollow and thin. I just didn't get it. I reserve the right to re-visit this wine in a different atmosphere as I think it may show differently with better food pairing. (85 pts.)
2004 Clarendon Hills Astralis - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
What a nose! My first impression and taste was all soft raspberry with a milk chocolate drizzle. I really liked the pairing with our chinese food but is not as luscious as other Astralis that I have had, espcially the 1997 which I thought was monumental. This wine was somewhat one dimernsional in its flavor proflile. Don't get me wrong, it is a great bottle of wine and will last a decade. (92 pts.)
2008 Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes - France, Alsace, Alsace AOC
This was the WOTN for me as it paired really well with Chinese food. Beautiful golden color. Honey suckle, apricot and lemon peel on the nose and pallet with a touch of nectarine. Great acidity and some wet stone minerality that added character. Excellent mouthfeel and body to this wine. Sweet but not cloying. Better served on the chillier side. (94 pts.)
2005 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve - France, Alsace, Alsace AOC
Crisp, clean and solid acidic mid palate with depth of flavors: mostly lemon and grapefruit for me. Finished with subtle vanilla undertones. Somewhat simple but nice pairing with the Chinese food. (87 pts.)
2007 Melville Pinot Noir Swan Clone Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
Now we are talking. I was doubtful that pinot would match with Chinese food but it worked really well. Forest floor and raspberry nose. Same on palate. This is a delicious wine with great body and awesome finish. Silly how well made this is! The sweet cherry finish had me sold! (93 pts.)
2005 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
Went well with spicy Chinese fish. Bright red fruit but a bit tart in the mid-palate. This wine is fresh and young in a big Cali style. I think it may show better in a year. (91 pts.)
2006 Grand Rêve Vintners / Force Majeure Syrah Collaboration Series III Ciel du Cheval Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
This wine was somewhat awkward with the food pairing of Chinese whole fish. It was well made and well balanced. Blackberry and other black fruit formed a chewy mid palate. The finish was nice, a bit soft and somewhat non-descript on this showing.
On Day2, since there was 1/3 bottle left, the wine showed beautifully. I let it slow ox overnight and the complexity really came out. I would give it 92 points on Day 2. The moral of the story is... Don't eat with Chinese food and decant or slow ox this puppy for a long time before drinking it. (87 pts.)
2007 Ramey Syrah Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Like the Grand Reve, I just think this score was more a function of the pairing with our meal and not the wine itself. It was awkward as well. Nice smokey nose with a bit of heat in the nostrils. The fruit was there with red cherry and some blood sausage but it seemed hollow and thin. I just didn't get it. I reserve the right to re-visit this wine in a different atmosphere as I think it may show differently with better food pairing. (85 pts.)
2004 Clarendon Hills Astralis - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
What a nose! My first impression and taste was all soft raspberry with a milk chocolate drizzle. I really liked the pairing with our chinese food but is not as luscious as other Astralis that I have had, espcially the 1997 which I thought was monumental. This wine was somewhat one dimernsional in its flavor proflile. Don't get me wrong, it is a great bottle of wine and will last a decade. (92 pts.)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
DINNER AT MB AT THE OMPHOY - Palm Beach, FL (9/17/2011)
We headed up via limo for a combo birthday celebration and Wine Club combo.
A starter before dinner on the way up in the limo!
N.V. Gosset Champagne Grand Rosé Brut - France, Champagne
Nice floral notes with pink fruit, light berry. A bit sweet but well balanced. (87 pts.)
Whites to Start
France vs California - Old versus New
1998 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
Tied for WOTN for me. Wow! Honey suckle, delicate lemon curd and some stone and flint in the mid-palate. Finish had some almond and vanilla. I could have guessed aged White Burgundy. This wine was mellow without losing its oomph. Perfect balance. As night went on, it gained weight, had a fat mouthfeel and awesome minerality. (97 pts.)
2005 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
This was a crowd pleaser. Comments around the table were... "I'll take some of your allocation if you aren't taking all of the chards." And, that was from francophiles! Nose was toasted vanilla and lemon. This is a Top Dog chard with some white pear and georgia peach as a extra nuance. Finish with a nice green apple, not tart but juicy. (94 pts.)
Burgundy at its best
1996 Louis Jadot Chambertin - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambertin Grand Cru
Crushed stone, baked raspberry and some loam/mushroom. Yowsa! Chewy and bright young fruit. Red cherry finish. This wine is alive and kicking! (95 pts.)
1987 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echezeaux - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Echezeaux Grand Cru
I am actually going to give this wine a progressive wine score. It started as an 88 pointer and finished as a 94. At the start, it had a somewhat muted nose with lots of earth tones. It was musty and dusty, but not in a bad way. There was some underlying light red fruit. It had a thin mid-palate but a memorable finish. Did we mess up in the order by putting the DRC after the Chambertin? Most thought yes. It was somewhat overshadowed.
Then, I revisited the last ounce or so that I hid from the waitstaff as they were clearing flights of glasses. Oh yeah, magic. The wine gained weight, the red raspberry pushed to the front and mid-palate and it became elegant and expressive. Was it monumental, probably not but a great chance for a Burgundy neophyte like myself to try something special. I am often (strike that, always) intimidated when we drink Burgundy because I am dazed and confused by all of the things you need to know. (94 pts.)
Cali Pinot In The House
2005 Papapietro Perry Pinot Noir Pommard Clones - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
This score of 84 needs to be kept in context. It followed to beautiful Burgundy bottles as we were transitioning to Cali pinot. I thought it would be a good experiment to add a lighter Cali Pinot as a "starter" before we hit Martinelli Blue Slide and Kosta Brown. Like an intermezzo. It was an epic fail! The line of the night was that it smelled and tasted like "a bathing suit left in a beach bag overnight." Sometime it happens. I think on its own, in a different context could result in a very different experience. I am not giving up on this wine and have one bottle left. Basically, an experiment gone bad. (84 pts.)
2004 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Drank side by side with 2004 Martinelli Blue Slide Ridge. A battle of the 04 Big Boys. Martinelli delivered a Standing Eight. Not sure if it was a Knock Out, but tonight, the judges gave the "V" to Blue Slide. It was hotter than the Martinelli. Dare I say somewhat "lighter" than the Martinelli. Obviously, it is in the context of the two as I would never describe the wine as light. Big black cherry in a glass. I "clucked" the roof of my mouth after the first sip. You know, rub the roof of your mouth with you tongue in a big swipe. Like a tickle feather on the palate. Very enjoyable but played second fiddle tonight. (91 pts.)
2004 Martinelli Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Against the 04 KB Kanzler, it won by a nice margin. More in balance and much richer. Purity of fruit was amazing. This has great stuffing. I thought to myself, "This is RICH, BIG and BEAUTIFUL." Black and red fruit up front with a mouth-coating finish. (95 pts.)
Bordeaux versus Aged California
1989 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru) - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
This tied WOTN for me. Nose of cedar, some cut grass and mature cherry. Great roasted cherry on the palate with bright acidity, some fresh kirsch and some young plum flavors. So well balanced. It was like drinking old and new fruit in a blend. Fascinating. The wine was rich and young overall. Some picked up some blue cheese on the nose and mid-palate but I didn't get that earthiness at all. I was focused on the laser-like fruit expression. This wine was close to Nirvana. (97 pts.)
1997 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Tough to follow the 96 Branaire. Oh well, once again a context wine It was relatively disappointing because I had high hopes. They were somewhat dashed. It was a juice bomb. Nice dark chocolate on the nose with some mocha latte. Plum and black cherry on the palate but not as mature as I had hoped. The mature fruit just wasn't there yet. Mid-palate was very tight. This wine needs a ribeye. It was decanted for about two hours and didn't budge. Finish was flat, tannic and backward. I think it will resolve itself and if I owned more (I don't, boo!), I would revisit in three years. Maybe it was overshadowed by all of the other wines tonight, unsure. The 94 that I drank recently was quite memorable so I have hope. (90 pts.)
What an evening to remember. The question remains, are we better off drinking two bottles of the same wine to really spend time with the wine or have single bottles. Is less more?
A starter before dinner on the way up in the limo!
N.V. Gosset Champagne Grand Rosé Brut - France, Champagne
Nice floral notes with pink fruit, light berry. A bit sweet but well balanced. (87 pts.)
Whites to Start
France vs California - Old versus New
1998 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
Tied for WOTN for me. Wow! Honey suckle, delicate lemon curd and some stone and flint in the mid-palate. Finish had some almond and vanilla. I could have guessed aged White Burgundy. This wine was mellow without losing its oomph. Perfect balance. As night went on, it gained weight, had a fat mouthfeel and awesome minerality. (97 pts.)
2005 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
This was a crowd pleaser. Comments around the table were... "I'll take some of your allocation if you aren't taking all of the chards." And, that was from francophiles! Nose was toasted vanilla and lemon. This is a Top Dog chard with some white pear and georgia peach as a extra nuance. Finish with a nice green apple, not tart but juicy. (94 pts.)
Burgundy at its best
1996 Louis Jadot Chambertin - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambertin Grand Cru
Crushed stone, baked raspberry and some loam/mushroom. Yowsa! Chewy and bright young fruit. Red cherry finish. This wine is alive and kicking! (95 pts.)
1987 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echezeaux - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Echezeaux Grand Cru
I am actually going to give this wine a progressive wine score. It started as an 88 pointer and finished as a 94. At the start, it had a somewhat muted nose with lots of earth tones. It was musty and dusty, but not in a bad way. There was some underlying light red fruit. It had a thin mid-palate but a memorable finish. Did we mess up in the order by putting the DRC after the Chambertin? Most thought yes. It was somewhat overshadowed.
Then, I revisited the last ounce or so that I hid from the waitstaff as they were clearing flights of glasses. Oh yeah, magic. The wine gained weight, the red raspberry pushed to the front and mid-palate and it became elegant and expressive. Was it monumental, probably not but a great chance for a Burgundy neophyte like myself to try something special. I am often (strike that, always) intimidated when we drink Burgundy because I am dazed and confused by all of the things you need to know. (94 pts.)
Cali Pinot In The House
2005 Papapietro Perry Pinot Noir Pommard Clones - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
This score of 84 needs to be kept in context. It followed to beautiful Burgundy bottles as we were transitioning to Cali pinot. I thought it would be a good experiment to add a lighter Cali Pinot as a "starter" before we hit Martinelli Blue Slide and Kosta Brown. Like an intermezzo. It was an epic fail! The line of the night was that it smelled and tasted like "a bathing suit left in a beach bag overnight." Sometime it happens. I think on its own, in a different context could result in a very different experience. I am not giving up on this wine and have one bottle left. Basically, an experiment gone bad. (84 pts.)
2004 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Drank side by side with 2004 Martinelli Blue Slide Ridge. A battle of the 04 Big Boys. Martinelli delivered a Standing Eight. Not sure if it was a Knock Out, but tonight, the judges gave the "V" to Blue Slide. It was hotter than the Martinelli. Dare I say somewhat "lighter" than the Martinelli. Obviously, it is in the context of the two as I would never describe the wine as light. Big black cherry in a glass. I "clucked" the roof of my mouth after the first sip. You know, rub the roof of your mouth with you tongue in a big swipe. Like a tickle feather on the palate. Very enjoyable but played second fiddle tonight. (91 pts.)
2004 Martinelli Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Against the 04 KB Kanzler, it won by a nice margin. More in balance and much richer. Purity of fruit was amazing. This has great stuffing. I thought to myself, "This is RICH, BIG and BEAUTIFUL." Black and red fruit up front with a mouth-coating finish. (95 pts.)
Bordeaux versus Aged California
1989 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru) - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
This tied WOTN for me. Nose of cedar, some cut grass and mature cherry. Great roasted cherry on the palate with bright acidity, some fresh kirsch and some young plum flavors. So well balanced. It was like drinking old and new fruit in a blend. Fascinating. The wine was rich and young overall. Some picked up some blue cheese on the nose and mid-palate but I didn't get that earthiness at all. I was focused on the laser-like fruit expression. This wine was close to Nirvana. (97 pts.)
1997 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Tough to follow the 96 Branaire. Oh well, once again a context wine It was relatively disappointing because I had high hopes. They were somewhat dashed. It was a juice bomb. Nice dark chocolate on the nose with some mocha latte. Plum and black cherry on the palate but not as mature as I had hoped. The mature fruit just wasn't there yet. Mid-palate was very tight. This wine needs a ribeye. It was decanted for about two hours and didn't budge. Finish was flat, tannic and backward. I think it will resolve itself and if I owned more (I don't, boo!), I would revisit in three years. Maybe it was overshadowed by all of the other wines tonight, unsure. The 94 that I drank recently was quite memorable so I have hope. (90 pts.)
What an evening to remember. The question remains, are we better off drinking two bottles of the same wine to really spend time with the wine or have single bottles. Is less more?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Go Big or Go home on your birthday plus the unthinkable!
So... the unthinkable was saving an ounce of each cab with a pristine "dump bucket" and trying it at the end of the night. Think of us as blenders and not heathens! I rated the lend as near perfect. Guy is quite the blend master, not a Michel Rolland yet. Cocoa and mocha at the front end followed by balance and poise. It did lack distinction (read vineyard specificity but who cares.)Drink now, don't wait. Yes, we have committed a cardinal sin, so sue me.
2003 Bond Pluribus - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
WOTN for me. Black as night and balance was perfect. Teeth licking and chewy. Black fruit explosion. A symphony. Blue berry pulp and jamminess lasted for ever. Joy is the world. Too young to be legal. (98 pts.)
2000 Harlan Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
Is 2000 supposed to be an off year. Not so Charlie Brown. Perfect acidity and backbone. This wine is all about structure.`A memorable wine with coffee, mocha and black cherry profile. The purity of the plum and cherry is monumental. Tattoo on the brain. Ignore tough vintages and focus on greta producers. This wine is a benchmark for the vintage. Tobacco, olive tampanade and cooca round it all out. (97 pts.)
2001 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
Voted close to WOTN. Jump into the the glass type of wine. Pristine. Pure bliss. Hard to describe the awesome cherry flavors. For my tastes, this is at peak. (97 pts.)[*]2000 Château Angélus - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (9/13/2011)
Elegant mouthfeel. Regal. Rich chocolate and dark cherry with beautiful earthiness. Huge finish. Will live a very long time. Next Bat time, Next Bat channel. Next episode will be a cliff hanger. (95 pts.)[*]2004 Foxen Pinot Noir Sea Smoke Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills (9/13/2011)
Beautiful and inviting nose. Dark bowl of purplish/red hue. Looks young. So well balanced, smooth integrated tannins. This heavy weight tends to the sweet but is just plain hedonistic. Stunning nose of perfume of roses and lilacs. Is this all pinot? Maybe some syrah? (95 pts.)
2008 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (9/13/2011)
Deep dark oasis of blackberry, black cherry and blueberry. I would have guessed Grace Family Vineyards if blind. Vibrant fruit, plump and juicy. Vanlla on the backend. American Oak, unsure? Still very young with an awesome floral bouquet. (95 pts.)
2005 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
Black and beautiful. Roof of the mouth power on the palate. Acidity is great. A young pup. Watch out in 5 to 10 years. "save your judgement for yourself" Bob Dylan (94 pts.)
2007 Robert Foley Claret - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
Some alcohol on the nose that eventually blew off but was somewhat a tough starter. Rich, viscous blackberry and blueberry fruit. Heavy weight. Fruit and decadent. Something missing though, can't get my arms around it. (93 pts.)
2004 Foxen Sea Smoke Pinot
Beautiful and inviting nose. Dark bowl of purple. Looks and tastes young. Well balanced and smooth. This is a heavy weight. Syrah in the blend? Stunning and purfumy.
09 Jaffurs Viognier Santa Barbara County - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County (9/13/2011)
Tastes a little like Gerwurtzraminer. Sweet grapefruit, melon, and peach wrapped around nice minerality. Light viscosity. (92 pts.)[/list]
2003 Bond Pluribus - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
WOTN for me. Black as night and balance was perfect. Teeth licking and chewy. Black fruit explosion. A symphony. Blue berry pulp and jamminess lasted for ever. Joy is the world. Too young to be legal. (98 pts.)
2000 Harlan Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
Is 2000 supposed to be an off year. Not so Charlie Brown. Perfect acidity and backbone. This wine is all about structure.`A memorable wine with coffee, mocha and black cherry profile. The purity of the plum and cherry is monumental. Tattoo on the brain. Ignore tough vintages and focus on greta producers. This wine is a benchmark for the vintage. Tobacco, olive tampanade and cooca round it all out. (97 pts.)
2001 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
Voted close to WOTN. Jump into the the glass type of wine. Pristine. Pure bliss. Hard to describe the awesome cherry flavors. For my tastes, this is at peak. (97 pts.)[*]2000 Château Angélus - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (9/13/2011)
Elegant mouthfeel. Regal. Rich chocolate and dark cherry with beautiful earthiness. Huge finish. Will live a very long time. Next Bat time, Next Bat channel. Next episode will be a cliff hanger. (95 pts.)[*]2004 Foxen Pinot Noir Sea Smoke Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills (9/13/2011)
Beautiful and inviting nose. Dark bowl of purplish/red hue. Looks young. So well balanced, smooth integrated tannins. This heavy weight tends to the sweet but is just plain hedonistic. Stunning nose of perfume of roses and lilacs. Is this all pinot? Maybe some syrah? (95 pts.)
2008 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (9/13/2011)
Deep dark oasis of blackberry, black cherry and blueberry. I would have guessed Grace Family Vineyards if blind. Vibrant fruit, plump and juicy. Vanlla on the backend. American Oak, unsure? Still very young with an awesome floral bouquet. (95 pts.)
2005 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
Black and beautiful. Roof of the mouth power on the palate. Acidity is great. A young pup. Watch out in 5 to 10 years. "save your judgement for yourself" Bob Dylan (94 pts.)
2007 Robert Foley Claret - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/13/2011)
Some alcohol on the nose that eventually blew off but was somewhat a tough starter. Rich, viscous blackberry and blueberry fruit. Heavy weight. Fruit and decadent. Something missing though, can't get my arms around it. (93 pts.)
2004 Foxen Sea Smoke Pinot
Beautiful and inviting nose. Dark bowl of purple. Looks and tastes young. Well balanced and smooth. This is a heavy weight. Syrah in the blend? Stunning and purfumy.
09 Jaffurs Viognier Santa Barbara County - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County (9/13/2011)
Tastes a little like Gerwurtzraminer. Sweet grapefruit, melon, and peach wrapped around nice minerality. Light viscosity. (92 pts.)[/list]
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Tasting Notes from Guy's 60th from Aquavita
2003 Bond St. Eden - USA, California, Napa Valley (8/11/2011)
This may be my wine of the year. Such an inviting nose. It has it all - power, grace and beauty. Purity of fruit dominates the profile - cherry and some blue fruit. Fat and luscious. Revisited at the end of the night. All I could say was, damn that is good stuff. (99 pts.)
1994 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (8/11/2011)
Found this in cellar even though it was presumed lost in CT. Winner. Great nose, killer, loved it. This wine was near peak but a decade way from dead. Mature cherry with some milk chocolate drizzle. Secondary flavors of cassis and kirsch. Rouns smooth tannins. (96 pts.)
2005 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (8/11/2011)
This is a gorgeous beast. Huge blueberry and black cherry fruit. Lip smacker. Finish lasts forever. A bit sweet in the fruit department but I would equate it to baby fat. Very well integrated flavors. Mouth coating feel. This will be great in a decade. (95 pts.)
2007 Martinelli Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (8/11/2011)
Huge, lush pinot with some min and eucalyptus. Primary cherry and some vanilla. Very extracted bu comes together in a nice package. (95 pts.)
2007 Tensley Syrah Anniversary Series - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County (8/11/2011)
Also, a new wine for me. This was the 10th annevsary. I am told that it is made form the best barrels of the year. It sure tassted that way! Bluebery pie in a glass with cinnamon and baking spices. Well made, smooth but a bit overextracted at first. Mellowed out quickly in the glass. No apparent heat. This was a table pleaser. (95 pts.)
2001 Shirvington Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (8/11/2011)
This was my first expereince with this cab. Would not have guessed Aussie. Might not have guessed cab either. Thought that their was a zin/cab blend component to the fruit without the pepper. Great choclate nose, sweet tannins. Rich, rich, rich. Still very young. (94 pts.)
2005 Alban Vineyards Pandora - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (8/11/2011)
Bright fruit, some road tar, cassis, black cherry. Some heat on nose but not on palate. Extremely long finish. Surpisingly light on its feet. Grenache fruit profile for sure. Revisited at end of night at it was smoth with a nice rustic edge. (93 pts.)
This may be my wine of the year. Such an inviting nose. It has it all - power, grace and beauty. Purity of fruit dominates the profile - cherry and some blue fruit. Fat and luscious. Revisited at the end of the night. All I could say was, damn that is good stuff. (99 pts.)
1994 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (8/11/2011)
Found this in cellar even though it was presumed lost in CT. Winner. Great nose, killer, loved it. This wine was near peak but a decade way from dead. Mature cherry with some milk chocolate drizzle. Secondary flavors of cassis and kirsch. Rouns smooth tannins. (96 pts.)
2005 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (8/11/2011)
This is a gorgeous beast. Huge blueberry and black cherry fruit. Lip smacker. Finish lasts forever. A bit sweet in the fruit department but I would equate it to baby fat. Very well integrated flavors. Mouth coating feel. This will be great in a decade. (95 pts.)
2007 Martinelli Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (8/11/2011)
Huge, lush pinot with some min and eucalyptus. Primary cherry and some vanilla. Very extracted bu comes together in a nice package. (95 pts.)
2007 Tensley Syrah Anniversary Series - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County (8/11/2011)
Also, a new wine for me. This was the 10th annevsary. I am told that it is made form the best barrels of the year. It sure tassted that way! Bluebery pie in a glass with cinnamon and baking spices. Well made, smooth but a bit overextracted at first. Mellowed out quickly in the glass. No apparent heat. This was a table pleaser. (95 pts.)
2001 Shirvington Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (8/11/2011)
This was my first expereince with this cab. Would not have guessed Aussie. Might not have guessed cab either. Thought that their was a zin/cab blend component to the fruit without the pepper. Great choclate nose, sweet tannins. Rich, rich, rich. Still very young. (94 pts.)
2005 Alban Vineyards Pandora - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (8/11/2011)
Bright fruit, some road tar, cassis, black cherry. Some heat on nose but not on palate. Extremely long finish. Surpisingly light on its feet. Grenache fruit profile for sure. Revisited at end of night at it was smoth with a nice rustic edge. (93 pts.)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Napa 2011: Steinberg handles wine, Rubinoff handles the food. Winner!
Day 1: Arrive at Avia mid afternoon. Nice place to stay but has no pool. With weather in the mid 90’s it was a bummer. As we were heading out to Oentri, they were serving some wine in the lobby.
• 2010 Clif Bar Family Winery Sauvignon Blanc rte Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Very green notes. ie. green jolly rancher, very light, almost watered down (84 points)
• 2007 Clif Bar Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Kit's Killer Cab - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Cherry, black fruit, extremely dry and sour finish. Stick with health bars. (85 points)
Pre-game for Oenotri:
• 2010 Araujo Estate Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) very well balanced, crisp, clean citrus and lemon. Nice effort (91 points)
• 2007 Dane Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Jackknife Corner - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (7/10/2011) Chocolates and cherries with some pepper on the finish. A nice quaffer but a dry finish gets in the way (87 points)
Dinner at Oenotri: Fabulous meal. Not to be missed if you are hanging in Napa. Wine list is expensive but very deep in Italian choices which is not my specialty. We bought and drank:
• 2008 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Volte Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (7/10/2011) Medium bodied, sangio stands out in the mix. Made to be a food wine and it was a nice compliment to the food at Oenotri (87 points)
Day 2: Picked up a bunch of wine for the week at ACME in ST Helena. Karin was awesome and showed us great hospitality. At ACME, we tasted:
• 2008 Passenger Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (7/10/2011) This was the sleeper of the Napa trip. Somewhat secretive collaborative between a distributor and a wine maker with grape source unknown. I think the people in the biz in Napa know, but not us outsiders. This wine is a winner. Huge blueberry, black berry fruit with mocha and coffee. Great backbone. Rich and chewy. Easy to drink now. Had second bottle at Bottega and it was consistent with first bottle. (93 points)
Lunch at Cindy’s Backstreet. Home run food! Corn dogs took the prize. Grabbed a wine by the glass.
• 2008 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) Black raspberry and cherry. A bit harsh and tannic in the mid palate. better in back palate but couldn't get the mouthfeel out of my rating. (86 points)
We then headed off to Nickel & Nickel. Note to self… no more commercial visits if possible. The staffer was pretentious and smarmy and made one of the most ridiculous comments of the trip. I seek out wines that are low rated as Parker and WS often get them wrong. I thought to myself that is easy at Nickel & Nickel. Way too many single vineyard labels. I find it overwhelming and unfocused,
• 2009 Nickel & Nickel Chardonnay Medina Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (7/10/2011) Pineapple and some orange blossom. Light on its feet. No noticeable oak. from Russian River, land contracted vineyards. (89 points)
• 2007 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (7/10/2011) Grown on the property where we tasted on Rt 29. Cola, currant, dark cherry. Much rounder than Copper Streak. Needs time, tight finish. Desert dry, needs meat (92 points)
2007 CC Ranch From Rutherford. Against Silverado Trail More volcanic soil. A teeth lick dryness with dark sour cherry. Highly concentrated and dusty. 90 points
2007 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Copper Streak - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (7/10/2011) Sold to list only. They can keep it. This bottle is know to extract dark color and it did. Vineyard is next to Shafer Hillside Select sources. dark cherry fruit with mocha. Tannic finish, nice structure, a lot of sweet vanilla on the nose. Way too early to drink, (90 points)
• 2007 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Rock Cairn - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (7/10/2011) Much lighter in style. Earthy, bright red fruit. Easiest going wine of the flight. (88 points)
We then leave N&N and head south to Yountville. WE wind our way up a beautiful road to Keever Vineyards where we are graciously greeted by Olga and her son Jason. Now that is is what I was hoping for. A totally different experience than N&N and just up our alley. The property is splendid. T was a run down gorse farm before they planted. The property is 21 acres. 16 on one side of the road and 5 on the other. I think they farm 6ish acres in total. Before we start the tour, we start with our first wine which was a winner.
• 2010 Keever Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Gorgeous honeysuckle, tropical fruit, full bodied. great mouthfeel. (93 points)
These wines are made as a collaboration with the Keevers and Celia Welch. The Keevers allow Barbour to farm and then they are intimately involvded in everything from sorting themselves with Celia to tasting the blends prior to final production. This is such a great story and family effort. The stories and one liners were off the charts with Olga. I loved the sign that read, “ A day without wine is a day that’s not mine.” Another great wine was what Olga describes in their journey as “progressive insanity, “ Like wine, grow grapes, make wine.”
2008 Keever Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Inspirado - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Bordeaux style blend. 70% cab, 23% merlot and 7% cab franc. Every year the blend is inspired by the winemaker (Celia Welch). This is the cab fruit that doesn't make it into the estate cab. To call it a second wine would be unjustified. Great red and dark fruit profile. Well balanced, soft and delicious. (94 points)
• 2008 Keever Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown - USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville (7/10/2011) One of my favorite wines of the trip. Full bodied, chewy, pure black fruit. Great depth. This wine could age for a long time but why wait. (95 points)
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• 2008 Keever Vineyards Syrah Page Nord Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Head shaking yummy. nice syrah profile with just a touch of barnyard funk. Softer in style than syrahs from Paso. Softer, rounder and more approachable. Great pure fruit. (94 points)
Dinner was at Brix. We had called to bump our table to 8 and the hostess said they were full. When we got to the restaurant, there was more than ample space, we were pissed. Apparently, the crowd in the valley is the food is not as good as before with the old chef. We didn’t find that to be the case and our service was excellent. The manager was unapologetic about our attempt to add two people and for that I may not go back.
• 2004 Miner Family Pinot Noir "777" Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (7/10/2011) Roasted strawberries and mature raspberry on nose and palate. I thought it was heat damaged. Others thought it was past peak. (NR/flawed)
• 2008 Hayfork Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) Red cherry with a nice spice box component. Some mintiness and cocoa powder in the background. This bottle was consumed at Brix. Second bottle was consumed before dinner at Gary Denko. Nice spicy nose with rich fruit and great mouthfeel. Consistent. (95 points)
• 2008 Fairchild Estate Cabernet Sauvignon G III - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) I would seek out this wine again. It seems that I am drawn to the fruit source of GIII in my preferences for huge black cherry fruit. So well balanced. This wine was all about the cherries. Well rounded tannins. Dry finish. (95 points)
The Hayfork and Fairchild were purchased at ACME.
Day 3: We started the day by going Kayaking. We used Napa Valley Adventures and they were excellent. We grabbed lunch on the fly and headed to Palmaz. This is one of the most incredible stories and structures. It was worth the trip just to see the property, meet Florencia Palmaz and here the story. This family is passionate about wine and they put there money where their mouth is. It took 7 years to dig and complete the caves/winery. She started with a great Spanish quote which translates roughly to, “ The eye of the owner is what makes the cattle fat.” They certainly have their hand and eye n the game. She runs the majority of the wine making process with Mia Klein as the wine maker and her brother runs the operations and has made the place the most tech savvy that I have seen in the valley. They may be featured in an Apple add from the process. Most important, Florencia wants this to be a multi-generational project for her family. Otherwise, she will view it as a failure for her family and father. (By the way, the funding comes from her parents. Her dad invented the heart stent. I think they have sold a few over the years.) In general, they pursue excellence and are still I a work in progress as they look for a true identity on their wines.
• 2009 Palmaz Vineyards Chardonnay Amalia - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Very mellow, somewhat creamy mouthfeel. Great vineyard sourced fruit of lemon and citrus. Creme brulee. 30% Beckstoffer, 30% Hyde and the rest is their fruit. Refrigerated in barrel at 45 degrees to slow the yeast down. I thought it was steel. Makes 700 cases. (89 points)
• 2006 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) 100% cab yet still soft. Good red fruit but uninspiring. A bunch of the wine that went into this vintage has been replanted. Flavor profile was roasted cherries, some oakiness and a slight green tinge. (87 points)
• 2007 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Intense bright dark cherry fruit. So much more structure than the 2006. 96% cab, 2% petit verdot and 2% cab franc. Well integrated and a pleasure to drink. I hope that this style and quality is the direction they are going on. I think it is. The process for them is a learning process and they are patient and thoughtful in their approach. (93 points)
• 2007 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Gaston - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This was my favorite of their lineup. The vines are from the Bachus clone. Rich cherry and plum fruit. This had a more herbal nose than the estate cab. More complex and intellectual. I would say the wine is pure and sexy. (94 points
After Palmaz, we headed back to Napa and dropped into Bounty Hunter. Quick taste of sample:
2007 Corely State Lane. I might have guessed Kapcsandy Endre. Not quite as good but similar mouthfeel and earthiness. 90 points
• 2007 Steven Kent Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 30 Ghielmetti - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Livermore Valley (7/10/2011) Drank at Bounty Hunter is a sampler. Chewy black fruit with some cocoa. This is a bug wine and I wish I could have spent more time with it than a 2 oz pour. (87 points)
• 2007 Route Stock Cab: Smelled like blueberry pie and baking spices. Medium bodied, peppery finish, I liked it 90 points.
• 2006 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (7/10/2011) DRank at Bounty Hunter in a sampler. Solid and decent but a but tart for my liking. (86 points)
Pre-game:
• 2009 Matthiasson White Wine - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Great citrus nose that did not follow on the palate. Light on its feet, almost a bit too light. Sourish finish. I found this blend to be just wine and uninteresting. (86 points)
Dinner at Tre Vigne. One of the best meals of the trip. Place was empty on a Monday night. It was July fourth so everyone was being eaten by mosquitos while we ate. On Mondays, they have 50% off certain wines and we put our wines away.
• 2005 Erna Schein Cabernet Sauvignon Herrick-Moulds Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Bought on a Monday at Tre Vigne for 50% off. We put our wines away and grabbed this and an 06 Carter cab. This wine was spicy, with black fruit and great acidity. A bowl of cherries. (91 points)
• 2006 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Coliseum Block - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Humongous dark cherry fruit with a hint of licorice, blueberry and some vanilla. Much better than the Erna Schein we drank with it at Tre Vigne. (92 points)
Day 4: We drove up to Calistoga and hiked for awhile at Robert Lewis Stevenson Park. This was really fun but quite hot. We then headed down for lunch at Solbar which was awesome.
• 2009 Kelly Fleming Wines Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) One of the better Sauv Blancs of the Napa trip. Purchased off the list at Solbar. Well balanced, crisp, refreshing. Fruit jumps around the palate. Lemon, grapefruit and some mango. Made by Celia Welch. Nice acidity on the finish. (92 points)
The girls headed down to St Helena to shop and we headed for the most amazing tasting of the trip. We were dropped off at Envy and connected with Mike Smith. He is a great guy and was amazingly knowledgeable. Furthermore, we loved his no-nonsense style. Essentially, ask me and I will tell you the truth. Some comments were off record which was fine but he is a confident winemaker. Just hat I think you need to make great wines. We hung out in the barrel room at his “conference table”.
• 2009 Quivet Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (7/10/2011) Some saddle leather, fruit is sourced from a vineyard north of Rubicon. Old Vine Clone 7. Some herbs and mintiness with nice cherry fruit. (92 points)
• Quivet Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Drank this first with Mike Smith and then we brought a bottle to Gary Danko at the end of the trip. With Mike, wine exhibited blue and black fruit. Fruit forward and soft. Acidity is natural and fruit is really ripe. Very well balanced, no woodiness. At Gary Danko with food, the wine lengthens and is more lively. Rich and black fruit and is a great food wine. Spicy entry, round mid palate with a soft and rich finish. (94 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Twins Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This is a new project for Mike that I think is the sleeper of the line up. It is priced well and may not stay there if the next few vintages show like this. There are only 4 barrels. Bay leaf, great black and red cherry. Just yummy berry fruit. This is sourced from 3 one acre blocks and they get one acre. (93 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) This is the least favorite of the Myriad line up. There was nothing wrong with it by any means but the others were just better and in the hierarchy, it trailed. The wine showed tea notes, flowers and some tobacco with red cherries. The vineyard is on a 30% slope. This wine was thinner than the rest and was good but lacked the punch and bigness that I love from Myriad. This is just a personal feeling (90 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III - USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford (7/10/2011) This is killer. Wanted to hug the glass. Oh God, this is good. All about the black cherries and awesome blueberry profile. A bit of a tight finish but in a few years, look out. Profound. (94 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (7/10/2011) This wine followed the George III. I couldn't imagine it being upstaged but this wine proved me wrong. It is even hard to put in words how pure this wine is. Big coffee, mocha, blackberry and cherry compote. Chewy tannins. Can it get any better than is? Yes, after we did a 2010 barrel tasting. If I had any doubts about 2010 from Myriad, they are gone. This is a brilliant wine. Fruit is dark as night and just amazing fruit. Wowsa. (95 points)
• 2009 Myriad Petit Verdot. There is only one barrel of this wine I couldn’t see though the glass. Immediate gratification. A bit of a “donut wine”. It had hole inn the middle. While I can appreciate PV, I prefer it in a blend than on its own. 88 points
Barrell Samples:
2008 Quivet Kenfick Ranch Syrah. Great red fruit with beautiful balance. 91 points
2009 Myriad 100% Whole Cluster Syrah: I preferred this to the Quivet. More sophisticated and a bit more in your face fruit profile. Aromas jumped from the glass. Cherry with some funkiness and some cassis like underbelly. I will buy this. 94 points
2010 Myriad Dr Crane. See note above. Incredible
We then met Mike’s assistant wine maker. I young Englishman that I think will be on my radar screen soon. He is making his own syrah this year (2010) called Apsara which is Sanskrit for something I can’t remember. Very nice syrah, more feminine and approachable.
After meeting with Mike, the girls picked us up and we headed to EMH to meet with Merrill Lindquist. If you are lucky enough to get a meeting with her, this is such a nice visit. By far, the most personal and intimate setting of the trip. We sat in her dining room and heard her very compelling story as a single mom and a vineyard owner. She personally farms the 2/3 of an acre in her back yard which abuts Frediani Vineyards. She is witty, focused and a pleasure to be around. Talk about wanting to root for the little guy. Merrill has left the quality of her fruit up to Mother nature and she has delivered exceptional wines.
• 2006 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Drank at winery. Delicious wine. THis is all about the vineyard and the fruit. I think that the quality and care of the vineyard shows without messing with the process much. Good grapes = good wine. Great grapes = great wine. This delivers. I found this vintage to be well rounded, red cherry profile with a some herbs that tie it all together, (92 points)
• 2007 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This wine was the star of the tasting for my tasted. Huge blackberry fruit with red cherry and some blueberry. Nice vanllla bites that weren't overwhelming. Some spice and pepper on the finish brought it home. (95 points)
• 2008 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This had the same fruit profile of the 2007 but it was more feminine. If I were cellaring this wine, I would probably drink this prior to the 2007. This is a great effort. I think that the style difference was mainly weather and vintage driven and not a change in style. (94 points)
• 2009 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This was bottled on June 16th, about two weeks before our arrival. No bottle shock here. It was a great wine. My notes stressed soft, velvet mouth fell with dark red cherries. My final word was yummy. This winery is a special place. The heart and soul and passion of the owner, Merrill, show in each effort. Yes, the little guy can compete with the big boys when your land is special, you care about every customer and show humbleness to Mother Nature. This is the legacy of these great wines. (94 points)
Dinner: Morimoto. I would also rate this as one of the best meals of the trip. We brought a wine we purchased from ACME.
• 2008 Ad Vivum Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Very dark fruit. Tart cherry entry but opened up after 45 minutes. to show vanilla, blackberry and some cherry but the blackberry dominated. Chewy finish with some cocoa. (92 points)
Day 5: We were supposed to do three tastings on this day but most of us were wined out and just palate fatigued. We graciously postponed our meetings with Relic, Alpha Omega and Kongsgaard for the next trip out there. By the way, our wives think that the next trip should be a Man-cation with our buddies. We did not argue. Instead, we headed to Sonoma, walked around and had a great lunch at the Girl and the Fig. I had a white Rhone samler that was very disappointing but the food was exceptional. No great notes on the samler but they were: 2009 Ojai Viognier, 2010 Qupe Marsanne, 2009 Bonny Doon Grenache Blanc and 2009 Truchard Roussane.
On our way back over to Napa, we popped into Plumpjack to show the girls. It was crowded and loud and we declafred, no public wineries from now on. I made a quick call to Pin~a (don’t know how to do this on computer, the tilde thing) and they graciously accepted us 30 minutes before closing. They are up on the Silverado Trail and have a storied history as pioneer farmers in the valley. WE stood in their warehouse barrel, tasting room. No nonsense environment but special wines. Their wine is now made by Anna Monticelli who were har is quite talented. It shows.
We started with 2010 Low Vineyard Chard which tasted like a light creme brulee profile with nice citrus notes: 90 points
• 2008 Piña Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Cahoots - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Made by Anna Monticelli. Very talented. Mostly cab with 5% syrah. Nice dark fruit. For me, this is a good starter wine. Good fruit profile but lacks complexity of their other cabs. The fruit is what is left of the juice form the single vineyards. Good QPR. (90 points)
• 2007 Piña Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Buckeye Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (7/10/2011) This is my favorite of the tasting. This is a wow wine. Huge black cherry with some vanilla. I love this cool mountain fruit. Yes, farmers know their fruit the best. This whole lineup proves this!! (94 points)
• 2007 Piña Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon D'Adamo Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Color and fruit profile was like black ink with dark berry fruit. Thick and chewy. Huge fruit with great profile and an interesting dusty finish. (91 points)
Pre-game before Bottega
• 2008 Moone-Tsai Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Made by Melka. This is a blend. I got a lot of merlot as the first profile and then looked at the label. It is 86% merlot. HOwever, this merlot is not of the feminine style and a bit over-extracted for my liking. Mid palate is a bit flabby. (88 points)
As the girls were getting ready for a late dinner, we went downstairs at the Avia and popped in at John Anthony.
• 2009 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Church Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (7/10/2011) The best of the sauv blancs. Richer with less acidity than the normal sauv blanc. Carneors fruit. Fruit is cooler. Barrel fermented. I wouldn't seek it out. (88 points)
• 2006 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest Church Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (7/10/2011) While I am not a huge Cali dessert wine lover, I can appreciate this wine and thought it was the best of a mediocre lineup. Sweet without being cloying. I loved the apricot and cumquat fruit profile. Aged in french oak for 15 months. (87 points)
• 2007 John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Better than the 2006. But on a scale, still just average. Deeper darker fruit. This is a restaurant wine. On another note, I was shocked by the $200 price tag on their reserve wine. The woman in the tasting room said they sell it like crazy. Is my palate that flawed? There is some crazy juice in the valley at that price point where the entry level wines are delicious. Who would risk it unless they have been tasting and swallowing all day before they purchase this? (86 points)
• 2007 John Anthony Vineyards Syrah - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) 18 months in french oak. Come across pretty hot, singular, angular. I catch mostly blackberry and some blueberry. A lot of pepper. I wouldn't seek it out. (86 points)
• 2009 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Creamier style, tight acidity, nice green apple with some citrus and pineapple and a hint of lemon. Decent commercial offering. I wouldn't seek it out. (86 points)
• 2006 John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) One of the most disappointing cabs of the trip. Decent, unmemorable. Rat red cherry. I wouldn't seek it out. (85 points)
• 2006 John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) 88% cab, 10% merlot, rest is petit verdot, cab franc and some malbec. I asked it the other small percentages were to add some back bone or color. The employee said no that the cab ad all of that. My question... Why blend it then. This wine had an extremely dry finish that was very off-putting. The fruit was overwhelmed by tannins. I didn't get this wine. (85 points)
• 2010 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Peachier than the fruit profile in the 2009. Also much thinner and somewhat watered down. I wouldn't seek it out. (85 points)
Dinner at Bottega in the wine room in the back. Outrageous dinner. We met up with Juan from Realm and Becky his girlfriend who is the assistant winemaker at Kelly Fleming and could be arising star to watch for. Dinner with Juan is always fun, refreshing and the real deal info on the struggles and success as a young wine company. I love the Realm lineup.
We started with another bottle of the 2008 Passenger, see note above.
• 2008 Lindstrom Wines Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (7/10/2011) This wine was one of the most over-rated wines of the trip. A bit thin in the mid-palate. It exhibited nice red fruit but something was missing. Also found it to be too peppery. I wouldn't seek it out. (86 points)
• 2009 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) This wine has only been bottled for two weeks. Drank at Bottega with Juan. Sexy, well balanced. Licked my teeth. The black and red fruit are in total harmony. Blackberry, black cherry, some baking spice and a note of cinnamon. Just amazing. (96 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Syrah 100% Whole Cluster Las Madres Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Carneros (7/10/2011) I am not going to rate this wine as we finished it after a long dinner. There were nice red berry fruit, on the lighter side but had a green finish. Hard to follow after a night of cab
• 2009 Quivet Cellars Syrah Las Madres Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (7/10/2011) I am not going to rate this wine as we finished it after a long dinner. There were nice red berry fruit, on the lighter side but had a tart finish. Hard to follow after a night of cab.
Amazing food, great chance to catch up with a friend and an exceptionally memorable night. Thanks so much to Mike Smith for the splits of syrah!
Day 6: We drive to SF and walk around as the tourists that we are. Stayed at the Hilton for free with points which was a total let down.
Pre-game before Gary Danko:
• 2009 Hudson Vineyards Pick Up Sticks - USA, California (7/10/2011) Worst wine for me of the trip. Not my style. Weird fruit, tart, disjointed. Blah. (83 points)
2008 Hayfork: See notes above
Dinner Gary Danko: An amazing dinig experience. A bit better last year but who is splitting hairs.
• 2010 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (7/10/2011) Bought a split at Gary Danko as a starter. Well balanced, tending to the sweeter style.. Ample citrus fruit with a green note but wasn't in the way. Excellent acidity and nice finish. Complemented the curry dish. (91 points)
• 2009 Quivet Kenefick Ranch Cab: see notes above
• 2010 Clif Bar Family Winery Sauvignon Blanc rte Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Very green notes. ie. green jolly rancher, very light, almost watered down (84 points)
• 2007 Clif Bar Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Kit's Killer Cab - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Cherry, black fruit, extremely dry and sour finish. Stick with health bars. (85 points)
Pre-game for Oenotri:
• 2010 Araujo Estate Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) very well balanced, crisp, clean citrus and lemon. Nice effort (91 points)
• 2007 Dane Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Jackknife Corner - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (7/10/2011) Chocolates and cherries with some pepper on the finish. A nice quaffer but a dry finish gets in the way (87 points)
Dinner at Oenotri: Fabulous meal. Not to be missed if you are hanging in Napa. Wine list is expensive but very deep in Italian choices which is not my specialty. We bought and drank:
• 2008 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Volte Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (7/10/2011) Medium bodied, sangio stands out in the mix. Made to be a food wine and it was a nice compliment to the food at Oenotri (87 points)
Day 2: Picked up a bunch of wine for the week at ACME in ST Helena. Karin was awesome and showed us great hospitality. At ACME, we tasted:
• 2008 Passenger Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (7/10/2011) This was the sleeper of the Napa trip. Somewhat secretive collaborative between a distributor and a wine maker with grape source unknown. I think the people in the biz in Napa know, but not us outsiders. This wine is a winner. Huge blueberry, black berry fruit with mocha and coffee. Great backbone. Rich and chewy. Easy to drink now. Had second bottle at Bottega and it was consistent with first bottle. (93 points)
Lunch at Cindy’s Backstreet. Home run food! Corn dogs took the prize. Grabbed a wine by the glass.
• 2008 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) Black raspberry and cherry. A bit harsh and tannic in the mid palate. better in back palate but couldn't get the mouthfeel out of my rating. (86 points)
We then headed off to Nickel & Nickel. Note to self… no more commercial visits if possible. The staffer was pretentious and smarmy and made one of the most ridiculous comments of the trip. I seek out wines that are low rated as Parker and WS often get them wrong. I thought to myself that is easy at Nickel & Nickel. Way too many single vineyard labels. I find it overwhelming and unfocused,
• 2009 Nickel & Nickel Chardonnay Medina Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (7/10/2011) Pineapple and some orange blossom. Light on its feet. No noticeable oak. from Russian River, land contracted vineyards. (89 points)
• 2007 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (7/10/2011) Grown on the property where we tasted on Rt 29. Cola, currant, dark cherry. Much rounder than Copper Streak. Needs time, tight finish. Desert dry, needs meat (92 points)
2007 CC Ranch From Rutherford. Against Silverado Trail More volcanic soil. A teeth lick dryness with dark sour cherry. Highly concentrated and dusty. 90 points
2007 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Copper Streak - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (7/10/2011) Sold to list only. They can keep it. This bottle is know to extract dark color and it did. Vineyard is next to Shafer Hillside Select sources. dark cherry fruit with mocha. Tannic finish, nice structure, a lot of sweet vanilla on the nose. Way too early to drink, (90 points)
• 2007 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Rock Cairn - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (7/10/2011) Much lighter in style. Earthy, bright red fruit. Easiest going wine of the flight. (88 points)
We then leave N&N and head south to Yountville. WE wind our way up a beautiful road to Keever Vineyards where we are graciously greeted by Olga and her son Jason. Now that is is what I was hoping for. A totally different experience than N&N and just up our alley. The property is splendid. T was a run down gorse farm before they planted. The property is 21 acres. 16 on one side of the road and 5 on the other. I think they farm 6ish acres in total. Before we start the tour, we start with our first wine which was a winner.
• 2010 Keever Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Gorgeous honeysuckle, tropical fruit, full bodied. great mouthfeel. (93 points)
These wines are made as a collaboration with the Keevers and Celia Welch. The Keevers allow Barbour to farm and then they are intimately involvded in everything from sorting themselves with Celia to tasting the blends prior to final production. This is such a great story and family effort. The stories and one liners were off the charts with Olga. I loved the sign that read, “ A day without wine is a day that’s not mine.” Another great wine was what Olga describes in their journey as “progressive insanity, “ Like wine, grow grapes, make wine.”
2008 Keever Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Inspirado - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Bordeaux style blend. 70% cab, 23% merlot and 7% cab franc. Every year the blend is inspired by the winemaker (Celia Welch). This is the cab fruit that doesn't make it into the estate cab. To call it a second wine would be unjustified. Great red and dark fruit profile. Well balanced, soft and delicious. (94 points)
• 2008 Keever Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown - USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville (7/10/2011) One of my favorite wines of the trip. Full bodied, chewy, pure black fruit. Great depth. This wine could age for a long time but why wait. (95 points)
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• 2008 Keever Vineyards Syrah Page Nord Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Head shaking yummy. nice syrah profile with just a touch of barnyard funk. Softer in style than syrahs from Paso. Softer, rounder and more approachable. Great pure fruit. (94 points)
Dinner was at Brix. We had called to bump our table to 8 and the hostess said they were full. When we got to the restaurant, there was more than ample space, we were pissed. Apparently, the crowd in the valley is the food is not as good as before with the old chef. We didn’t find that to be the case and our service was excellent. The manager was unapologetic about our attempt to add two people and for that I may not go back.
• 2004 Miner Family Pinot Noir "777" Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (7/10/2011) Roasted strawberries and mature raspberry on nose and palate. I thought it was heat damaged. Others thought it was past peak. (NR/flawed)
• 2008 Hayfork Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) Red cherry with a nice spice box component. Some mintiness and cocoa powder in the background. This bottle was consumed at Brix. Second bottle was consumed before dinner at Gary Denko. Nice spicy nose with rich fruit and great mouthfeel. Consistent. (95 points)
• 2008 Fairchild Estate Cabernet Sauvignon G III - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) I would seek out this wine again. It seems that I am drawn to the fruit source of GIII in my preferences for huge black cherry fruit. So well balanced. This wine was all about the cherries. Well rounded tannins. Dry finish. (95 points)
The Hayfork and Fairchild were purchased at ACME.
Day 3: We started the day by going Kayaking. We used Napa Valley Adventures and they were excellent. We grabbed lunch on the fly and headed to Palmaz. This is one of the most incredible stories and structures. It was worth the trip just to see the property, meet Florencia Palmaz and here the story. This family is passionate about wine and they put there money where their mouth is. It took 7 years to dig and complete the caves/winery. She started with a great Spanish quote which translates roughly to, “ The eye of the owner is what makes the cattle fat.” They certainly have their hand and eye n the game. She runs the majority of the wine making process with Mia Klein as the wine maker and her brother runs the operations and has made the place the most tech savvy that I have seen in the valley. They may be featured in an Apple add from the process. Most important, Florencia wants this to be a multi-generational project for her family. Otherwise, she will view it as a failure for her family and father. (By the way, the funding comes from her parents. Her dad invented the heart stent. I think they have sold a few over the years.) In general, they pursue excellence and are still I a work in progress as they look for a true identity on their wines.
• 2009 Palmaz Vineyards Chardonnay Amalia - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Very mellow, somewhat creamy mouthfeel. Great vineyard sourced fruit of lemon and citrus. Creme brulee. 30% Beckstoffer, 30% Hyde and the rest is their fruit. Refrigerated in barrel at 45 degrees to slow the yeast down. I thought it was steel. Makes 700 cases. (89 points)
• 2006 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) 100% cab yet still soft. Good red fruit but uninspiring. A bunch of the wine that went into this vintage has been replanted. Flavor profile was roasted cherries, some oakiness and a slight green tinge. (87 points)
• 2007 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Intense bright dark cherry fruit. So much more structure than the 2006. 96% cab, 2% petit verdot and 2% cab franc. Well integrated and a pleasure to drink. I hope that this style and quality is the direction they are going on. I think it is. The process for them is a learning process and they are patient and thoughtful in their approach. (93 points)
• 2007 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Gaston - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This was my favorite of their lineup. The vines are from the Bachus clone. Rich cherry and plum fruit. This had a more herbal nose than the estate cab. More complex and intellectual. I would say the wine is pure and sexy. (94 points
After Palmaz, we headed back to Napa and dropped into Bounty Hunter. Quick taste of sample:
2007 Corely State Lane. I might have guessed Kapcsandy Endre. Not quite as good but similar mouthfeel and earthiness. 90 points
• 2007 Steven Kent Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 30 Ghielmetti - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Livermore Valley (7/10/2011) Drank at Bounty Hunter is a sampler. Chewy black fruit with some cocoa. This is a bug wine and I wish I could have spent more time with it than a 2 oz pour. (87 points)
• 2007 Route Stock Cab: Smelled like blueberry pie and baking spices. Medium bodied, peppery finish, I liked it 90 points.
• 2006 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (7/10/2011) DRank at Bounty Hunter in a sampler. Solid and decent but a but tart for my liking. (86 points)
Pre-game:
• 2009 Matthiasson White Wine - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Great citrus nose that did not follow on the palate. Light on its feet, almost a bit too light. Sourish finish. I found this blend to be just wine and uninteresting. (86 points)
Dinner at Tre Vigne. One of the best meals of the trip. Place was empty on a Monday night. It was July fourth so everyone was being eaten by mosquitos while we ate. On Mondays, they have 50% off certain wines and we put our wines away.
• 2005 Erna Schein Cabernet Sauvignon Herrick-Moulds Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Bought on a Monday at Tre Vigne for 50% off. We put our wines away and grabbed this and an 06 Carter cab. This wine was spicy, with black fruit and great acidity. A bowl of cherries. (91 points)
• 2006 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Coliseum Block - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Humongous dark cherry fruit with a hint of licorice, blueberry and some vanilla. Much better than the Erna Schein we drank with it at Tre Vigne. (92 points)
Day 4: We drove up to Calistoga and hiked for awhile at Robert Lewis Stevenson Park. This was really fun but quite hot. We then headed down for lunch at Solbar which was awesome.
• 2009 Kelly Fleming Wines Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) One of the better Sauv Blancs of the Napa trip. Purchased off the list at Solbar. Well balanced, crisp, refreshing. Fruit jumps around the palate. Lemon, grapefruit and some mango. Made by Celia Welch. Nice acidity on the finish. (92 points)
The girls headed down to St Helena to shop and we headed for the most amazing tasting of the trip. We were dropped off at Envy and connected with Mike Smith. He is a great guy and was amazingly knowledgeable. Furthermore, we loved his no-nonsense style. Essentially, ask me and I will tell you the truth. Some comments were off record which was fine but he is a confident winemaker. Just hat I think you need to make great wines. We hung out in the barrel room at his “conference table”.
• 2009 Quivet Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (7/10/2011) Some saddle leather, fruit is sourced from a vineyard north of Rubicon. Old Vine Clone 7. Some herbs and mintiness with nice cherry fruit. (92 points)
• Quivet Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Drank this first with Mike Smith and then we brought a bottle to Gary Danko at the end of the trip. With Mike, wine exhibited blue and black fruit. Fruit forward and soft. Acidity is natural and fruit is really ripe. Very well balanced, no woodiness. At Gary Danko with food, the wine lengthens and is more lively. Rich and black fruit and is a great food wine. Spicy entry, round mid palate with a soft and rich finish. (94 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Twins Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This is a new project for Mike that I think is the sleeper of the line up. It is priced well and may not stay there if the next few vintages show like this. There are only 4 barrels. Bay leaf, great black and red cherry. Just yummy berry fruit. This is sourced from 3 one acre blocks and they get one acre. (93 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) This is the least favorite of the Myriad line up. There was nothing wrong with it by any means but the others were just better and in the hierarchy, it trailed. The wine showed tea notes, flowers and some tobacco with red cherries. The vineyard is on a 30% slope. This wine was thinner than the rest and was good but lacked the punch and bigness that I love from Myriad. This is just a personal feeling (90 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III - USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford (7/10/2011) This is killer. Wanted to hug the glass. Oh God, this is good. All about the black cherries and awesome blueberry profile. A bit of a tight finish but in a few years, look out. Profound. (94 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (7/10/2011) This wine followed the George III. I couldn't imagine it being upstaged but this wine proved me wrong. It is even hard to put in words how pure this wine is. Big coffee, mocha, blackberry and cherry compote. Chewy tannins. Can it get any better than is? Yes, after we did a 2010 barrel tasting. If I had any doubts about 2010 from Myriad, they are gone. This is a brilliant wine. Fruit is dark as night and just amazing fruit. Wowsa. (95 points)
• 2009 Myriad Petit Verdot. There is only one barrel of this wine I couldn’t see though the glass. Immediate gratification. A bit of a “donut wine”. It had hole inn the middle. While I can appreciate PV, I prefer it in a blend than on its own. 88 points
Barrell Samples:
2008 Quivet Kenfick Ranch Syrah. Great red fruit with beautiful balance. 91 points
2009 Myriad 100% Whole Cluster Syrah: I preferred this to the Quivet. More sophisticated and a bit more in your face fruit profile. Aromas jumped from the glass. Cherry with some funkiness and some cassis like underbelly. I will buy this. 94 points
2010 Myriad Dr Crane. See note above. Incredible
We then met Mike’s assistant wine maker. I young Englishman that I think will be on my radar screen soon. He is making his own syrah this year (2010) called Apsara which is Sanskrit for something I can’t remember. Very nice syrah, more feminine and approachable.
After meeting with Mike, the girls picked us up and we headed to EMH to meet with Merrill Lindquist. If you are lucky enough to get a meeting with her, this is such a nice visit. By far, the most personal and intimate setting of the trip. We sat in her dining room and heard her very compelling story as a single mom and a vineyard owner. She personally farms the 2/3 of an acre in her back yard which abuts Frediani Vineyards. She is witty, focused and a pleasure to be around. Talk about wanting to root for the little guy. Merrill has left the quality of her fruit up to Mother nature and she has delivered exceptional wines.
• 2006 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Drank at winery. Delicious wine. THis is all about the vineyard and the fruit. I think that the quality and care of the vineyard shows without messing with the process much. Good grapes = good wine. Great grapes = great wine. This delivers. I found this vintage to be well rounded, red cherry profile with a some herbs that tie it all together, (92 points)
• 2007 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This wine was the star of the tasting for my tasted. Huge blackberry fruit with red cherry and some blueberry. Nice vanllla bites that weren't overwhelming. Some spice and pepper on the finish brought it home. (95 points)
• 2008 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This had the same fruit profile of the 2007 but it was more feminine. If I were cellaring this wine, I would probably drink this prior to the 2007. This is a great effort. I think that the style difference was mainly weather and vintage driven and not a change in style. (94 points)
• 2009 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) This was bottled on June 16th, about two weeks before our arrival. No bottle shock here. It was a great wine. My notes stressed soft, velvet mouth fell with dark red cherries. My final word was yummy. This winery is a special place. The heart and soul and passion of the owner, Merrill, show in each effort. Yes, the little guy can compete with the big boys when your land is special, you care about every customer and show humbleness to Mother Nature. This is the legacy of these great wines. (94 points)
Dinner: Morimoto. I would also rate this as one of the best meals of the trip. We brought a wine we purchased from ACME.
• 2008 Ad Vivum Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Very dark fruit. Tart cherry entry but opened up after 45 minutes. to show vanilla, blackberry and some cherry but the blackberry dominated. Chewy finish with some cocoa. (92 points)
Day 5: We were supposed to do three tastings on this day but most of us were wined out and just palate fatigued. We graciously postponed our meetings with Relic, Alpha Omega and Kongsgaard for the next trip out there. By the way, our wives think that the next trip should be a Man-cation with our buddies. We did not argue. Instead, we headed to Sonoma, walked around and had a great lunch at the Girl and the Fig. I had a white Rhone samler that was very disappointing but the food was exceptional. No great notes on the samler but they were: 2009 Ojai Viognier, 2010 Qupe Marsanne, 2009 Bonny Doon Grenache Blanc and 2009 Truchard Roussane.
On our way back over to Napa, we popped into Plumpjack to show the girls. It was crowded and loud and we declafred, no public wineries from now on. I made a quick call to Pin~a (don’t know how to do this on computer, the tilde thing) and they graciously accepted us 30 minutes before closing. They are up on the Silverado Trail and have a storied history as pioneer farmers in the valley. WE stood in their warehouse barrel, tasting room. No nonsense environment but special wines. Their wine is now made by Anna Monticelli who were har is quite talented. It shows.
We started with 2010 Low Vineyard Chard which tasted like a light creme brulee profile with nice citrus notes: 90 points
• 2008 Piña Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Cahoots - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Made by Anna Monticelli. Very talented. Mostly cab with 5% syrah. Nice dark fruit. For me, this is a good starter wine. Good fruit profile but lacks complexity of their other cabs. The fruit is what is left of the juice form the single vineyards. Good QPR. (90 points)
• 2007 Piña Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Buckeye Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (7/10/2011) This is my favorite of the tasting. This is a wow wine. Huge black cherry with some vanilla. I love this cool mountain fruit. Yes, farmers know their fruit the best. This whole lineup proves this!! (94 points)
• 2007 Piña Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon D'Adamo Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Color and fruit profile was like black ink with dark berry fruit. Thick and chewy. Huge fruit with great profile and an interesting dusty finish. (91 points)
Pre-game before Bottega
• 2008 Moone-Tsai Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Made by Melka. This is a blend. I got a lot of merlot as the first profile and then looked at the label. It is 86% merlot. HOwever, this merlot is not of the feminine style and a bit over-extracted for my liking. Mid palate is a bit flabby. (88 points)
As the girls were getting ready for a late dinner, we went downstairs at the Avia and popped in at John Anthony.
• 2009 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Church Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (7/10/2011) The best of the sauv blancs. Richer with less acidity than the normal sauv blanc. Carneors fruit. Fruit is cooler. Barrel fermented. I wouldn't seek it out. (88 points)
• 2006 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest Church Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (7/10/2011) While I am not a huge Cali dessert wine lover, I can appreciate this wine and thought it was the best of a mediocre lineup. Sweet without being cloying. I loved the apricot and cumquat fruit profile. Aged in french oak for 15 months. (87 points)
• 2007 John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Better than the 2006. But on a scale, still just average. Deeper darker fruit. This is a restaurant wine. On another note, I was shocked by the $200 price tag on their reserve wine. The woman in the tasting room said they sell it like crazy. Is my palate that flawed? There is some crazy juice in the valley at that price point where the entry level wines are delicious. Who would risk it unless they have been tasting and swallowing all day before they purchase this? (86 points)
• 2007 John Anthony Vineyards Syrah - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) 18 months in french oak. Come across pretty hot, singular, angular. I catch mostly blackberry and some blueberry. A lot of pepper. I wouldn't seek it out. (86 points)
• 2009 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Creamier style, tight acidity, nice green apple with some citrus and pineapple and a hint of lemon. Decent commercial offering. I wouldn't seek it out. (86 points)
• 2006 John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) One of the most disappointing cabs of the trip. Decent, unmemorable. Rat red cherry. I wouldn't seek it out. (85 points)
• 2006 John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) 88% cab, 10% merlot, rest is petit verdot, cab franc and some malbec. I asked it the other small percentages were to add some back bone or color. The employee said no that the cab ad all of that. My question... Why blend it then. This wine had an extremely dry finish that was very off-putting. The fruit was overwhelmed by tannins. I didn't get this wine. (85 points)
• 2010 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/10/2011) Peachier than the fruit profile in the 2009. Also much thinner and somewhat watered down. I wouldn't seek it out. (85 points)
Dinner at Bottega in the wine room in the back. Outrageous dinner. We met up with Juan from Realm and Becky his girlfriend who is the assistant winemaker at Kelly Fleming and could be arising star to watch for. Dinner with Juan is always fun, refreshing and the real deal info on the struggles and success as a young wine company. I love the Realm lineup.
We started with another bottle of the 2008 Passenger, see note above.
• 2008 Lindstrom Wines Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (7/10/2011) This wine was one of the most over-rated wines of the trip. A bit thin in the mid-palate. It exhibited nice red fruit but something was missing. Also found it to be too peppery. I wouldn't seek it out. (86 points)
• 2009 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (7/10/2011) This wine has only been bottled for two weeks. Drank at Bottega with Juan. Sexy, well balanced. Licked my teeth. The black and red fruit are in total harmony. Blackberry, black cherry, some baking spice and a note of cinnamon. Just amazing. (96 points)
• 2009 Myriad Cellars Syrah 100% Whole Cluster Las Madres Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Carneros (7/10/2011) I am not going to rate this wine as we finished it after a long dinner. There were nice red berry fruit, on the lighter side but had a green finish. Hard to follow after a night of cab
• 2009 Quivet Cellars Syrah Las Madres Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (7/10/2011) I am not going to rate this wine as we finished it after a long dinner. There were nice red berry fruit, on the lighter side but had a tart finish. Hard to follow after a night of cab.
Amazing food, great chance to catch up with a friend and an exceptionally memorable night. Thanks so much to Mike Smith for the splits of syrah!
Day 6: We drive to SF and walk around as the tourists that we are. Stayed at the Hilton for free with points which was a total let down.
Pre-game before Gary Danko:
• 2009 Hudson Vineyards Pick Up Sticks - USA, California (7/10/2011) Worst wine for me of the trip. Not my style. Weird fruit, tart, disjointed. Blah. (83 points)
2008 Hayfork: See notes above
Dinner Gary Danko: An amazing dinig experience. A bit better last year but who is splitting hairs.
• 2010 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (7/10/2011) Bought a split at Gary Danko as a starter. Well balanced, tending to the sweeter style.. Ample citrus fruit with a green note but wasn't in the way. Excellent acidity and nice finish. Complemented the curry dish. (91 points)
• 2009 Quivet Kenefick Ranch Cab: see notes above
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Pinots Meet Italians
Wines are in drinking order.
•1997 Domaine Joseph Roty Charmes-Chambertin Très Vieilles Vignes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru (1/30/2011)
Rasberry and strawberry with some woodsy undertones combine with flint and chalk. This is an elegant yet powerful wine. Palate is deep and finish is long and sophisticated. (94 pts.)
•2008 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Old Vines Summa - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/30/2011)
This wine was the second wine of the night. It followed the Josepgh Roty Charmes Chambertin. Not an easy slot in the drinking mix. I liked this wine much more than the rest of the crowd. It was a bright light red color that oozed freshness. Nose was all cherry with a touch of blueberry behind it. The rap from the group was that it lacked a finish. I would descirbe it as a thin. Very pure fruit with a a violet/spring flower bouquet. Extremely well balanced. May not be a long term ager but awfully good right now. (92 pts.)
•2006 Rhys Pinot Noir Swan Terrace Alpine Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (1/30/2011)
I absolutely adored this wine. It is so different than the Cali style of brawn and alcohol. This wine had power but finesse. Like a Ferrari, not a muscle car. Upon opening, it was a little restrained. Extremely well structured. Fruit was red cherry, pomegranate and some rasberry in the mix. The fruit was powerful but not in your face. This is very young and I am committing to hiding these for3- 5 years to see how they develop. Hopefully some secondary flavors will emerge. I thin k this wine may be on the verge of greatness in the future. (95 pts.)
•1988 Gaja Barolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (1/30/2011)
Bummer but this wine was corked. No doubt about it. NR (flawed)
•1996 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (1/30/2011)
Everyone else like this a lot more than me. It started out with a great body in entry but I found it thin in the mid palate. There was plenty of red fruit but it was non-distinct. Also caught some blueberry and rosemary on the finish. As night went on it became more floral but did not stand up to its 1997 brother. (88 pts.)
•1997 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (1/30/2011)
WOTN: Huge mouth full of fruit. Incredible dark berries and blue fruits. Perfect match with the short ribs. One of the best Italian wines I have had in some time. Stong, stiff finish. Forest dirt and aromas float past the mid palate. (97 pts.)
•2004 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbaresco Vürsù Vigneto Gallina - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (1/30/2011)
Now this is good stuff. Explosion of bright cherry fruit in your mouth. Lighter in style but had great acidity that brought depth and complexity. Minute long finish. (95 pts.)
•2000 Monte Faustino Amarone della Valpolicella Classico - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (1/30/2011)
Paired amazingly with dessert. Raisins and dried plums were the dominate flavors. Not as unctuaous as I remember, a bit lighter on its feet. Excellent wine. (91 pts.)
•1996 Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (1/30/2011)
I has my dbouts that we could outdo the Amarone after dessert. But this delivered. I would compare it to a Tokaji light. QAlmonds, citrus, creme brulee. Awesome fruity mouthfeel. Finished with a wonderful acidic kick. Nice carmel color. Didn't feel the heat. (93 pts.)
•1997 Domaine Joseph Roty Charmes-Chambertin Très Vieilles Vignes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru (1/30/2011)
Rasberry and strawberry with some woodsy undertones combine with flint and chalk. This is an elegant yet powerful wine. Palate is deep and finish is long and sophisticated. (94 pts.)
•2008 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Old Vines Summa - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/30/2011)
This wine was the second wine of the night. It followed the Josepgh Roty Charmes Chambertin. Not an easy slot in the drinking mix. I liked this wine much more than the rest of the crowd. It was a bright light red color that oozed freshness. Nose was all cherry with a touch of blueberry behind it. The rap from the group was that it lacked a finish. I would descirbe it as a thin. Very pure fruit with a a violet/spring flower bouquet. Extremely well balanced. May not be a long term ager but awfully good right now. (92 pts.)
•2006 Rhys Pinot Noir Swan Terrace Alpine Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (1/30/2011)
I absolutely adored this wine. It is so different than the Cali style of brawn and alcohol. This wine had power but finesse. Like a Ferrari, not a muscle car. Upon opening, it was a little restrained. Extremely well structured. Fruit was red cherry, pomegranate and some rasberry in the mix. The fruit was powerful but not in your face. This is very young and I am committing to hiding these for3- 5 years to see how they develop. Hopefully some secondary flavors will emerge. I thin k this wine may be on the verge of greatness in the future. (95 pts.)
•1988 Gaja Barolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (1/30/2011)
Bummer but this wine was corked. No doubt about it. NR (flawed)
•1996 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (1/30/2011)
Everyone else like this a lot more than me. It started out with a great body in entry but I found it thin in the mid palate. There was plenty of red fruit but it was non-distinct. Also caught some blueberry and rosemary on the finish. As night went on it became more floral but did not stand up to its 1997 brother. (88 pts.)
•1997 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (1/30/2011)
WOTN: Huge mouth full of fruit. Incredible dark berries and blue fruits. Perfect match with the short ribs. One of the best Italian wines I have had in some time. Stong, stiff finish. Forest dirt and aromas float past the mid palate. (97 pts.)
•2004 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbaresco Vürsù Vigneto Gallina - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (1/30/2011)
Now this is good stuff. Explosion of bright cherry fruit in your mouth. Lighter in style but had great acidity that brought depth and complexity. Minute long finish. (95 pts.)
•2000 Monte Faustino Amarone della Valpolicella Classico - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (1/30/2011)
Paired amazingly with dessert. Raisins and dried plums were the dominate flavors. Not as unctuaous as I remember, a bit lighter on its feet. Excellent wine. (91 pts.)
•1996 Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (1/30/2011)
I has my dbouts that we could outdo the Amarone after dessert. But this delivered. I would compare it to a Tokaji light. QAlmonds, citrus, creme brulee. Awesome fruity mouthfeel. Finished with a wonderful acidic kick. Nice carmel color. Didn't feel the heat. (93 pts.)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Wines by the Fire Pit
•2005 Robert Foley Claret - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (1/8/2011)
Hedonistic, chewy and loaded with black and blue flavors. Right amount of oak works well with blueberry compote and black cherry pie. Nice vanilla, cinnamon and baking spices on finish. Outstanding. (95 pts.)
•2000 Monte Faustino Amarone della Valpolicella Classico - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (1/8/2011)
Mature cherry and raisin nose with a slight port like mouthfeel and finish. Some glycerin slides this beauty in the mid palate. Great food wine. In a very good place. (93 pts.)
•2005 Saxum Broken Stones - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/8/2011)
Drank with dessert. Went well with chocolate. Blueberry is the main profile with a thick chewy feel that carries a finish for a full minute. Alcohol level did not get in the way. (93 pts.)
•2006 Booker Vineyard The Alchemist - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/8/2011)
Followed the 05 Saxum Broken Stones and it did not skip a beat. Testament to the wine making ability at Booker. Blackberry, blueberry and an awesome gamey texture. I think it brings so much pleasure as a young wine. Why wait for the next. Popped and poured. (92 pts.)
•2006 Papapietro Perry Pinot Noir Pommard Clones - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/8/2011)
Great place for this wine. Purity of bright red fruit. Strawberry and raspberry blast. Nice acidity and soft tannins. Solid. (92 pts.)
•2007 Torrin The Maven - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/8/2011)
Purety of fruit and slightly lighter profile than the Booker and Saxum before it. It held up to those big boys. Really nice way to finish a night. (90 pts.)
Hedonistic, chewy and loaded with black and blue flavors. Right amount of oak works well with blueberry compote and black cherry pie. Nice vanilla, cinnamon and baking spices on finish. Outstanding. (95 pts.)
•2000 Monte Faustino Amarone della Valpolicella Classico - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (1/8/2011)
Mature cherry and raisin nose with a slight port like mouthfeel and finish. Some glycerin slides this beauty in the mid palate. Great food wine. In a very good place. (93 pts.)
•2005 Saxum Broken Stones - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/8/2011)
Drank with dessert. Went well with chocolate. Blueberry is the main profile with a thick chewy feel that carries a finish for a full minute. Alcohol level did not get in the way. (93 pts.)
•2006 Booker Vineyard The Alchemist - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/8/2011)
Followed the 05 Saxum Broken Stones and it did not skip a beat. Testament to the wine making ability at Booker. Blackberry, blueberry and an awesome gamey texture. I think it brings so much pleasure as a young wine. Why wait for the next. Popped and poured. (92 pts.)
•2006 Papapietro Perry Pinot Noir Pommard Clones - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/8/2011)
Great place for this wine. Purity of bright red fruit. Strawberry and raspberry blast. Nice acidity and soft tannins. Solid. (92 pts.)
•2007 Torrin The Maven - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/8/2011)
Purety of fruit and slightly lighter profile than the Booker and Saxum before it. It held up to those big boys. Really nice way to finish a night. (90 pts.)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
TN's Our Group's Bring Somethng Different or Off Radar Screen Night
1990 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage (1/6/2011)
WOTN: rose pedal and violet nose. Dark red/purple in glass. Doesn't show it's age. Fleshy quality in palate. Developed a meaty nose.Black olive notes with ripe cherry. Chewy texture. Delicius. Shrug your shoulders kind of yummy. So easy to drink. Smooth tannins. (95 points)
2006 Seven Stones Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (1/6/2011)
Second fave of the night. Big, beautiful black and blue fruit. Spicy, somewhat hot at first but mellowed out. Caught some mint and chocolate on the nose. Somewhat dusty finish. Fruit profile of blackberry, bllack cherry and blueberry. Finished with some nice spices. (94 points)
2004 Two Hands Shiraz Bella's Garden - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (1/6/2011)
This wine showed nicely. Decadent fruit bomb. A bit over the top but really fun to drink. A bit of a sourish thing with great blueberry fruit. I am sorry to admit it but I really enjoyed it. It brought me back to my Aussie phase of drinking. (91 points)
2007 Fantesca Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (1/6/2011)
Well balanced, lighter style. Nice profile of red cherry. Laid back style worked for me. Very smooth and easy to drink.Somewhat of a flat curve from entry to finish. (91 points)
2007 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah The Contender - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (1/6/2011)
Great minerality. Some wet fur, light funk on nose but not on palate. Great sense of purity of deep red fruit. Chewy but not overdone. I like this much better than the group which found it uniteresting. I would call it Cayuse Cailloux lite. (90 points)
2000 Viña Almaviva S.A. Almaviva - Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto (1/6/2011)
Boredeaux blend on nose. Ripe cherry fruit. Somewhat one dimensional. Decent, not special. Not worth the price of addmission. (87 points)
2007 Alvaro Palacios Priorat Camins del Priorat - Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (1/6/2011)
Light style, tastes like a grenache/syrah blend. easy to drink, red fruit with some bacon fat. NOt overly complex. (85 points)
2005 Imagery Estate Winery Lagrein Artist Collection - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/6/2011)
Tight, tannic, sour finish. Rustic blackberry was covered by the tannins. Didnt work for me but others really liked it. (84 points)
2007 Klee Syrah - USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley (1/6/2011)
Too much pepper! My tongue felt like it was sprayed with mace. (84 points)
2007 Clos Thales Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Clos d'en Coulon - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes (1/6/2011)
Port like, slaty, extracted. Yuck! (80 points)
WOTN: rose pedal and violet nose. Dark red/purple in glass. Doesn't show it's age. Fleshy quality in palate. Developed a meaty nose.Black olive notes with ripe cherry. Chewy texture. Delicius. Shrug your shoulders kind of yummy. So easy to drink. Smooth tannins. (95 points)
2006 Seven Stones Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (1/6/2011)
Second fave of the night. Big, beautiful black and blue fruit. Spicy, somewhat hot at first but mellowed out. Caught some mint and chocolate on the nose. Somewhat dusty finish. Fruit profile of blackberry, bllack cherry and blueberry. Finished with some nice spices. (94 points)
2004 Two Hands Shiraz Bella's Garden - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (1/6/2011)
This wine showed nicely. Decadent fruit bomb. A bit over the top but really fun to drink. A bit of a sourish thing with great blueberry fruit. I am sorry to admit it but I really enjoyed it. It brought me back to my Aussie phase of drinking. (91 points)
2007 Fantesca Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (1/6/2011)
Well balanced, lighter style. Nice profile of red cherry. Laid back style worked for me. Very smooth and easy to drink.Somewhat of a flat curve from entry to finish. (91 points)
2007 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah The Contender - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (1/6/2011)
Great minerality. Some wet fur, light funk on nose but not on palate. Great sense of purity of deep red fruit. Chewy but not overdone. I like this much better than the group which found it uniteresting. I would call it Cayuse Cailloux lite. (90 points)
2000 Viña Almaviva S.A. Almaviva - Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto (1/6/2011)
Boredeaux blend on nose. Ripe cherry fruit. Somewhat one dimensional. Decent, not special. Not worth the price of addmission. (87 points)
2007 Alvaro Palacios Priorat Camins del Priorat - Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (1/6/2011)
Light style, tastes like a grenache/syrah blend. easy to drink, red fruit with some bacon fat. NOt overly complex. (85 points)
2005 Imagery Estate Winery Lagrein Artist Collection - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/6/2011)
Tight, tannic, sour finish. Rustic blackberry was covered by the tannins. Didnt work for me but others really liked it. (84 points)
2007 Klee Syrah - USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley (1/6/2011)
Too much pepper! My tongue felt like it was sprayed with mace. (84 points)
2007 Clos Thales Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Clos d'en Coulon - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes (1/6/2011)
Port like, slaty, extracted. Yuck! (80 points)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Years Wines
1967 Château d'Yquem - France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes (1/2/2011)
Liquid gold in a bottle. Deep carmel color. Oozes richness on the nose. Extremely well balanced and elegant. Great matrue whie fruit. Loved it again. Sublime. (97 points)
2004 Martinelli Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/2/2011)
WOTN. Wow! Dark brooding fruit, black rasberry and cherry with a finish that goes on forever. First bottle was corked. Bummer. Next one was great. Then we coaxed a last one out of the cellar. Yeah baby. This wine was seamless with soft tannins and some blueberry on the finish. No apparent heat. My favorite Martinelli to date. (97 points)
1997 Salon Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne (1/2/2011)
Absolutely delicious. Alive, sophisticated, fruit well integrated with the whole package. Awesome light lemon overtones and great acidity. (96 points)
2002 Domaine Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru (1/2/2011)
Fabulous wine with mature white fruit, peaches, lemon with a light carmel color. Lots of citrus on th epalate and a subtle nuttiness. Most important, the minerality, limestone and wet rocks really made this a special wine. (96 points)
2001 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection - USA, California, Napa Valley (1/2/2011)
Big fruit, big mouthfeel, just plain big. Black fruit of cherry and blueberry. Extremely well knit and integrated. Still a little heavy on the oak. Even better on day 2. Scored a 96 on day 2. (95 points)
1994 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (1/2/2011)
Still very young. Great structure with plum and cedar as main flavor components. Also a bit oaky. Smooth sweet tannins. Just was lacking something to make it great. Fell apart about an hour into the glass. (89 points)
2004 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Roussanne Vieilles Vignes - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (1/2/2011)
Tropical fruit and floral nose. Slightly tired fruit, lacked the vibrancy that I like from these grapes. Soft round edges. Mellow and regal. This would merit a higher score if it wasn't the wine after the 2002 Ramonet. (89 points)
2006 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/2/2011)
Disappointment of the night. Maybe in a wierd stage of evolution. Lemon and creme brulee on the nose and palate. Short finish. Did not hold a candle to the white Burgundy - 2002 Ramonet. I am beginning to wonder if these wines are worth the price of admission. (88 points)
Liquid gold in a bottle. Deep carmel color. Oozes richness on the nose. Extremely well balanced and elegant. Great matrue whie fruit. Loved it again. Sublime. (97 points)
2004 Martinelli Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/2/2011)
WOTN. Wow! Dark brooding fruit, black rasberry and cherry with a finish that goes on forever. First bottle was corked. Bummer. Next one was great. Then we coaxed a last one out of the cellar. Yeah baby. This wine was seamless with soft tannins and some blueberry on the finish. No apparent heat. My favorite Martinelli to date. (97 points)
1997 Salon Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne (1/2/2011)
Absolutely delicious. Alive, sophisticated, fruit well integrated with the whole package. Awesome light lemon overtones and great acidity. (96 points)
2002 Domaine Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru (1/2/2011)
Fabulous wine with mature white fruit, peaches, lemon with a light carmel color. Lots of citrus on th epalate and a subtle nuttiness. Most important, the minerality, limestone and wet rocks really made this a special wine. (96 points)
2001 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection - USA, California, Napa Valley (1/2/2011)
Big fruit, big mouthfeel, just plain big. Black fruit of cherry and blueberry. Extremely well knit and integrated. Still a little heavy on the oak. Even better on day 2. Scored a 96 on day 2. (95 points)
1994 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (1/2/2011)
Still very young. Great structure with plum and cedar as main flavor components. Also a bit oaky. Smooth sweet tannins. Just was lacking something to make it great. Fell apart about an hour into the glass. (89 points)
2004 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Roussanne Vieilles Vignes - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (1/2/2011)
Tropical fruit and floral nose. Slightly tired fruit, lacked the vibrancy that I like from these grapes. Soft round edges. Mellow and regal. This would merit a higher score if it wasn't the wine after the 2002 Ramonet. (89 points)
2006 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/2/2011)
Disappointment of the night. Maybe in a wierd stage of evolution. Lemon and creme brulee on the nose and palate. Short finish. Did not hold a candle to the white Burgundy - 2002 Ramonet. I am beginning to wonder if these wines are worth the price of admission. (88 points)
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