WE started with a pre-party tasting. Straight out of the small glasses they give you in the bathroom of Marriott hotels. Could be a lot worse.
•2005 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry Poetry Stags Leap District - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (10/10/2010)
This wine totally delivered. Violets and field flowers on the nose with cherry and baked blueberry pie on the palate. Amazing structure to this wine. A strong backbone carries the intense fruit through each phase of the palate. It is a baby but delish now. (94 pts.)
•2007 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (10/10/2010)
Love this wine once again. Cocoa,back cherry, cassis and some vanilla. Ample oak but staysin the background. Hedonistic. Could age for a long time but why wait. I call this a Fedex wine - it delivers. (93 pts.)
Popped and poured all of these wines at the party. We were not good sharers!
•1997 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (10/10/2010)
I take back my comments on this vineyard. Sometimes I feel like it doesn't age well. This vintage held up beautifully. Sweet smooth tannins follow ripe, mature red cherries. It won't get much better. Drink now.. (94 pts.)
•1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/10/2010)
Ooh la la. Loved it. Cassis, black cherry and forest moss dominate this heavy weight. This still has years ahead of itself. Absolutely stunning. Amazing mouthfeel, texture and a very long finish. (96 pts.)
•1997 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (10/10/2010)
Well integrated fruit and woody notes. Some tobacco, cedar on thE and I initial hit to the palate. Sweet, soft tannins followed by light red cherry compote. Really nice. In the right spot for my taste. (92 pts.)
•1997 Graham Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/10/2010)
Sweet plums and dark berry fruIt. Too young still. A bit disjointed. Has the right recipe, just needs time. (91 pts.)
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