tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54985230662381308172024-03-13T14:57:02.144-07:00Cabernet Lovers Of New York City Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-31592646500121998042021-08-18T15:56:00.000-07:002021-08-26T17:21:00.768-07:00CLONYC 38 - Fun with Mike & Leah (Smith) II<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39NbDrfriVM/Ubj8X7qn4lI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/OlrvmhUDjI0/s1600/myriad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39NbDrfriVM/Ubj8X7qn4lI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/OlrvmhUDjI0/s320/myriad2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: clear;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">Think back to what it was about wine that made you fall in love with wine itself. Remember all the goose-bumps and tingles that shift</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">ed something in you that would never be undone. If you are like me your journey has gone around the world a bit, but I have always kept my feet firmly in Napa Valley and more specifically, with Cabernet Sauvignon. Sure, I have taken barbs from many in the Anti-Flavor group and the usual bunch that eschew anything Napa as well as those who play ‘remember when’ every chance they get and I don’t get hung-up on alcohol levels. I am not in any of those clubs; my club remains open minded and constantly adapting to taste and style trends that my beloved grape takes me. I say all of this because last evening, and a beautiful evening it was, 12 Cabernet aficionados converged on the town that the Dutch colonized in 1624 to eat, drink and just have a good old unpretentious time with our beloved Napa Cabernet. If you are like me, it does not get better than CLONYC 38. I say all of this simply because I can not think of a more exciting time to be a Napa Cabernet lover, (and my memory on such pre-dates many of those here’s birth) and if you really are anything like me, you'll be as giddy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">To say Mike Smith makes ‘wine’ is an understatement; Mike Smith lives wine. He is the type of guy that sleeps on the floor alongside his wine barrels just to make sure they have a good nights sleep; he wants to make sure his wines stun their followers. Last night the CLONYC gang met Mike and Leah for round number two of a night that would make even Backhaus jealous. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">Mike and Leah came full fisted and brought nearly their full 2011 vintage of Napa Cabs, some peek-ins of their 2012s, two fantastic whites and a Pinot that will get your attention. Mike’s mentioned to me early evening his ‘slight’ apprehension to showing these 2011s in public and it proved all to be for naught; they all showed spectacularly well. His 2012s will astound. Any or all would be best bets for your Cabernet dollars. We started with his 2011 whites from Myriad and Quivet. Both delicious, but I was saving my note-taking for my first love, so lets talk Cab. (But not before an amazing Pinot).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">All wines were opened at 5:30 and single decanted back into its bottle.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2011 Patine Pinot Noir (Gaps Crown Vineyard) Wow! Great aromatics with juicy black and blue fruits. This has tons of verve. I am slowly becoming an aficionado of well made Cali Pinots and this is certainly in the group of some of the best I have had. It’s glossy and pure and just perfect. One to serve for your special guests.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2012 Carter To-Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon, barrel sample- I fully understand Mike’s trepidation on bring these but I am oh so glad the brains of the operation talks him into it. This is amazing. I jokingly told him he needs a new shirt for when Wine Spectator puts him on the cover of their big 2012 Napa Cabernet issue in November 2014. It has beautiful structure with black dense fruits and an interesting hint of cardamom. It does not suffer the fate of many young wines and actually has some semblance of being well knit already. Wow</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2012 Myriad Dr Crane Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, barrel sample - yes, you have read it correctly, Dr Crane Reserve. (Please forgive my wows, but there will be many). WOW Dense and packed with cassis, blackberries with the signature creaminess I expect from site. The nose alone is worth the price. I always thought that Dr Crane stood on its own and never needed elevation in title, but this one deserves it. This will be a star of the vintage. You heard it here.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2011 Myriad Cabernet Sauvignon Napa- This wines has quickly become one of my house wines. In 2011 Mike has hit it out of the park and unless this one takes some turn to somewhere else, there will be many smiling faces once people get this one in their glasses. Red and black fruits with some nice aromatics and a liveliness that belies its price point of $50. Grab all you are offered.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0uyD82D5zo/Ubj8ZQupEJI/AAAAAAAAA1g/vqfKARVkAY8/s1600/myriad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0uyD82D5zo/Ubj8ZQupEJI/AAAAAAAAA1g/vqfKARVkAY8/s320/myriad1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: clear;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2011 Quivet Cabernet Sauvignon Pellet vineyard- A new one for Mike and one he certainly wants to hone in on in the coming years. This has a pretty sweet nose of black raspberries and currants but crosses the palate slightly disjointed and angular. Strangely once food arrived this became much more focused. I would love to see where he goes with this.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2011 Quivet Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick – if you ever would buy a wine on nose alone, this would be it. Densely packed with dark fruits of black plum, currants and black cherries, this has a wonderful sense of balance and place. Full bodied and pure with some weighty tannins and a finish that haunts. Wow! One of my favorites for two years running now and we haven’t even got to 2012 yet. Daddy’s gonna need a new credit card.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2011 Myriad Three Twins- A bit redder in fruit profile, this comes across with a classiness and elegance that could boggle the mind. All Mike’s wines (Quivet/Myriad) have a liviliness that makes you sense the family bond. This one had great depth and focus with a super long fruit filled finish. Very nice indeedy.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2011 Myriad Cabernet sauvignon GIII- other than loving this, my notes were a bit sparse. I must learn to STFU and focus focus focus. It garnered a WOTN vote from Mr. Eisenhauer. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2011 Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon- A new cool label (Client of Mikes) and a very great wine in 2011. Mike must be (and is) very happy with this outcome. A roundness of red and black fruits with purity and elegance. I remember his 2010 last year and this one outshines it leaps and bounds; it has picked up some complexity and focus and stopped being just a Cab. Keep in mind I am liking a 2011 over the 2010 counterpart--- no, replace that with loving. At a price point of about $60, I would recommend this one all day long. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2011 Myriad Cabernet Sauvignon Dr Crane- The Dr. crane bottling is just a half beat behind the Reserve above. It has the cream and lift with a feeling of completeness. Just a great wine all around. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2011 Carter Cabernet Sauvignon Three Kings- I loved this one but again my notes go sparse. I was probably getting signatures for the November ballot…… </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">2010 Pruett Cabernet Sauvignon- A new one for Mike. This is reminiscent of the Scarlett above with a bit more tannic grip. Focused and round with many layers of red and black fruits. When you have 14 amazing wines in a row and go with the swallow method over spit, something’s gotta give and had this been in the 1-8 position it would have grabbed lots more attention, but make no mistake, this is fantastic and it garnered a WOTN from Mr. Ormand. I would purchase this on in a heartbeat and I believe the price is within that $60ish range. I could be wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">All in all I can happily report that this whole line-up ROCKS. Mike has made his passion and attention to detail really work for him (and us!) and for a second year in a row I can easily and unequivocally tell you that he is one of the most exciting winemakers in the valley and unless you live under a rock and have not tasted his wines, I can only ask you why not? I will now clear my inbox for all the thank you emails I will be receiving---but don’t thank me, thank Mike Smith, and whatever you do, don’t ever forget Leah. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">Thank you for sharing with the group!! I had seen McCartney in concert on Monday and you guys on Tuesday; my week is so full of Rockstars!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">P.S. It's always fun seeing Mikes brother Doug and his partner Chris too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;"><b><u>Update:</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">I just had a small sampling of some left-overs from last night. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">RE: The 2011 Myriad Napa- If you bought, you did very well indeed. WOW, this explodes from the glass 24 hours later. I believe these are sold out. Look for them next year.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">RE: The 2011 Quivet Kenefick - This has so much complexity and character. I am buying all offered.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: clear; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">RE: The 2011 Scarlett- This is plushy and round with vibrancy. I love the streak of cardamom, soy and sassafras in the middle. Red fruits control the ride, and what a ride it be. This is a sleeper. A very special bottle of wine indeed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: clear;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px;">Just one more..... WOW </span><img alt="[cheers.gif]" src="http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/images/smilies/cheers.gif" style="border: none; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.1875px; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;" title="cheers" /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-13634325703805940802021-08-17T14:55:00.001-07:002021-08-26T17:25:06.074-07:00CLONYC 31 - The Wines of Mike Smith<br /><div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Little did I ever think CLONYC would go beyond No. 3, but here we are, No. 31. </span><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif">It’s been a pretty amazing ride, all five years of it. I have made many new friends, learned tons about Cabernet and met some pretty amazing people, most notably some of Napa’s (and beyond!) best and brightest stars. </span><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif">When I was offered the opportunity to host Mike Smith and his wines I did not blink a blink, having been a fan of his wines. Just recently I made the self-determination that his Quivet label produces one of the single best Syrahs available for under forty dollars (the Las Madres kisks butt). It even competes with many Syrahs twice its price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Mike has graced our humble group with beautiful wife, Leah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together they make the dynamic team of Mike and Leah Smith, winemakers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figure she’s the brains, while he’s the brawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nicer people you could never hope to meet. I know it sound cliché, but trust me on this, passionate, intelligent, talented, fun-loving and down right just fantastic folk! </span><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif">So it was to be, 12 hungry and thirsty souls met on a chilly late April afternoon to mix it all up; 16 of Mike’s wines, lots of great grub and good humor was the theme.</span><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /><em><strong>Whites</strong></em></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"></span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><u><strong>2011 Ten 70 Green Sauvignon Blanc – MCG Cellars</strong></u>- yep, it’s green. At least when compared to the two that followed. It’s also awesome. Wonderful green melon, ripe citrus and fresh cut grass. Pure and precise, this is one I will proudly serve (If I can find!) on my deck this summer. </span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><strong><u>2011 Myriad Semillon Blanc</u></strong> – Great golden color with a pretty nose of flowers and lemon grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deftly balanced and mouth coating. Hints of honey blossom and citrus. Just fantastic.</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><u><strong>2011 Quivet Sauvignon Blanc</strong></u>- Similar in style to the Myriad showing slightly more fragrant. Another pure and well balanced refreshing wine. </span><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><strong><em>Syrahs</em></strong></span><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><u><strong>2010 Myriad Las Madres Syrah</strong></u>- Blue and black fruits with great mid weight mouth feel. Notes of peppercorns, some dried herbs and earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love the texture on this. Tannins are a bit chewy, this drinks wonderfully right now. Would love to taste this in 2 years. Interesting to taste this alongside the Quivet below.</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><strong><u>2010 Quivet Las Madres Syrah</u></strong> – This has quickly become my single most favorite currently available Syrah anywhere. Mind boggling good for $38! Deft cool climate Syrah with a roundness and texture unlike most others. I get some tapenade, cardamom, crushed stones, flint and roasted meat. More akin to a Northern Rhone than the Myriad. Balance is awesome with complicated but behaved tannins and a perfect acidity that makes this food friendly. Finish remains true. Glad I have a stash, just how to keep my hands off remains the only problem.</span><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><u><strong>2008 Myriad Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon</strong></u>- Black fruit driven, this has wonderful approachability for its age. Boysenberries, blackberries and currant control the ride. This is pure, silky and focused. Hints of cocoa powder and framboise seep in well. Love a long deep black fruit finish. My Cab-joy ride is lifting off!</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><strong><u>2008 Quivet Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon</u></strong>- Usually not one to gravitate toward Spring Mountain wines, this defies my past belief that they are 'not to my style preference'. I love the poise and focus of this black fruit driven wine that has a line of elegance streaking right down the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has fantastic structure. Love how it sort of floats across the palate with deftness and grace, but make no mistake this has power and potential to go long. Love it. Initially my number 2 on the flight, it quickly became my number one.</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><u><strong>2008 Quivet Kenefick Cabernet Sauvignon-</strong></u> On nose alone I was in love. This had a creamy fragrant nose that captured my attention quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Palate showed a more feminine styled wine than the previous two in the same flight. Hints of mocha, cherries, cardamom and violets. This bordered being a lighter weight Cab. As it sat I realized it was changing, maybe even getting redder. That was the sole reason the Spring Mountain moved into my number one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful nonetheless.</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">2009 Cabernets Sauvignons</span></em></strong><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><u><strong>2009 Myriad Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon</strong></u>- I don’t know much, but I do know Dr. Crane Cabernet when I taste it. This was a wow wine for me. Black fruits with crème de cassis is what this is all about, especially once you add a creamy mid-palate. Focused and pure, this is both elegant and muscular. Deftly balanced with hints of black plums, black & red currant and lead pencil shavings. Awesome. Deep and fragrant. I loved the smoothness and roundness. I quickly realized that I could have just found my WOTN!</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><u><strong>2009 12C Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon</strong></u>- reddish black wine that seemed slightly outclassed amongst the Myriads and Quivets. Always one to be honest with our all of our winemaking guests/friends, I have been known to hold nothing back; I questioned Mike on this wine: What gives? He told me another site/parcel will be added in the future to add dimension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would not mind trying that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one was a bit one dimensional with an almost ‘pedestrian’ style (man, I hate that word). One to watch.</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><u><strong>2009 Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon</strong></u>- This is the wine Sherri had in Boca and was excited to have me try. It was a bit reminiscent of the Kenefick above: a redder style Cab (I believe there’s Merlot in this one) with a soft note that runs through it. I got some great purity and seamlessness on this. Notes of cardamom, cherry cola, graphite and cocoa powder. Finely delineated and precise, this was fantastic, but that’s the thing about having 10 fantastic wines on the table, we start rating in levels of fantasticness. Seems easier than it is, trust me.</span><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Did I tell you about that Dr. Crane?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, you heard it already? Never mind, I’ll move on…</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Carter Cabernets Sauvignons</span></em></strong></div>
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><strong><u>2009 Carter To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon</u></strong>- Interesting to see what Mike has done with these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one was a bit more in your face than anything before it. Pure blackberries, cassis, currant, and dark black raspberry. Full figured and built to age, this has big boned, chewy tannins and super length. Balance, strength and flash. One to keep an eye of for.</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><strong><u>2009 Carter Coliseum Block Cabernet Sauvignon</u></strong>- the most distinctive Cab on the night. I found it deftly balanced with maybe a hint of menthol running through it? Something I could not quite put my finger on (late in the night you know!). What I did know is I liked it. No, loved it, a lot. Deep black red cab fruits with some Kirsch Royal, cocoa and graphite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long finish that goes to the redder side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome.</span><br />
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<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><strong><em>Barrel sample flights. </em></strong>(Thanks to Leah for wanting to include these.)</span><br />
<br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><strong><u>2010 Myriad Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon (barrel sample)</u></strong> - Bright black fruits with hints of vanilla, soy and cardamom, this was pure and finely woven. Texturally a Dr. Crane, but youth has kept it from blossoming fully. (Da!)</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><u><strong>2010 Carter 3 Kings Cabernet Sauvignon (barrel sample)–</strong></u> A new one coming at ya! A bit softer with hints of lanolin, graphite and vanilla. As usual, barrel samples are difficult at best to discern but this has great stuffing and potential. I will check it out when available. Could be interesting.</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><strong><u>2010 Quivet Kenefick Cabernet Sauvignon (barrel sample)</u></strong> - So, this being wine number 16, all I can say is…..Really? Please remove me from the oven, I am done.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Next day revisit of two.</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000;">My WOTN, the 2008 Quivet Spring Mountain with 24 hour 'open time'. Amazing balance still rules this one. Nose has an added element of lead pencil shavings, tar and black raspberries. It's taken on a bit of weight. Tannins more resolved and acidity slightly more apparent. I have placed this on my list of things to seek out.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000;">24 hours opened as well. If this 7 ounces of wine in my glass is any indication of where this will be in a few years time, the 2010 Quivet Kenefick is friggin awesome! WOW. This has fleshed out (from what I can remember) and delivers such an abundance of good Cab stuff. Dense, black, deep, fragrant, elegant, wow.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000;">I can smell the empty glass from a foot away and its fragrant, sweet and pure. Holy crap!!! BTW! (buy this wine). I will get all I can.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif">All great wines indeed. Mike is most excited about his 2010s. He thinks they will bring to the table the best of both 2008 and 2009s. I am going to have to believe him on this. </span><br />
<br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif">These are wines that will need your serious consideration going forward. With great QPR andsite destinction I predict only amazing things will happen from here.</span><br />
<br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Great night!</span><br />
<span face="Verdana, sans-serif">A big CLONYC thank you to Mike & Leah!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xPj2acZDqY/T5xuYUotL_I/AAAAAAAAAzE/8B0_uFJeVVQ/s1600/mikesmith2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xPj2acZDqY/T5xuYUotL_I/AAAAAAAAAzE/8B0_uFJeVVQ/s320/mikesmith2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-9894832966309336612016-01-24T15:45:00.000-08:002021-08-30T09:24:43.848-07:00CLONYC 49 - Brian Loring and Rachel Silkowski comes east.<div class="MsoNormal">
I like to watch the puddles gather rain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am the luckiest man alive. Forming CLONYC has been one of
the best wine-related decisions I have made. It has opened doors that might
never have opened for me before. That said, I would be remiss if I thought all
the joy was mine alone; there is a group of about 10-18 friends of mine that
get to reap some of the ‘clonycal’ rewards too. Last night that group, myself
and my beautiful daughter Danielle indulged in the CLONYC wonderful gift of
hosting winemakers. Mr. Brian Loring just ‘popped’ in with a few of his wares,
15 of them, all with backup bottles. I know you all must be sick and tired of
me telling you what a wonderful time was had, so I will save you the suffering.
I do want to mention Brian’s sense of humor, one that strangely aligns with
another 54 year old I am very familiar with, myself--- that Brian dude is
funny, down to earth and quite talented in his vocation. Add that to the
amazing wines, wonderful conversations , great grub and smiling faces and it
was a magical…….oh, I forgot I was not going to do that to you again; my ‘bad’,
and I don’t even use that stupid saying.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On to it…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One bit of housekeeping: I was told to remind you all from
Brian that no dolphins were harmed in the making of ANY of the LWC wines but I
have not tested my mercury as yet today to confirm such.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2009 LWC Brut Rose- WOW, this is amazing. I never pretended
to know much about great bubbly but I know one when I taste one and this is
spectacular. Recent disgorged (Feb) and just overflowing with notes of
toastiness , creaminess with a full body but lithe feel. Amazing stuff that
confused me as it had a beer-like crown cap on it. Find it, love it, you’re
welcomed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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2014 LWC Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay- This is light and airy
with intensity that it should not have. Beautiful citrus notes with an amazing
viscosity I really dig. Just awesome. 100% Chardonnay from the 3D vineyard you
won’t find in 2015.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 LWC Rosella's Vineyard Chardonnay- Wow, a different
direction for sure. More tropical fruit in its approach with wonderful acidity,
this is super fragrant and glossy. Wowsa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OK, if you have had one too many ‘awesomes or wows’ I would
well understand if you closed this thread down and go back to that PC thread. I
got your back….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think I messed up as there was a Durrell Chardonnay that I
should have served next. Hey, I’m an old man, what do you expect, perfection?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pinot Flight number 1<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 LWC Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir- Beautiful structure
with pretty aromatic even if a little butter popcorn is in there. It’s deep and
lovely.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 LWC Keefer Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir- Always a fan of
Ed Kurtzman’s Keefer, this one seems to ring my bells in a big way. Nose of
deeply perfumed frangipani this is deep and long and quite spectacular. Light
on it’s feet and deft in it’s approach with fine tannins and awesome balance.
My favorite of a great flight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 LWC Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir- I know Gary’s Vineyard
has its followers, I wish I were fine-tuned enough in my Pinot-prowess to
discern bottles like this. I found it the ripest of the group and the darkest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 LWC Rosella's' Vineyard Pinot Noir- beautifully
textured with deep dark red fruits. Intense and near-flamboyant and in the same
class at the Gary’s above. Me not worthy to discern more. Maybe when I am 55…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pinot Flight number 2<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 RASI Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills- I have been with
Rachel and her little label since inception, even if that inception was a year
ago with her 2013 version. This one comes of a bit more complete and polished.
Nice blue-black fruits with great bounce and lift while being full and super
balanced. Great wine and one you owe to yourself to at least try.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 LWC Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir- Another one of my
favorites on the night and keeping with my own demons, I have become enamored
with a few vineyards in particular and Clos Pepe is within my top 3. This (to
me) has it all, verve and harmonic while crisscrossing my palate with elegance
and style. Wow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 LWC Kessler-Haak Vineyard Pinot Noir-This one has some
edginess and maybe a bit more tannins a-poppin. Lovely and in sync with its
family and glad to have a peek in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 LWC Rancho La Vina Vineyard Pinot Noir- similar to the
Kessler-Haak but I guess it would be, these all come across as more serious in
approach and maybe could use some bottle time. Try one in February and report
back wow <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last flight of the night<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 LWC Russell Family Vineyard Grenache- Nice and fragrant
wine but let’s face it, I’m done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 LWC Russell Family Vineyard Mourvedre- OK, it may be
late but lateness can’t cover greatness and this is amazing. Lithe and airy
with dark red fruits and a fragrance that is almost haunting. My daughter loved
this one and so did I<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2009 LWC Divergence- Hmmm, I said this was a bit port-like
and dense but it had it’s fans, so there you naysayers, I don’t always love
every bottle that crosses my lips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The simple voting went like this RASI had 6 WOTN. Gary’s had
3. The Mourvedre had 2 and the Keefer had 1----me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the way, accompanying Brian was his lovely assistant,
Miss Rachel Silkowski who is responsible for that little bottle of RASI we
poured tonight. Check out what the Prince Of pinot has to say about her wine
and email her as soon as you can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a great night. The conversation ranged from pizza to
porn. Good stuff!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you, Brian and Rachel!<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-21749982389945580612015-12-16T15:46:00.000-08:002016-01-28T15:56:32.106-08:00CLONYC 48 Cameron Hughes Reserves and a surprise ending!<div class="MsoNormal">
Last evening the old gang met in our usual spot to do our
usual thing. Tonight we gather for the Cameron Hughes Reserves, as if we needed
a reason.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are interesting wines for sure who has had much play
about the mystery surrounding them. Some said Harlan some said maiden but
methinks Kyle Schlachter is correct when he said Alejandro Bulgheroni is the
label belonging to these shinered-wines.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I did not find the dill Wine Spectator did, I did see
some issues with a few.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me get to them….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We started with some of the Lot wines.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2013 Cameron Hughes Cabernet lot 600 Oakville--Great start
indeed. A very pretty nose of reddish black fruits. Palate shows some great
balance and elegance. A solid core of medium black fruits that just sort of
glide nicely across the palate. This one is memorable on the night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2013 Cameron Hughes Cabernet lot 596 Monte Rosso—this one
shows a more flamboyant nose and is brighter all around. Nice glycerin coating,
the tannins seems larger as does the finish. Where it falls a bit (for me) is
the elegance. More brutish and larger structured. Another decent drink.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2013 Cameron Hughes Cabernet lot 598 Meteor —Even more
flamboyant but palate seems clipped and mid-palate nearly missing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2006 Cameron Hughes Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon—I
went looking for dill as mentioned by the WS tasting note, albeit another
vintage, but I was following clues. I found eucalyptus nose and some pretty
textured blue-black fruits. A pretty good balance and a decent finish, this
certainly spent it’s time in its bottle. An early favorite and a unanimous WOTF
for the group. Unanimous! Can’t recall if that has ever happened again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2007 Cameron Hughes Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon—I
wish I can say I found a 2007 I enjoyed because I still have not. The nose is
awesome but man does not enjoy wine by nose alone, this was a mess. Void of any
sort of acidity which in turn makes it unbalanced which it turn makes me dump
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2008 Cameron Hughes Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon—another
abstract mess-- le dump. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 2006 was it for this weak flight. Not sure if it showed
so well but maybe not as bad as? Anywy, we shall see.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2009 Cameron Hughes Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon—this
had a wonderful nose of blackberries and cassis. The overall feel quite nice
but just not up to the 2006 or what is to come, the 2011. Yes, the 2011. Let me
jump the similar noted 2010 and get to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2011 Cameron Hughes Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon—If
ever there was a shiney shiner, this is it. It’s amazing in it’s passive near
aggressive attack of soft red-black fruits with tremendous elegance and
beautiful mouthfeel. Long and true and goes on and on, this could very well be
one of the best 2011s I have ever tasted. I had to recheck the pour order/bottles.
I did all the pouring it is all poured correctly, this rocks. It’s lithe and
fresh with nothing out of place and style-wise certainly a nice wine seeming
more like a Sonoma cab than Napa. If your buds want to buy the six-pack and
want you to take the 2011 ‘dog’ grab it. 7 WOTN votes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The straggler<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2013 Cameron Hughes Cabernet lot 597 Stagecoach – I am glad
this one happened to be last. It came across as all butter popcorn and
disjointed. After the 2011, I was not having any of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am glad to have come across that 2011. So far as who has
made these? , I believe that everything Kyle mentioned in his findings seems in
place and there is no real reason to believe this was not a rich dude with a
un-95 point wine on his hands and most certainly had chosen to go the
Harlanesque ‘wait a few years’ to release scenario. Too bad the ‘few years’ is
a half a dozen. I won’t lose too much sleep, he can afford it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The staff at North Square did an amazing job once again. The
food spot-on and my steak was just wonderful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another great CLONYC night.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-28141209705555535502015-06-01T15:48:00.000-07:002016-01-28T15:57:15.940-08:00CLONYC 47 - Some 2012 Cabernet Sauvignons (Who knew it would turn into a TRB-fest?)<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, you read it correct, CLONYC 47. I started this thing in
April 2006. Hard to believe where we have been. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simple theme: 2012 Napa Cabs. very 'Old School' for CLONYC.
Tweleve guests, tweleve wines, 4 flights of 3. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lets jump into it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Maybach Materium- Dark and ominous. Pretty expressive
nose of black currants and the darkest blackberries you can fine. Bold and deep
and keeps with Materiums style.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Becklyn- I love these type of tastings; this was one I
figured for my top on the evening but as it sat between the Materium and the
Stone The Crows, it just got lost. It’s a bit redder in style and certainly
less exuberant on the nose, but as far as QPRs go, it shines. It is
multi-layerd and quite textured.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Stone The Crows – Very similar to the Maybach in style.
Bold and densely packed with notes of cardamom. Big boned and tightly knit,
this is winner in this vintage and in this flight. My WOTF<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7 votes for WOTF go to 2012 Stone The Crows, 2 to the
Maybach and 2 to the Becklyn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Hobel- Starts a bit alcoholic on the nose. In time this
fleshes out to become a bit more refined and approachable but unfortunately, I
am in no mood to deal with more alcohol so I dumped it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 RM Panek- I always love the multi-dimensional aspects
of these and this one is no different. Deftly balanced and a bit more focused
than anything before it save for the Stone The Crows. Aromatics on this shows a
little vineyard distinction. Always a great one to have on my table. My WOTF<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Schrader RBS- When we are speaking Cabernet we can’t
ignore one of the bigger players in the field. This is super-dark and dense.
Cassis driven with a touch of minerality, I always enjoy these more than I like
to admit. Loving a $200 Cab is easy, maintaining that relationship is hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Schrader got 7 votes WOTF, tha Panek 3 and the Hobel 1.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Outpost Howell- I think I have moved away from mountain
wines and I think I would have enjoyed the True better, but this it is and this
it was. It’s clearly TRB with a more chewy tannic style. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Quivet Pellet- As one of my favorites from last years
Mike Smith dinner, this one seems to get a little lost in this crowd. I think
it has a bit more refinement and gets clobbered in an array such as this. Had I
had a better plan, I would have placed this with the Becklyn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Pride Cabernet Reserve- I am a fan of the new direction
pride has taken. This is a red and black fruit wine with focus and elegance.
Tannins behaved but present and finish long. Love the aromatics on this one. I
wish this was served earlier and maybe with the Becklyn and the Quivet but it
was too cold when it arrived in the dining room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Between the Pride and the Outpost, this was the most diverse
flight. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Pride garnered 7 WOTF votes (me too) and the outpost 5. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Vine Hill Ranch- if there is one wine on the table that
I think I did not give a fair evaluation to, it’s the VHR. It was in position
number 10 in a lineup of near bruisers. My notes tell me it had tremendous dept
and verve amidst its classic black fruit profile. I mention super deft and very
elegant but that’s about it and that is so not me. I would like to give this
another try, but again, at $185+, it may never happen…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My WOTF<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 12C Georges III- I have had this a bunch of times and
it was always quite nice but tonight it comes across and pedestrian and
run-of-the-mill. Dump.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Plumpjack- Arrived even colder than the Pride, this had
the widest style profile in the group; first it was red, then black ; it was
very fragrant with notes of flowers and worn leather. It had the highest
acidity of the group. It showed intense boldness wrapped within some pretty
femininity. It was pretty and handsome all at once.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loved it but loved the VHR more. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Vine Hill Ranch had 8 votes for WOTF while the Plumpjack
had the balance of 4.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In keeping with the ‘don’t think, just answer’ theme, I
asked the group without overthinking it, what wine would they consider their
unofficial-official WOTN.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The VHR had 6 votes, the Stone The Crow 3. The Schrader and
Plumpjack 1 each and Rays vote is unreadable…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a fun night and was my son Michael’s first CLONYC. He
was more quiet than usual. After 47 CLONYCs and a large amount of wine dinners
in general I have forget what is like to go to my first one. He is untarnished
whereas I am tiring. The young will inherit the world, even its wines….<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-40794942375497427282015-01-18T15:23:00.001-08:002016-01-28T15:57:54.964-08:00CLONYC 46, Craig Haserot and Sojourn Cellars<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, you read it correct, CLONYC 47. I started this thing in
April 2006. Hard to believe where we have been. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simple theme: 2012 Napa Cabs. very 'Old School' for CLONYC.
Tweleve guests, tweleve wines, 4 flights of 3. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lets jump into it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Maybach Materium- Dark and ominous. Pretty expressive
nose of black currants and the darkest blackberries you can fine. Bold and deep
and keeps with Materiums style.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Becklyn- I love these type of tastings; this was one I
figured for my top on the evening but as it sat between the Materium and the
Stone The Crows, it just got lost. It’s a bit redder in style and certainly
less exuberant on the nose, but as far as QPRs go, it shines. It is
multi-layerd and quite textured.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 Stone The Crows – Very similar to the Maybach in style.
Bold and densely packed with notes of cardamom. Big boned and tightly knit,
this is winner in this vintage and in this flight. My WOTF<o:p></o:p></div>
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7 votes for WOTF go to 2012 Stone The Crows, 2 to the
Maybach and 2 to the Becklyn.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2012 Hobel- Starts a bit alcoholic on the nose. In time this
fleshes out to become a bit more refined and approachable but unfortunately, I
am in no mood to deal with more alcohol so I dumped it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2012 RM Panek- I always love the multi-dimensional aspects
of these and this one is no different. Deftly balanced and a bit more focused
than anything before it save for the Stone The Crows. Aromatics on this shows a
little vineyard distinction. Always a great one to have on my table. My WOTF<o:p></o:p></div>
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2012 Schrader RBS- When we are speaking Cabernet we can’t
ignore one of the bigger players in the field. This is super-dark and dense.
Cassis driven with a touch of minerality, I always enjoy these more than I like
to admit. Loving a $200 Cab is easy, maintaining that relationship is hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Schrader got 7 votes WOTF, tha Panek 3 and the Hobel 1.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2012 Outpost Howell- I think I have moved away from mountain
wines and I think I would have enjoyed the True better, but this it is and this
it was. It’s clearly TRB with a more chewy tannic style. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2012 Quivet Pellet- As one of my favorites from last years
Mike Smith dinner, this one seems to get a little lost in this crowd. I think
it has a bit more refinement and gets clobbered in an array such as this. Had I
had a better plan, I would have placed this with the Becklyn.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2012 Pride Cabernet Reserve- I am a fan of the new direction
pride has taken. This is a red and black fruit wine with focus and elegance.
Tannins behaved but present and finish long. Love the aromatics on this one. I
wish this was served earlier and maybe with the Becklyn and the Quivet but it
was too cold when it arrived in the dining room.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Between the Pride and the Outpost, this was the most diverse
flight. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Pride garnered 7 WOTF votes (me too) and the outpost 5. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2012 Vine Hill Ranch- if there is one wine on the table that
I think I did not give a fair evaluation to, it’s the VHR. It was in position
number 10 in a lineup of near bruisers. My notes tell me it had tremendous dept
and verve amidst its classic black fruit profile. I mention super deft and very
elegant but that’s about it and that is so not me. I would like to give this
another try, but again, at $185+, it may never happen…<o:p></o:p></div>
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My WOTF<o:p></o:p></div>
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2012 12C Georges III- I have had this a bunch of times and
it was always quite nice but tonight it comes across and pedestrian and
run-of-the-mill. Dump.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2012 Plumpjack- Arrived even colder than the Pride, this had
the widest style profile in the group; first it was red, then black ; it was
very fragrant with notes of flowers and worn leather. It had the highest
acidity of the group. It showed intense boldness wrapped within some pretty
femininity. It was pretty and handsome all at once.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Loved it but loved the VHR more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Vine Hill Ranch had 8 votes for WOTF while the Plumpjack
had the balance of 4.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In keeping with the ‘don’t think, just answer’ theme, I
asked the group without overthinking it, what wine would they consider their
unofficial-official WOTN.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The VHR had 6 votes, the Stone The Crow 3. The Schrader and
Plumpjack 1 each and Rays vote is unreadable…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was a fun night and was my son Michael’s
first CLONYC. He was more quiet than usual. After 47 CLONYCs and a large amount
of wine dinners in general I have forget what is like to go to my first one. He
is untarnished whereas I am tiring. The young will inherit the </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-71423531847731196742015-01-16T05:15:00.000-08:002021-08-30T09:27:32.495-07:00PLONYC 1 (CLONYC 42) Craig Haserot & Sojourn Cellars<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9nPJOCNpY0/U1ewUWgxn7I/AAAAAAAACS4/kc368OnhdFs/s1600/soj1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9nPJOCNpY0/U1ewUWgxn7I/AAAAAAAACS4/kc368OnhdFs/s1600/soj1.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">PLONYC One enters the books in a big way last evening when Craig Haserot of Sojourn Cellars agreed to be our guest. With my new love for Cali Pinot I felt like a big gift had been hoisted onto my lap. I have never met Craig before and can tell you some things I have learned about him in person last night. Firstly, the passion he brings is second to none, but he backs it all up nicely with a knowledge that is incredible. Listening to him speak is somewhat mesmerizing; he knows where the bones are buried on many subjects California wine. He also has a super sharp palate and listening to his descriptions while tasting the wines really paints the picture well about what is in your glass. All of this made for an amazing, insightful and energetic evening, one that the membership has become quite accustomed to when they attend any</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">X</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">LONYC.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Oh yeah, Craig brought wine, lots of it. 5 amazing Pinots, a Chardonnay that astounds and a few Cabs just for the fun of it. It was a great evening. Thanks to all that attended.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2012 Sojourn Chardonnay Sangiocomo Vineyard</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- I love this on nose alone, it showed a nicely pure sweet honey and melon that catches your attention. Mouth feel is deft with just the perfect amount of tastiness and buttery-ness. A nice balance which always displayed a fresh minerality that is pretty nice too. It has to be one of the best Chardonnays I have had in a long time, one that displays the Sun, earth and hand well. Forthy-five dollars worth of Heaven</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><img alt=":)" src="http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="smile" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2012 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- great balance on this one with some notes of strawberries and cherries. The 2010 version of this was my first Sojourn into this label, and this one holds up to that standing. A true crowd pleaser.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2012 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Rodgers Creek, Sonoma Coast</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- For those with an extra $9 to splurge, this may be your best QPR decision of the year. This shot from the glass with tremendous finesse; a darker shade of berries and a bite riper all around. Love the slight bramble in the middle-palate, this showed some richness and distinction that boggles my mind. It took me a bit to wrap my head around this one. I loved the aromatics and wondered aloud if the 15% whole cluster adds to any of it. What we got was a crash course in whole cluster I won’t soon forget. Phenomenal.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2012 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Sangiocomo Vineyard, Sonoma Coast</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- A bit more boisterous with a sense of self, this went even darker with a slightly elevated acidity that it seemed to deserve. Another achievement in aromatics, this one played with the senses a bit more. An underlying damp earth component brought interest and a bright-boldness grabs you. This is the second Sangiocomo Pinot I have sampled to date, and I sense I will need to explore it more going forward.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2012 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Gap's Crown, Sonoma Coast</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- Similar a bit to the Sangiocomo, this had a bit more verve. An interesting viscousness ran through this. This one had some great richness as well. As it sat in the glass it went a bit redder strawberry in style. Another winner with tons of upside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2013 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Sangiocomo Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, Barrel Sample</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- Some similarities to its young sibling, but also a hint of what the Rodgers had too. Some darker fruits included a bit of cassis and blackberry. A bit of expected youthful heat showed through, but such deft and balance so early in its ‘wood’ life, this should be truly incredible come next year when released.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I loved this whole lineup. The family traits were evident but as any family there is and well should be singular characteristics. Any of these could be enjoyed with dinner tonight. A few interesting Pinot Noir conversations broke out, one about alcohol (ABV) and another about age-ability of any or all of these wines. I think I have found one of the reasons I am attracted to these wines, the ability to Pobega them with the UPS guy remains intact.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">My favorite appetizer is the wine friendly Lobster & Crabcake with seaweed & coconut curry sauce.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Some Cabernets.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2011 Sojourn Cabernet Sauvignon Home Ranch Vineyard, Sonoma Valley</span>- Craig’s ‘house’ wine, literally. Grown out back from his home this shows some pretty black berry notes as well as some cola and sassafras. Its big boned and bold with nice balance. Tannins well formed and acidity just right. A nice first step into the Sojourn Cabs.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2011 Sojourn Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, Napa Valley</span>- Possibly the best QPR cab here, this is where Georges fruit goes once it has been given the boot. All the declassified GIII is here and its breed shows. Love the velvety mouth feel and silky tannic structure. Fantastic aromatics with great verve and lift. The PV adds some wonderful dimension and complexity. A must buy.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2010 Sojourn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley</span>- Bold and distinct, the small berry shows through wonderfully always keeping balance and elegance in play. Love this expression of cab today. Some interesting exotic tea leaf notes, violets and some earth is in here too. Black currants, black raspberries and crème de cassis complete a well-formed package. A truly wonderful, aromatic wine with years of life ahead. Find some, buy some, this is Spring mountain at her best.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2009 Sojourn Proprietary Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (cellar wine)- </span>Wow, this is amazing! Plush, deep, bold and elegant. Black cassis with hints of spring flowers and cocoa powder. Mouth feel is sexy with a lingering note of cardamom and a wee bit graphite. Holy smokes, this is great.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2010 Sojourn Proprietary Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley</span>- A bit more subdued and less dimensional than the 2009, this should blossom in a few/three years and if it is anything like the 2009, you will smile, big.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2012 Sojourn Cabernet Sauvignon Home Ranch Vineyard, Sonoma Valley barrel sample</span>-Young and fresh, this is all primary. If coaxed you may glimmer a sense of its future, and if its family here on that table has any say, this will be another great Cab expression from Sojourn for a silly price and who can look that horse in the mouth……<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />This lineup was a spectacular look into Sojourn Cellars. Come for the Pinots, stay for the Cabs and be amazed by it all. I am glad I found Sojourn this year. Better late than never I say.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Craig was gracious enough to offer us one of two classic Sauternes to enjoy with dessert: A classic and beautiful (so I was told <img alt="[wink.gif]" src="http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wink" /> )1976 Chateau Climens 1st Cru Sauternes-Barsac that was received gratefully from us all! Thanks for all the awesome wines, Criag!--- both from this millennial and last.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Timely? Sure is, the offer came out like twenty minutes ago!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-46196859695995459792014-10-09T05:15:00.000-07:002021-08-30T09:26:26.966-07:00CLONYC 45 Fairchild Wines with Larry FairchildLast night the CLONYC gang hosted Larry Fairchild and an amazing selection from both his current offerings and personal library. It was CLONYC 45 and we did it big-- my fellow CLONYCers have come to expect nothing less. I have been looking forward to this for some time now.<br />
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3 flights, 10 wines, lots to say, so let’s get at it…<br />
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Flight 1<br />
<u>2010 Fairchild Sigaro</u>- pretty nose of wonderful black fruits. Palate shows a very refined and focused wine with dark currants, blackberries and coffee bean. A light note of cedar brings dimension, Balance is impeccable. As it sits the nose actually gets darker and the wine becomes plusher with a super interesting note of tobacco leaf. I also find a hint of minerality/earthiness in there as well. What an amazing start. My WOTF<br />
<u>2011 Fairchild Sigaro</u>- A bit redder in nose and palate. A nice red cassis driven wine with some sassafras. I get an almost medicinal note on this. Balance is tremendous and finish long. A great effort in a trying year, even above the fog line.<br />
<u>2011 Fairchild GIII</u>- Bolder and darker with some added depth. More blackberries and dark fruited and a similar mout-feel to the Sigaro. Balance near perfect. I think this to be a bit more four-square in style than the Sigaro just as Chris Maybach’s Amoenus is to the Materium. Very nice wine indeed.
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Flight 2<br />
<u>2006 Fairchild Sigaro</u>- This opens in the what has become obvious on the night, a Sigaro style: a very fragrant nose of super black fruits. Palate shows some of the coffee-bean and tobacco albeit much quieter and resolved into the soul of this wine. Style-wise, it leans a bit more to the restrained. As usual, balance deft and finish long and true. A pretty good way to start this flight.<br />
<u>2007 Fairchild GIII</u>- So, after just discussing how myself and this group has not found much love in 2007 Napa Cabs, this comes along to stick its multi-layered shoe into my over-opinionated mouth, sideways. Pretty nose of spring flowers and cola with some worn leather and lead pencil shavings. (Something we start seeing more of across the board). This is stupendous with layer upon layer of resolved goodness with no rough edges to be seen, anywhere. It’s delicate in its approach and flinty in its memory. May be one of the top 4-5 2007s I have ever had, and that is saying much. Wow. My WOTF<br />
<u>2008 Fairchild Sigaro</u>- Whenever I get to sample anyone’s 2008, I always get this rambunctious rascally wine with a tremendous will to just wreak a fun loving havoc on your senses; this wine could be leader of the pack. It’s dark and brash with a playful wistfulness. Its deep, it’s dark it’s multi-layered and it has some cola, some un-cola, some forest floor, some rubbed leather, some tar and lead pencil and some lightning and thunder. Its everything to everyone and yet something you just quite can apprehend, like a bank robber, it wears a mask. Wowsa, wines from 2008 are constantly evolving in a cyclical maelstrom of vortexed conundrums.<br />
<u>2009 Fairchild GII</u>I- dark fruited with a nice lilty creaminess running right through it. The usual fine grained tannins layered within a very balanced structured boneset. The nose shows a wonderful violet note. The finish it true and long. We had an interesting conversation about GIIIs distinctiveness or lack thereof. What the hell do you mean, Mike? I mean GIIIs can be good, but ‘we’ in this modest group after sampling a nice selection just can’t find any common thread like you would in say a Tokalon or a Dr Crane. Larry agreed and added the vineyard is a bit tricky and just makes great wine. I can’t argue with that because they are….great. This actually reminds me a bit of a well made ToKalon of the now-gone Karl Lawrence.<br />
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Flight 3<br />
<u>2012 Fairchild GIII (unreleased)</u>- This one shows tremendously with a more side-ways explosion of the fruits to the Sigaros fully rounded. I also get the redder styled fruit profile. It’s finely woven and densely packed. Hints of cola and cardamom with fresh leather and a slight note of vanilla. A great wine that will astound for many many years.<br />
<u>2012 Fairchild Sigaro (unreleased)</u>- Here is where the rubber leaves the road. This wine is all you could ever expect from Sigaro in a wonderful vintage; skills have been honed and lessons learned all for this very moment where the perfect expression of Sigaro is released upon the world (Next year, lol). I had this as my first taste right after opening; it showed an intensity and structure you would expect from the perfect storm I mentioned above; it’s super deep with a crazy amount of layers and each layer almost seems to hold another variation on the same theme: awesome fruit, lovingly nurtured and delivered to perfection. Larry should put bubble wrap around the cases that hold these bottles, it’s that good. Black cassis driven fruits profile with hints of cola, graphite, leather, cedar-box and exotic tea leaf. Tannins are what you would expect them to be, somewhat large but nowhere can I sense a rough edge. It’s a finely woven wine which has texture and states it presence like a King. As the second to last wine on the night it has become more boisterous or ‘slutty’ if you will, but remains my WOTF and my WOTF. 7 others agreed with me. A wine worthy of the splurge, if you so must.
<u>2011 Stones One</u>- the latest creation of Fairchild, this is adorned with hand made and applied labels that are striking in themselves. This comes from the Las Piedras vineyard. What was once a Syrah laden tract is now reclaimed for Cabernet Sauvignon. I love the concept of this wine. Nose of red/black fruits with tremendous depth and structure. Late in the night but I can still discern it’s greatness. It certainly reminded me of the earlier sampled 2011s with a twist on the fruit profile, with an additional dose of verve and elegance. This shows purity and an interesting sense of place. One to watch.<br />
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It was interesting to see the change from the Paul Hobbs made wines to the Philippe Melka. Having tracked Melka wines for many years now, I can say that I believe he has found his place and firmly so with wines like Fairchild; give a talented winemaker some incredible fruit and allow him to do his thing. Everyone seems to win here, especially us.<br />
Thanks to Larry for the opportunity to sample such an amazing lineup of wines. He has both knowledge and passion; he speaks of his life-work almost as a life-pleasure and his magnetic personality just makes you want to shut up and listen. The shutting up part has gotten a bit hard for me to do lately.<br />
Awesome night.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-45700157104218761802014-06-27T06:43:00.001-07:002014-06-27T06:43:51.014-07:00CLONYC 44 Super Hero Night with Quivet, Myriad, Carter, 12C, Scarlett, Becklyn and the Smiths!<p dir="ltr">It was Super Hero Night in NYC last night. No, we did not order sandwiches (subs, wedges, hoagies or grinders) and bark at the moon. We did something so much more meaningful and fun! Our little tasting group got to eat drink and laugh with some pretty awesome people you may have heard of, Mike & Leah Smith. BTW, Mike brought wine.<br>
It was Cabernet night in NYC! 2012 Cabernets to be more accurate. This vintage is the real deal, not like other purportedly ‘real deals’ in the last 6 years. All of Mike’s wines are made to an exacting standards. He is sometimes scientist and sometimes botanist and full time perfectionist. Hearing him discuss his babies is like hearing a doting mother discuss her seven year old who just aced the big test. The passion oozes from this man.<br>
Anyway, before I sound like Super Fanboy, let me digress some and chat wine with you. These wines listed below are all serious contenders for your Cabernet dollar. As mentioned elsewhere, there is something for everyone here, so let me get on with it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 Quivet Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch - This has been an all time favorite of mine year to year and this one does not disappoint. I would like to think I could spot it by aromatics alone if placed blind among the whole Quivet lineup. Nose of sweet red cassis with a touch of cardamom. Such an elegant and refined wine that I hear rumors women tend to flock to. I guess that is where I want to flock too (I have noticed that about myself since 9th grade). Wow.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 Becklyn Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - A new project for Mike in a price-point many scream for. Soft and silky mouthfeel with an almost un-noticeable hint of menthol that brings much interest. Tannins are of the round variety. I love the notes of Kirsch Royal that run down this. A reddish black cab that when sits become (cringe cringe) slutty, but in a good way. ($55) I will be looking for some myself. (see note 1 about the flocking). Think a more boisterous Myriad Napa. Go to find out I already signed up for the mailing list some time ago. I must be clairvoyant. <img src="http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/images/smilies/basic-smile.gif"> </p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 12c Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard - Certainly a serious wine that is closed compared to the other two in the flight but coaxing brings out a bold and dense stryle Cab that everyone loves (at least everyone I know). Ripe black currants and black berries, this is large boned and made for distance. (I said eighteen months and was booed from the table). I kid, this will be stunning in about 3-5 years. It’s price is in-line at $75 and I actually think it’s a QPR.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Kenefick garnered 7 WOTF votes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard - If you are a fan of Myriad G3 you will be giddy about this iteration. I love the interest of the cocoa powder nose on this. Bold black fruited with a touch of Framboise. The mid-palate on this one is stupendous. It has many layers to its depth. Tannins are intricate and finish true and long. Another Wow wine for sure.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 Quivet Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Pellet Vineyard - If you have had the inaugural bottling form 2011 you should have known that greatness was in its path. I certainly did. I just didn’t know it would arrive in its second vintage. This is focused and precise. An elegant wine with so much going on you really need to spend some time with it. 12 minutes in a glass does not do it justice. Again, it’s all about the mid-palate and this one has some to share. Am going to tell you this right now: If you are trying to limit your Cabernet purchases, this is not the place to do it. Buy long and thank the Mikes later. WOW</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 McGah Family Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Scarlett - Another I have watched for some years. This is a super-consistent enjoyable Cabernet that just brings a smile to your face with every sip. At least as good as Mike’s 2011 version of this which itself was one of the best wines he made in that vintage. (don’t check that on Google, or at least give it an hour for a bot to pick it up from here). A redder fruits profile with some great dark cherries and a tiny note of sassafras. Soft and gentle and long. Just Do It. (credit given to Nike)<br></p>
<p dir="ltr">The Pellet got 6 votes for WOTF and the GIII received 5.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Twins Vineyard - Mikes wines are also all about the aromatics and this one remains consistent to it’s stable mates and all other Three Twins before her. Some nice black/red fruits on this with a note of graphite and black plums. Another winner in a circle of winners. This is proving to be a difficult tasting with so much win. First World problem I will not be seeking a fix for.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Grand Daddy Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard - This is the wine that amazed everyone at the table. It has some amazing purity and heft while being deftly balanced and poignant. Black wall of cassis driven fruit profile with some worn leather& a hint of vanilla. An amazing conveyor belt of ‘the things we seek’ in our Cab. It’s price is a bit out there but the proof of what is in the bottle is locked under cork. If you are fortunate enough to have access to this, you will be rewarded in spades. You’re welcome.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 12c Cabernet Sauvignon G3 Reserve Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard - This was my least favorite of the flight. It had a great black fruit profile with hints of Kirsch and black cherry. Well balanced and worthy of a deep sleep. Not to deep. Just enough. 5 years? Yes, 5 years.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Grand Daddy kicked ass with 9 of 11 first place votes. Kicked ass!</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard - Opened with what I sensed was a dash of heat in the nose but it disappeared super quickly. Then, a precise Dr Crane fragrance on this; on the palate this was pure and black/red fruited with a creamy mid-palate that I have come to expect from DC. This wine is all about balance and focus. Deep and dark with hints of crème de cassis, exotic tea and more. I can understand why it garners the attention it so deservedly gets. Awesome.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 Quivet Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard - To be honest I have never been bitten by the Las Piedras bug and let’s face it, It’s not like I don’t have my share of bugs to enjoy.<br>
A sweetness on the nose with some good bounce on the palate and at wine number 11, it better have bounce. Another superbly made wine and a great addition to the full line-up. There truly is something for everyone here today.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Dr Crane had 6 first place votes and the Las Piedras 5. Pretty close indeed.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The next two wine are bruisers with such a tremendous life ahead, it’s almost not fair to include them in this tasting. Both were wonderfully structured and packed to the gills with purity, expansiveness and structure. I think them the closest to one another of any in the whole nights line-up and coming in at 12 & 13 certainly make more precise notes a bit more difficult. This is our second time with the Elysian and the one year has really made this more focused and exact. I would easily say these are the wines not to drink while you are waiting for almost all of the ones above save for the 12C GIII in the first flight. The Carter put me in mind of a Colgin Cabernet. What a great wine indeed.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2012 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The O.G. Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard - <br>
2012 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard 'Elysian'</p>
<p dir="ltr">The food and service was spot on. My steak perfectly prepared and the hot mustard sauce as tangy as ever. What a great night. One I am sure we at CLONYC will discuss for many years to come. Thank you to Mike & Leah for the generosity of drinking such great wines.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-14054976774507771962014-05-09T05:01:00.000-07:002014-05-09T05:07:39.638-07:00CLONYC 43 - Berto and friends.Last evening the group said 'hi' to fellow wine-board member Humberto Dorta. When Humberto reached out to me and asked to set something up, I jumped at the opportunity. I have always been a fan of his notes on Wine Berserkers and previously, the Robert Parkers forum. He is one of those note-writers I seem to connect with. It was la great chance to meet and open some awesome wines, and there was our theme: Awesome Cabs.<br />
The group did not disappoint. Humberto comes with a full bag too!<br />
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Thanks to everyone for bringing great wines and being part of the fun!<br />
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2006 Marcassin Chardonnay Three Sisters Vineyard – I will defer to those more trusted than myself to fill in the many blanks I am sure to leave on this one. I can tell you it is beautiful. Nose shows some sweet melon and peaches. Mouthfeel is fantastic and balanced spot on. There was nothing poking out whatsoever. Golden hued and precise with some great ‘light-weighted’ toasty notes, this was fully resolved and in a perfect pleasing spot. It just glided across my palate and I loved it.<br />
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1993 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor Grown Pritchard Hill- beautiful nose of sweet black/red fruits. Love the aromatics. I feared this would be too ‘evolved’ for my delicate palate. I was wrong. While it does show a decent amount of secondaries, this is nowhere devoid of fruit, as a matter of fact, it displays it all so prominently. Balance is spot on and length as you would expect. Watching this evolve in the glass for 10 minutes was a treat. This showed grace and presence. My WOTF. 93<br />
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2001 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve- Beringer PR is all about consistency. Some pretty fruits of cassis and red cherries, I love the fullness this brings which to me beckoned the question: Is there merlot in here? I still don’t know, but I sure might bet something there is. Fully integrated tannins, this has a interesting cool streak running through it. It may be a bit outclassed in the flight, but its great nonetheless. 92<br />
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2003 Abreu Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch- I always appreciate to taste 2003 Cabernets. Now that they have a decade plus, many have really come into something special. This has some pure red fruits with an almost clipped mid-palate that I would normally attribute to vintage, but there is no mistaking this is a very good wine. Fully resolved and holding on with some sandalwood and Kirsch Royal. 90<br />
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The Bryant garnered 7 first place votes making it WOTF. The Abreu got 3. The last singular vote for the Beringer. I had the Beringer my number 2.<br />
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2004 McCauley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard- Count on Steve to bring a dark horse, but a tasty one for sure. Nose screams To-Kalon in a huge way. Palate shows some great structure with a black fruited, creamy midpalate that I really love. Notes of leather and soy, balance is nice and tannins still youthful. 93<br />
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2005 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard – the nose on this was crazy fragrant, it just shot from the glass. Palate showed some deftness and lots of class. Nicely structured, this had a pure stream of black fruit medley. Love the dark currants and black raspberries. A hint of warm vanilla and some sassafras brought interest. Full and profound, I loved it. Food certainly helped this along nicely. 95<br />
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2006 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvée Katrina Eileen- This is not your father’s Cabernet, nor is it your mother’s. This is Cabernet squared. It’s bold and copious red/black fruits attack your senses and if you are ready, or heaven forbid, a fan of only ‘classic cabs’, you may just collapse in place. Purple core of darkness, this was soft vanilla shake and cocoa. Tannins are huge but behaved and acid fully surrounded by softness. Food is not this wines friend. I enjoyed it out of the gate but felt it wore itself down and became a bit ‘candied’ as the other two wines worked upward to awesomeness. Still and interesting wine and Buccella remains a treat for me whenever I can get some. 91<br />
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The Araujo got 7 first place votes on the flight, the Buccella 2 and McCauley 2 as well. Interesting statistic point here is the McCauley getting 7 second place votes. My WOTF was the Araujo.<br />
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2005 Fairchild Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Sigaro- A late entry by Humberto. A very pretty cab indeed. A bit bold and well structured (pretty typical of 2005s) I love the verve on this. Some spring flowers popped right out at me. Black and pure with a tiny note of cola and cardamom. Long finish completed this well. I think I have only had the pleasure of one other bottle of Fairchild and it was the IIIG. I seem to recall needing to investigate this label more at that time, and I renew that goal. 93<br />
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2007 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon- Scarecrow Scarecrow Scarecrow Scarecrow Scarecrow Scarecrow Scarecrow Scarecrow Scarecrow. It’s Scarecrow. So? I still don’t get it and doubly so I still maintain I don’t get 2007s in general. A pretty nose of red and black cherries and currant, this seemed to lack some mid-palate and fell short in the acid department. For giggles I went reading the cellartracker notes on this one. I may be putting all my wine up for sale and going back to collecting stamps; I never did get that C3a Inverted Jenny I had my eye on. 87<br />
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2008 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select- Everything the Scarecrow is not, the Hillside Select is. I love this wine. I would like to believe (probably wrongly so) that I can spot this wine on nose alone. Fragrant with dark berry fruits and a sweet creamy note, just spectacular. Balanced and structured with layers of depth this just pleases all around. I maintain that if I ‘hit’ lotto, I will make this my house wine. Notes of violets, worn leather and tea with tannins intertwining it all nicely like a bow on a birthday gift. Long and true and pure and deft, the creamy middle and the notes of cola just add to it all. Wowsa, I have landed my WOTF and WOTN. 96<br />
<br />
6 votes for the Fairchild WOTF, 4 for the Shafer. The lone 1 vote pulling up the rear for the Scarecrow.<br />
<br />
I have been firing all my cylinders until this point. One of my 8 are down. Steve’s Congruence was the saving wine in this flight.<br />
<br />
2010 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon- after a 24 hour double decant as recommended by Graeme, this just did not come up to the level of the company on the table. It was a good cab for sure, but we all find good cabs for a fraction of the cost of this. 89<br />
<br />
2010 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection – I expected more from this and I am sure this suffers tonight from its much too early opening. A bit candied with a note of heat down the middle, I got red fruits and some awkwardness. A 24 hour slow-ox would have done wonders. Tonight I was 90 on this and I am being kind.<br />
<br />
2010 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Reserve- Pure and black, this showed some of its depth through the wall of structure and tannins. I have had this a few times and find it consistent with all other notes I have written. What it suffers from tonight is many of the others previously commented on wines aromatics and stage presence. Still youthful. Drink the regular Congruence in 2010 and revisit this in 3-4 years. That’s my plan. 92.5<br />
<br />
5 votes for the Congruence WOTF. 4 for the Caymus and 1 for the MacDonald. Regardless, Humberto is always welcomed back. We had one who did note vote at all.<br />
<br />
I will mention for a point of reference we did have a corked 2010 Phelps Insignia in the 3rd flight.<br />
<br />
The ‘unscientific’ WOTN vote went like this: Shafer:5, Fairchild:4, Bryant:2, Araujo:1<br />
<br />
A great time and many a great wines. Thanks tUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-4446491227579366692014-04-23T05:08:00.002-07:002014-04-23T05:11:37.370-07:00CLONYC 41- A Smattering of Georges IIIs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Sometimes the thing you don’t learn will be your lesson; last night that un-lesson seemed clear to us all sitting around a dinner table sampling 11 Cabernet Sauvignons from one specific site, the Beckstoffer owned Georges III. I will go on a limb and say that this group is pretty savvy when it comes to its Cabernets; to date we have successfully done Dr Crane and To-Kalon focused tastings but this one left us a wee bit nonplussed in its inability to show any consistency across the spectrum of a vineyard site. Please don’t get me wrong, these are all very well made wines, some superb, but oneness? Nope.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">When I don’t actually fall asleep on the express bus home I can sit and ponder what just happened. Last night I came to that conclusion stated above and although Andy Beckstoffer may send a hit team out for me (I will be weary of anyone aproaching me sporting a farmers hat), many others would care less about my opinion. Good wine is good wine, right? Truth be told, Andy would chuckle and hit the little X in the top right corner too. Let’s face it, we are not speaking a 9 acre site, more like 300, a mini ‘To-kalon’ if you will.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We were 11. I asked to have great coverage and used the Beckstoffer Vineyard web-link to guide us. We had some fantastic results, one being the 2008 Fairchild GIII; it was pure poetry in a bottle. The Staglin was a half-beat behind and may have suffered to my barbaric inability to fully appreciate ‘older’ wines---that is my story and I will deal with myself at a later date. The Schrader opened good+ and went to great++ within 10 minutes. By the end of the night it was more perfumed and opulent. Wow. Some group favorites showed nicely. Overall, all the wines showed well, some just slightly less-so.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here we go:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">1st flight</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2008 Fairchild Cabernet Sauvignon George III</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- This opened with pretty floral notes and some black and blue fruits. It had it all: elegance, structure, approach and length. Loved the slight note of cola. Balance was spot on. Tannins intricate but restrained and acidity perfect. I have never had this before and it could be my discovery of the new year, granted it’s only January. 94</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2008 Myriad Cabernet Sauvignon Georges III</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- Buttery popcorn on the nose. Palate showed a more exuberant style of wine when compared to the Fairchild. The oak nose retracted a bit and the black fruits came forward as coaxed. This is a fatter styled wine with more verve and flash (More Mike Smith I’d say), more akin to its vintage I believe---at least the fatness. I got nice notes of cocoa powder and cardamom. Some bottle age will bring this into focus. I actually enjoyed the style a bit more than others but this is always the case when comparing wines. 90</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2009 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon Georges III</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- I love when I get to sample these Schrader’s. I am on the list, but seem to be always quietly bashing them in my mind. Maybe the price has pissed me off and I forever search for something to call better. These are the real friggin deal. This is tightly knit and intricately weaved and shows tremendous breed and structure, yes this is a super-structure. Big black currants with blackberry laced cocoa. As it sits in the glass it become more fragrant. The tannins are large and well behaved and acidity right on it mark. At the end of the night I sampled this again and it was just singing from the glass. Densely packed and somewhat flamboyant, but never in your face. That is its key. 93</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The group voted 6 for the Fairchild, 4 for the Schrader and 1 for the Myriad. I went 1,3,2.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">A very nice flight.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">2nd flight</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2009 Keating Cabernet Sauvignon Georges III</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- This opened on the feminine side with some spring flowers, black cherry. Hints of bunt caramel, cassis and red-cherries made this show very admirable, but when food arrived this began to go more expressive, creamy and mouth filling. Nicely balanced with a decent finish. Price-wise, this is in the lower end of the cost spectrum, but I would never refuse this on its own. A very good showing. 90</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2009 Lewis Weiser House of Cards Cabernet Sauvignon GIII</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- A buddy named Jeff Lewis has this made for him with a friend or two. When I had it about a year back I enjoyed it much and felt it should be in this group. It has some pretty sweet red fruits on the nose. Palate shows a lighter styled wine than those surrounding it. There was an interesting lilty/flinty? Note on this that I could not place. Lynn said ‘ditto-paper’ and I seen what she seen, but maybe I didn’t. I know this needs air-time; this was opened at 4pm and recorked. So 3 hours may not have been enough. I seemed to enjoy it more than some. Jeff was to be part of the dinner but had to cancel. It would have been interesting to get his take but maybe it best to stay away from the zoo-animals when they feed. 90</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2010 Sojourn Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- I was very curious to taste this one. It had a similar style to the Myriad with notes of a creamy/buttery popcorn coming at first. I loved the red-black fruits. Notes of cola, reme de cassis and sassafras. Gret verve and approach,, the tannins more feminine and acidity a bit elevated which added real interest. Food served it well. This was my wine of the flight, easily. 92</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The voting was 10 for the Sojourn and one for the Lewis Weiser</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">3rd flight</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2001 James Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Georges III</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- another I have not heard of. This showed its age well. Pure red fruits with notes of sassafras, cherry cola, tobacco and lead pencil shavings. Well balanced and long red fruit finish, this shows some nice interest but seemed a bit outclassed tonight. 90</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2002 Staglin Family Cabernet Sauvignon 20th Anniversary Selection</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- Interestingly enough, Staglin was on the Beckstoffer website list. I was not refusing an opportunity even if it was sans GIII on the label. This was more like a GIIII anyway.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><img alt=":)" src="http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="smile" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">A beautiful wine with multiple layers of goodness, this was sampled twice on the night since it is from a magnum. Deep red/black fruits with hints of anise, worn leather and cardamom. A mid-weight wine that is lilty in balance and fierce in its attack. I got some quiet notes of cocoa powder set deep within. Tannins are well resolved and this is in no danger of a cliff anytime soon. I mentioned that this wine epitomizes why we all feel in love with Cabernet sauvignon for. It’s 1500mls of pure joy, but then again, it’s Staglin. All else being equal, this would have been my WOTN, but when are things ever equal? 94</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Unanimously voted by the group for the Staglin for WOTFlight</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">4th flight</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2009 Fontanella Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">-Another I have not heard of. Pretty nose with slight hint of popcorn coming through. When coaxed, I got some nicely ripened reddish fruits of cherries and dark raspberry. Notes of soy and violets too. A well made wine more on the style of the Myriad. Lively and nicely balanced with some complicated tannins and a sense of ‘down the middle’ verve. Like it a lot, but last of the night sure suffers in placement. Had this been in the first or second flight it might have done better overall. 92</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2010 Fontanella Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- Slightly more polished and focused than the 2009 with some sweeter & blacker fruits. I love the density this brought to the table. I did get a slight popcorn note on the nose at first, but it never showed on the palate. A beautiful wine 91</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2010 12c Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- I have always been a fan of this one. I like this one much more than the 2009 I sampled back in April 2012 at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="posthilit" style="background-color: #f3bfcc; color: #bc2a4d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 0px;">CLONYC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">31. Densely packed red fruits with some pretty creaminess that makes me think Dr Crane more than GIII. Interesting cocoa powder, cardamom and new leather. Elegant and deft balance with some great aromatics of red raspberries and violets. Long finish and we have another great bottle in out company. 92</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The 12C had 8 votes of WOTFlight, the 2010 Fontenella 2 and the the 2009 Fontenella 1, yes me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Overall on the night the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Fairchild</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">garnered 16 points (in the 3-1 point scheme: 3 for new WOTN votes and 1 for runner up) (My WOTN) the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Staglin</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">got 13, the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Schrader</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">11 (My number 2 on the night), the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> Myriad </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">3 and the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sojourn</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1. (44 total 11 guests x 4 points per guest). Man, I hate math.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Another great night of wonderful wines and lively company. Always thought provoking and fun, I think we may actually have too much of that 'fun' at these things. Anyway, that’s my story and I am sticking to it---at least until my next story comes along, one called PLONYC #1 (Pinot Lovers of New York City, the wines of Sojourn later this month)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-15530562552388602162013-11-07T09:05:00.000-08:002013-11-07T14:32:55.447-08:00CLONYC 40 The Wines of Congruence Last night’s CLONYC brings the grand total of post millennial phenomenon called clonycmania to 40. I am thankful to have been part of this group. Last night I half-heartedly mentioned that I could not believe we are at 40 as I have never done anything beyond the daily mundane dalliances--- forty times, or more! <br />
Forty went down in the books with a focused tasting on long time member Steve Eisenhauer and his Congruence wines. On this night nine happy souls converged to sample Steve’s wares. A big thanks to Steve for bringing these wines for us all to sample. Steve is a very driven and passionate guy who makes wines he wants to drink. Steve also have a well-focused and intelligent palate. That combo works. <br />
We started the night off with a 2010 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie which I did not note on. Thanks to Lance for bringing it along. <br />
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<strong>2012 Congruence Sauvignon Blanc Las Cerezas Vineyard</strong> - The nose takes some coaxing. This is a well balances SB that shows a certain steeliness running through it; A very restrainted style of wine that hid some green melons and lemon grass, I wish it had just a hint more fruit up front. All neutral oak used and it shows well on the finish. A great effort none the less and one that would work well with some light appetizers. 90 <br />
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<strong>2011 Congruence Pinot Noir Sebastiano Vineyard</strong> –A soft styled Pinot with some pretty florals up front. As it sits in the glass I get some cherries, strawberries, frangipani and an awesome silkiness. Balance in spot on and finish long and true. With Steve being a Red Burgundy drinker I can see how this works well in his stable of wines. Time in the glass shows a more red-fruit and generous style. An interesting well made wine for sure. 91 <br />
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<strong>2009 Congruence Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley</strong> – I hope not to lose Steve’s friendship over this one. :) It comes right out of the gate somewhat grapey, one dimensional and unbalanced. It did not seem anything at all like the bottle I had 20 months ago. Not sure what to make of this one. Maybe in an awkward stage? <br />
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<strong>2011 Congruence Zinfandel Grist Vineyard</strong>- This one has some great depth and verve with the emphasis on the red/black fruits. Good balance with an nice edgy tannic structure and a wee-bit of spice deep within. Well rounded and well crafted, this shows it’s breed well. I don’t pretend to claim Zin as a favorite of mine but I do see the interest this one holds, and Zin's not just for pizza anymore. 91 <br />
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<strong>2007 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- I have always liked this one and tonight’s showing is no different. I like the red fruit style with the hint of cardamom and soft mid-core. It has never been a bruiser and always remained more elegant in approach. Tonight it shows redder fruits with cherries and red plums taking a lead. Some notes of worn leather and graphite can be coaxed out of it. Balance is nice on this as well. While not a door smasher, this is a light 'knocker'. 91 <br />
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<strong>2008 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- This wine has journeyed across the spectrum since I first tasted the barrel samples years back. It has a bright nose of black fruits with black currant and blackberries in control. It is a bit randy in it’s approach, and always have been on the playful boisterous side of the Cabisphere; tonight the nose is the big bright black fruits and the palate shows a hi-toned acidity that elevates it a notch above anything else on the table. Hints of sassafras and cola revolve within the whirlwind and fury. Food settles her a bit. Finish is clean and consistent. An interesting wine that always delivers. 92 <br />
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<strong>2009 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- My favorite of the trio. Deep dark and elegant with a pretty and fragrant nose that shows some cassis, cola and blackberries. Hints of rubbed leather and a touch of lead pencil bring great interest and appeal. Wonderful creamy texture with nice balance; tannins remain bold and finish goes long with dark fruits. The better behaved child when compared to a slight slacker and a trouble maker. 93 <br />
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My WOTF was the 2009. there was one other vote for the 2009. 7 for the 2008. <br />
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6 liked the 2009 in the second position as well as two more for the 2008. The 2007 had 1 second place vote. <br />
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<strong>2010 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- probably one of the best wines Steve has produced and I can see him cringe as I say so; it’s not because he doesn’t agree mind you, it’s just he has a reserve bottling this year that will and should put this in the back-seat in about 6-8 years. Who knows where this will be then, but where it is now is bold and densely structured with tons of things coming at you, the cornucopia (if you will) of Cab. Fat and abundant, this is spot on in its balance and heft; not too much and certainly well above ‘too little’, this pleases all the senses and even has a go at that elusive Umami thing. It’s a wine that makes me smile and when you realize its price-point of 50ish dollars, you will agree. I have always wanted Steve to produce and entry level Cab (that’s wasn’t a ZIN!) and he has over-delivered. Don’t be shy, call him and get this one for the weekend. I will be fielding the thank you emails starting Monday morning…. 94 <br />
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<strong>2010 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve</strong>- 100% CS. More reserved and in check that it’s younger sibling above, this seems to have it all packed away. It also seems a bit more controlled and collected in a way that will make those who yearn for those ‘Cab of Old’. This has quieted down since I last sampled it. Today it’s black currant driven with a reticent tannin base and acidity that glues it all tight. Floral hints and cola reside in here too. I would love to see where this goes in those half dozen years I mentioned above. 93 <br />
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The 2010 Napa had 5 first place votes. Nicely split as Steve knew it would be. <br />
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<strong>2011 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- Nose of quiet black fruits with a touch of bell pepper and dried herb. I may lose a friend here: I find this one slightly less appealing style wise than it’s 2010 stable-mate, the 2010 Napa Cab. Palate shows some good black fruits and structure is well defined and nicely balanced and it certainly seems a well made wine, but the greenness thing makes me sit up and take note. It would be interesting to see if this fleshes out as it’s released and I certainly will look forward to the invite to the release party, if Steve does not remove me from his list…… <br />
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<strong>2011 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve</strong>- Now we are talking, this is dark and densely packed with wonderful black and red fruits of currant, cherry and ripe black raspberry. Hefty and fleshy, this has none of the green qualities of its sibling. As it sits it unwinds and moves into something reminiscent of the 2009 with some of the vibrancy of the 2008. Nice purity and verve make this grab your attention and some quiet elegance keeps it. Finish is long and consistent. One to watch out for. 92 <br />
Methinks these two wines, and especially the Napa may have been suffering a bit of travel shock as they were just over-nighted from the left coast this morning. <br />
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The Reserve had 8 first place votes for WOTF. 1 guest liked the Napa. The ‘unscientific’ vote for WOTN (where-as I do not look back on the previous votes) stood at 4 for the 2010 Napa Cab, 4 for the 2008 Napa Cab and 1 for the 2010 Reserve Cab. <br />
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It was a fun night and the wines showed very well. The food as usual was spot on and the company well above average. <br />
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Thanks to all who were part. It’s not really an easy job when one scores wines made by friends. <br />
Please note: I try to stay true to myself and yet always fair to the wine and all involved. Sometimes I corner myself a bit and quickly realize that if I don’t keep it real, I seize to be. A tough job but someone’s ‘gotta’ do it. :) Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-21625333706909513752013-10-10T07:09:00.001-07:002013-10-10T15:03:04.880-07:00CLONYC 39 - Cabernet Sauvignon Reserves & SelectsCLONYC 39 was set into motion by a request from Merrill Lindquist who was to be part of the evening. She was bringing her Select wines from 3 vintages. Sadly, she was called back to her home on some urgent family business. She was missed and we all wish her well. At the time the theme Merrill and I agreed on seemed appropriate, and as it turned out was actually decent, even with a late flurry of cancellations. Mind you, we were 12 just last Sunday, but when the dust settled, we were 8. This group has never wanted for a reason to get together, so in the dark shadow of what I mentioned above, we went forward with a Reserve/Select Cabernet Sauvignon dinner. As much as I wish it had a wider selection of the options available, it all went quite well. Thanks to all that participated.<br />
As a gathering wine, Steve poured his 2008 Congruence Cabernet. I did not take notes but enjoyed how it seems to have settled into a nice groove. I had remembered it to be a maverick of a cab. Thanks, Steve.<br />
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Here we go….<br />
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<b>2002 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve</b>- this started with a slight note of reduction both on the nose and palate. It certainly had the Foley signature sweet profile. It started with some blackberry and black currant but turned to a redder fruit profile within 15 minutes. I also noticed it then became a bit more concise and elegant. These are always a joy to sample, a veritable cornucopia of fruits and styles all dictated by the clock. 90<br />
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<b>2004 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve</b>- When Howard mentioned he had a Leonetti Reserve, I said why not? This one came on with a pretty eucalyptus and black fruit profile that surely showed its northern profile well. Deep & dark, this was well balanced and nicely delineated with maybe just a miss on dimension,. A nice wine nonetheless. 91<br />
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<b>2004 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon</b>- Always love to sample Shafer Hillside; this one had the usual awesome mouthfeel and darkness I associate with Hillside Select, a wine that would sure be my house wine if I had Bloomberg money, but I don’t and it ain’t. This was opened earlier in the day and double decanted and it still showed some reticence; tannins well rounded and balance deft. As it sat I noticed a ripe tomato note that is nothing like tomato leaf associated with Sangiovese, and actually added interest for me. Finish was long and pure. Boy, do I enjoy Shafer Hillside. Just awesome. 94<br />
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5 first place votes for the Shafer, 3 for the Pride. The place was 5 votes for the Pride, 2 for the Leonetti and 1 for the Shafer. The fact that the Shafer had 3 votes in last place really makes math difficult when you do the 5,3,1 score as the Pride wins the flight. Crazy but true. I hate math. I had the Shafer for my WOTF.<br />
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<b>2005 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vineyard Reserve</b>- This opened with a slight medicinal nose that quickly made it stand out, and not in a good way. Palate was slightly cloying, but I can’t really say flaw. It had maybe 65% of what I remember my last 2005 Morisoli having, so maybe it was in a dumb stage. Some red and black fruits with hints of soy and cola, this had a bit of the creamy mid-palate I always enjoy. I am going to sit out with the pointage.<br />
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<b>2005 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Majories Vineyard Premiere Napa Valley</b>- this is always just a special wine. On this night you got its specialness from nose alone and at a foot away. Pure black and red fruits of currant, black cherries and black raspberries, this had a phenomenal mouthfeel that just oozed its pedigree. In many ways it reminded me of Mondavi’s Reserves in a great year, but this one went up 2 more notches from there. Class, breed, elegance, structure and dark and red fruits, this is the complete package guys like me seek, sort of the holy grail of Cabernet sauvignon and one I can say I have been lucky to try more than once in my lifetime. Creamy midpalate and a well resolved tannin structure, this goes long on the finish remaining true to itself. Some at the table said it fell a few rungs with airtime in the glass; I did not notice any perceptible change. Don’t spend too much time seeking it out though, it’s quite rare; maybe 5 cases rare. 95<br />
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<b>2006 Snowden Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve</b>- After 39 CLONYC dinners, the only empirical knowledge I have gained is how good wines pale when tasted along great wines. This is a very good wine by any standard; red and black fruits with cherries, cardamom and some edgy tannins, but it becomes outclassed quickly when one realizes that you just had the Shafer Hillside and the Mondavi PNV. It certainly shown itself to be a correct Cabernet with some dimension but lacking was the pizzazz. On the table, alone and with some time to spend, this would be a minor rockstar, tonight it’s a roadie. 90<br />
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8 first place votes for the Mondavi.
7 second place votes for the Snowden. Howard chose the Karl for his number 2.<br />
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<b>2007 BV Georges de Latour Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</b>- When I had this a few years back, I thought it quite possibly one of the best 2007s I have sampled (and I sampled many). It reminded me of the greatness once associated with this label. Tonight it shown more like a Bordeaux blend showing some extra horizontal bigness quite possibly from any merlot content. (I have not checked the blend). If you remember all I said about the Snowden, I can reiterate it all here once again. 90<br />
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<b>2010 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve</b>- Steve has hit a homerun and a triple in the 2010 vintage. His homerun being this wine. It shows some pureness and flowers within a finely structured red/black fruit profile that has some wonderful crème de cassis, pomegranate and black currants; in that mix is a wonderful spring flower mix, a hint of honeysuckle and new leather. A deftly made wine that continues to astound me, especially when I remember it’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Well done. 93
Unanimous first place for the Congruence. Me too :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-81658597032412326762013-03-07T16:58:00.001-08:002013-03-07T17:03:34.102-08:00 CLONYC 37- the wines of Mike Hirby with Mike Hirby<br />
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Some weeks are what I call ‘lottery’ weeks. This is one such
week. Coming off the Pahlmeyer dinner Monday and Mike Hirby last evening, I
can’t help but think how much of a lottery winner my group and myself really
are.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mikes wines have a sensibility and focus that I have not
found in too many other labels. Since his days at Rockledge and Realm I have
been a fan and while he has mad skills with my favorite grape, I believe is his
real strengths are in his Rhône’s, whites and Pinot. I know he is a passionate
about everything he does, but with an early background as a sommelier, his love
for the full spectrum 'must be' and 'is' obvious. I like that his Chardonnay
has booted the superfluous varieties and become purer and closer to its
Burgundian roots. His Petite Sirah is deftly made and is not ponderous and his
Pinots are focused and pure. His respect for ‘site’ is second to none. It is
for these reasons that coming behind Pahlmeyer only emphasized and broadened
the contrast of how lucky ‘us’ lovers of California wine truly are. There are
so many great wines and fantastic vintages in our front yard at this moment in
time that we don’t know where to turn first. These wines tonight are a good
start.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As usual the staff at North Square did a great job although
I sent my steak back; this is the first time in about 35 dinners something went
back. It was too well when medium was requested. Problem rectified quickly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We started with an interesting broad ranged flight of
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a Red Rhone Blend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2011 Relic The Sage Chardonnay- this was pretty and focused
with wonderful notes of fresh cut lemon grass, pain grille with a deft use of
oak. Wonderful texture and liltiness that is refreshing. Count me as a fan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2011 Relic Wines Pinot Noir Kashaya- Initially this was
tight and slightly unyielding. Within 10 minutes it seemed to come alive and
just explode from the glass. The nose showing pretty spring flowers and pure
red raspberry notes. Its presence was lofty and lilty all at one as balance was
spot on. I got tiny notes of earth and spices. A conveyor belt of all things
great in Sonoma Coast Pinot. Love it to death.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2011 Relic Ritual Red (Rhone Blend) - An interesting wine
with some dark red fruits of raspberry and black cherry. Some nice notes of
olive tapenade, rosemary and river stones really added to the dimension of this
rich and focused wine. Initially showed a slight dry note in the mid-palate but
that went away fast and cohesiveness took control. This had a great finish. One
to watch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2nd flight<o:p></o:p></div>
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2010 Palm Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon- The second wine of
Husic, this showed some sweet and sour fruits up front. There were hints of
vanilla and cedar. A red/black fruited wine that seems slightly unfocused at
the moment. When I tasted the Husic, I got ‘it’.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2010 Husic Cabernet Sauvignon- Black fruited profile with a
stroke of elegance and finesse. Deep and layered, this was a more complete and
enjoyable Cabernet. I love richness and this was rich. Somewhat masculine with
complicated tannins. The finish went on and the black cassis, currant and black
plum remained in play. Fantastic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2010 Sarocka Red Wine- A new acquisition (client) for Mike.
This was started by Helen Keplinger. Black fruits of currant with cola,
graphite and fresh rubbed leather. I got a sense that Mike might choose a
different oak going forward as this has a wee bit sweet vanillin twang that
seemed out of place with Mike Hirby Cabs. This had some elegance and a bit of
show with a long finish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A tale of two D.R. Stephens Cabernets<o:p></o:p></div>
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2010 D.R. Stephens Moose Valley Cabernet- Initially a bit
subdued and quiet. Its sibling was in control. This had some black currants,
hints of cola and a bit of sassafras. The thing is once food arrived it came
alive and the tables were turned. It was a totally different wine. Interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2010 D.R. Stephens Walther River Block Cabernet- Mikey (me)
likes it; it’s fragrant and pure with a slight middle gobbiness that is
endearing. (In a good way that is!). More the wine you want when food is not
around. (See above). A well made Cabernet that has some intensity and focus.
Very nice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Relic<o:p></o:p></div>
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2010 Relic Wines Prior- Cab Franc (blend? Forgot to note it)
- Having had exposure to Russell Bevan’s Cab Franc has given me confidence in
spotting a well made one. He does it right. This Mike Hirby bottling is right
up there, truly. It’s silky and soft textured with many layers of blue/black
fruits. Balance is spot on, tannins intricate and finish impressive. In its
class it is a QPR and one to seek out. Wow<o:p></o:p></div>
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2010 Relic Wines The Artefact Cabernet Sauvignon- What a
fascinating wine. This is intense black cassis, blackberry and plum with crème
de cassis interlaced throughout. Wonderful structure houses so much good stuff,
I’m in love and found my WOTN. Interesting notes of cardamom and framboise with
a small berry mouth feel that grabs your attention and does not let go. Finish
is amazing. Wow. This is one I will seek out when it is released.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2010 Relic Wines Petite Sirah Old Vines- Forget everything you ever
knew about Petite Sirah. No need for labels aptly named ‘Muscle Man’ etc. This
is a new direction petite; deep dark and packed with blue and black fruits but
magically it has ZERO heaviness and not a sign of ponderous in sight. It floats
across the palate and leaves a coating of fruits in its wake. A true party in
your mouth. It’s perfectly balanced; tannins complicated and acidity in check.
A deft mid-palate with some nice freshness never numbs the tongue. Impressive.
I am a believer. No matter what, I will put these into my cellar as soon as I
could. All my friends will be jealous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A big thanks to Mike for sharing these with the lottery
winning group named CLONYC.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have never met Mike, you must make it a point to when
you visit the Valley. I don’t think I have met a more humble and passionate
wine guy in my life. If you have met him, you know what I mean, so just nod.<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-30474315525161012112013-03-05T07:46:00.002-08:002013-03-05T15:18:40.048-08:00CLONYC 36- The Wines of PahlmeyerLast night my little group had the good fortune of hosting a Pahlmeyer Winery dinner with fellow board member Jamie Watson and Ralph Pahlmeyer. A fantastic array of wines were in attendance. We had a mini vertical of 10-12 year old Merlots, a 7 vintage run of the proprietary red, a new wine called Right Bank Blend and the PDR. (Piece de resistance). That last wine is very limited and sells out in 48 hours.<br />
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I think what I like most about the gatherings is the fun and laughing we all engage in while drinking through these wines and eating some dead animal meat. (My steak was stupendous last night). Jamie and Ralph are two great guys that seemed right at home with this sometimes boisterous crowd, all while adding some great info about each wine we were tasting. The staff at North Square did a wonderful job (as usual). Let me get to the wines, which by the way showed fantastically. I love the consistency these attain year in and out.<br />
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2006 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay- I loved this. It had some great aromatics of fresh citrus and flowers. The palate had a creamy texture, hints of toast, frangipani and cut grass. Love this style of Chardonnay and while I can’t say I have had loads of experience, through these dinners I have had an admirable exposure and lets face it, good wine is just that--- good wine.<br />
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Flight 1: A trio of Merlot<br />
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2001 Pahlmeyer Merlot- the first thing you (me) spots with this is its texture and structure. A Cab drinkers merlot for sure. Some pretty floral notes on the nose and a black fruit profile. It’s elegant and refined. Interesting notes of graphite, black cherry and cassis. Wonderful.<br />
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2002 Pahlmeyer Merlot- The nose had some sulphur at first, but that seemed to dissipate within 5-6 minutes. The palate had wonderful cherry with notes of rubbed leather and cardamom. Lovely, save for the nose.<br />
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2003 Pahlmeyer Merlot – The redder of the bunch and the most cab like in its approach. Larger boned with notes of sassafras and raspberries. I loved it.<br />
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Initially I was going to pick the 2003 as my number one, but when I reviewed them all again, I had to choose the single most complete wine of the group and that was the 2001. <br />
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Voting for first position went with 6 for the 2001, 4 for the 2002 and 1 for the 2003. <br />
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1994 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red- thanks to Steve for bringing. This had the ‘complexity’ those old world guys love. To me it was too old. The nose had some nice intensity of red/black fruits. I got notes of cardamom, lead pencil, old cedar, earth and red cassis. Acidity was a bit hi-toned and tannins fully resolved. The fruits in the nose did not really carry over to the palate and it seemed like the secondaries and tertiaries were in control. Old wine is just that, old wine and as subjective as the days are long. I get lots of grief from the crowd on this point. Five of them will not be invited back.<br />
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Proprietary Red flight 1<br />
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2004 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red - (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, as they all are) Holy-moly this is good stuff. This expressive wine is off the hook. (Do people still say that?). It’s dark, big boned fragrant and deep with a black fruit profile leading with currants and plum pumice. Interesting hints of cedar-box and coffee bean. Tannins are complicated and still lively and overall balance is near perfect. Wow, this is what I have come to expect with Pahlmeyer.<br />
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2005 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red - Nose as the 2004, this is slightly more brutish and attacking in its approach. The black fruits control this once again. Tannins seemed larger and ‘bulkier’ and the overall package screams for attention. Long finish with all the fruit remaining. Nice job.<br />
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2006 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red - Once again, the similarities are all there, this one just showed the extra year of ‘youth’ in a slight hint if popcorn, but that did not stay to play too long and it became as its older brethren, just an amazing display of consistent black fruits, elegance and strength. I love what these don’t have as well: any rough edges or hints of anything even remotely green. A true winemakers ‘tour de force’ this flight has been. <br />
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8 votes for WOTF go to the 2004 with 3 votes for it as no 2. The 2006 garnered 3 votes for WOTF and the 2005 got 1. I went with the 2004.<br />
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Proprietary Red flight 2<br />
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2007 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red - This had the Pahlmeyer nose with some added flash and bang. I know 2007s are popular and I am not, but my scientific study always tells me that theory remains. (When I view my glasses in a flight of 3, which one empties first. Science gotta love it). I may have dumped this. (Ducking for cover!). All these 2007s seem to lack structure. This showed some sweetness not evident elsewhere on the table. A well made wine that I might have enjoyed more had it been the lone bottle on that table. (Did I recover ok with that? Hope so).<br />
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2008 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red - I LOVE this vintage. Fragrant and full bodied without being ponderous, this has pure red/black fruits of cassis, blackberries and pomegranate. Lovely texture through the mid-palate and a finish that could sink a ship (if finishes sank ships). This one had the signature ‘richness’, poise and elegance while being quietly powerful and Omni-present. Wow.<br />
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2010 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red - youthful (ya think?), this seemed to show its stuffing and if a crystal ball sat atop would show similarities to the 2008 and 2005. A bit redder in profile with some oak showing through. You gotta love its potential and breed. This is rich and vibrant and will reward the patient, and when I say patient I mean 5-7 years.<br />
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7 votes for the 2008 as WOTF and 5 for the 2007. I went 2008 with the 2010 in my number 2 which had a total of 6 in the number 2 spot.<br />
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What a great run of reds these last two flights were. <br />
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A flight of 2009s<br />
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2009 Pahlmeyer Right Bank- I forgot to write the percentages on this but I seem to recall 60% Cab Franc and 40% Merlot (the other way around maybe?). Again, a very distinctive wine that has the Pahlmeyer hallmarks I’ve come to expect: richness and super fragrant, this conveys a sense of what the Pahlmeyers have set out to do with it, go Right Bank like say a Cheval Blanc. After having Bevan’s CFs earlier this year, I can say this one stands up to those. Pretty spring flowers, worn leather with some pain grille, espresso and cola. I also sensed a hint of Bing Cherries and marzipan. A beautiful wine and we were glad to have it on our dinner table, albeit a ‘late in the evening’ dinner table.<br />
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2009 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red - Somewhere between the 2008 and the 2010 you will find the 2009 and I am not speaking just vintage; it had the Pahlmeyer richness with the added youthful slight un-cohesiveness. Slight. Give this 3-4 years (or more) and let it sing its song. It will be a great song. I got some vanilla, black raspberry and framboise. Deep and layered, these really show house style. Fantastic.<br />
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2009 Pahlmeyer PDR – (Piece de Resistance) - this is the best 3 or 4 barrels held back in reserve and only in the best of years. Its always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.<br />
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This certainly had its own direction; pure and brawny with super-structure and density. Deep and layered, this had some slight grip to its tannins while being nicely balanced. Black currants, blackberries and black plum with notes of new leather, spice and framboise. A fantastic wine that showed its singularity on this night. Just great stuff, if you can a) find it and b) afford it.<br />
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9 WOTF votes for the PDR, 2 for the Prop Red and 1 for the Right Bank. The last vote is telling because it comes from my Franco-sensible buddy, Nano. I always say he has one of the broadest palates in my circle. I am actually quite jealous of such.<br />
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A fantastic night filled with amazing wines, lively conversation, some friendly banter (of which I always seem the target of) and good food. (On this night my steak was spot on. I had to Facebook a picture of it). <br />
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Thanks to Jamie, Ralph and the whole Pahlmeyer family for supplying such a memorable evening. <br />
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Cheers!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-58701624005429052102013-01-30T10:43:00.003-08:002013-01-31T15:26:21.062-08:00CLONYC 35- Napa Cabs with Antonio Galloni<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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CLONYC 35 commenced with a special guests, long time Wine Advocate critic who now covers Napa Valley wines, Antonio Galloni.<br />
It was great meeting Antonio. He’s an interesting guy and a great conversationalist who is friendly and knowledgeable in his field and a true aficionado of Napa Cabs. There were times where you could hear a pin drop as the groups attention was all on him. A big thank you for those Schraders and Tognis as well. Today, all I want to drink is watered down orange juice. <br />
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Another great night for Cab-dome.<br />
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<u>1995 flight</u><br />
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<b>1995 Staglin Cabernet S</b><b>auvignon</b> – Pretty with some hints of cedar. I also got some steamed meats? Mouthfeel graceful and refined. The group had this as its number 1 with 11 votes. I wish it was slightly more fragrant. 91<br />
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<b>1995 Dunn Howell Cabernet Sauvignon</b> - Crumbly cork and corked.<br />
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<b>1995 Lewis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</b>-Still very youthful with some headt black fruits and a slightly elevated acidity level. Tannins still showing youth as well. Maybe on its own, this would have been more pleasing. 89<br />
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<u>Togni flight</u><br />
Ok, so I have not had the greatest love for Togni Cabs. Maybe it’s me and my non-ability to be patient. Hiding wines under large piles has not been my strength. The way these two showed this evening proves how much I can still learn. (re-learn?)<br />
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<b>1994 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon</b> –A wonderful red/black fruit profile with nice balance and freshness. A study in well stored wine for sure, this is just a bit rustic around the edges and sitting next to its younger sibling paled slightly, but make no mistake, a brilliant showing nonetheless. 92<br />
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<b>1997 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon</b>- What a beautiful wine. Black fruit , pure and well resolved, this shows amazing youth and freshness as well. I like the midpalate on this as it was perfectly balanced and precise. Finish was long and true. What a treat. 95<br />
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My Wine Of The Flight.<br />
11 people chose the 1997 over the 1994. <br />
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<u>A 1999 and a pair of 2001s Flight</u><br />
<b>1999 Vérité La Joie</b>- Sonoma in the house. Cooler climate style with a more in your face approach. I thought this had some Cab Franc in the mix, and it could as I have not checked but thought more proprietary red than a pure Cab. Bright red fruits with a raised midpalate and acidity to match. Cassis and cola sums it up. Tannins seemed nicely resolved and a bit angular. Interesting wine. 90<br />
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<b>2001 Bond Vecina</b>- What a pretty wine. Elegant with dark blackberry, black cherry and cardamom. Finessful with a nice quiet purity. This would have been enough had not the 2001 Abreu Madrona been poured next…..93<br />
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<b>2001 Abreu Madrona Cabernet Sauvignon</b>- Wonderful aromatics with a pure red/black fruit profile, this has a wonderful lilty mouth feel and impeccable balance that screams breed and class. This is just beautiful. Long, precise and pleasing, especially when I get rid of my dirty glass. Before so I was a bit dismayed until I found I was the lone wolf. Wow, what a treat. 95<br />
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7 votes for the Abreu WOTF, 4 votes for the Verite (me), and one for the Bond. (another lone wolf). Everyone had the Abreu in either 1 or 2 spot.<br />
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<u>A mixed bag Flight</u><br />
<b>2007 Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon "VICE" To-Kalon Vineyard-</b> having never heard of this wine, I was very interested to get a look-see. This was weird. Not sure what to make of it. It was slightly off target varietally and a bit cloying in the middle. Someone said Zinfandel. Maybe it’s the ‘crappy vintage’ (), but I would not mind trying another from a less ‘heralded’ vintage given the chance. 86<br />
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<b>2007 Corra Cabernet Sauvignon</b>- being true to form in my little mind and keeping somewhat consistent with myself, I have never been a fan of Celia’s wines. Sorry.<br />
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This was extraction and heat with a hollowness that made many scratch their heads.<br />
I will say no more. 87<br />
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<b>2010 Maybach Materium Cabernet Sauvignon</b>- Thanks to Chris for sending me this out for this dinner as I knew there was a slight ‘bump in the road’ in Antonio’s WA scores/notes last month. (Me thinks that review was based on off bottles). This showed some popcorn initially but really evolved into a pure powerhouse with tons of potential. Having spent mere minutes in its bottle, some years would help. I may go on the limb and say its one of the best Materiums I have had at this young stage of its life. I may put it in the company of the 2006 and 2009. Just having a phenomenal 2004 a few months back tells me to be patient and rewards will come. That one bottle insured me trying on patience again in my ‘advanced’ years.<br />
Blue-black fruits with creamy midpalate and long finish. An easy WOTF for me 93+<br />
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8 votes for the Materium, 2 for the Vice and one for the Corra. Oh yeah, one abstention and it’s from the guy who brought the Toscana blind wine, what the hell does Nano know anyway?<br />
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<u>Blind flight</u><br />
2004 Fattoria Le Pupille (Elisabetta Geppetti) Saffredi Maremma Toscana IGT -Way over the top, this went dumpity dump.<br />
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2000 Quilceda Creek – hmmm. Un-memorable, dump. In keeping with my night's mantra of 'dumping everything below 96 points', this was an easy decision<br />
And that’s my story and I am sticking to it.<br />
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<u>Schrader/TRB flight</u><br />
<b>2006 Schrader T6</b>- Holy-moly, this is spot on tonight. Pretty red-black fruits of red cherry and cassis with cardamom, camphor and worn leather. Slightly boisterous, this gets your attention and does not let go. Pure, intense and fragrant with a medium weight mouth feel. Tannins still large, this super structure wine is just awesome. Long pure and fruit filled finish. I have run out of words. Here are some numbers: 95<br />
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<b>2007 Schrader T6</b>- I maintain my dislike for the style of this vintage. This showed tremendous promise in the nose but once on the palate any sense of bones is just non existent. Lacking is acidity, I understand the pleasing aspect of these, but like some New Age music I am always left wanting more. 90<br />
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<b>2009 Rivers-Marie Corona Vineyard cabernet Sauvignon</b>- Most of tonight wines were popped and poured. I know the Maybach had a 6 hour slow-ox. This wine could use a day--- Really. It’s got so much going on that it’s akin to a large symphony playing Mozart with each section slightly out of key. You can sense the music’s greatness, just not witnessing it. Black fruits with large bones and deep core of iron, this must rest. I may be in the minority here, but that’s how I see it. In 5 years I will happily take your emails stating me a genius. No need to write otherwise …….92<br />
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10 votes for the 2006 T6, 2 for the Rivers Marie. NONE for the 2007 T6 <br />
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On the night, the 'unscientific' late tally goes EXACTLY like this for WOTN:<br />
4 Abreu<br />
3 1997 Togni (me)<br />
3 2006 Schrader T6<br />
1 Verite<br />
1 Staglin<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-73932210679105201872012-12-19T17:08:00.002-08:002012-12-19T17:08:26.022-08:00CLONYC's Holiday Bash-CLONYC 34Last night we gathered for CLONYC 34-The Holiday Bash.<br />12 of the usual suspects bringing whatever they wanted to bring. No rules.<br />What we got was a myriad of all things Cab. We got old stuff, and new. Black fruit and blue.<br /><br />I have an recent edict I would like to share: Any Bordeaux that finds its way into one of my dinners will only do so under a cloak of aluminum unbeknownst to me. Last night that was put to the test.<br />
<br />5 flights, 14 wines (16 with a 2001 Dunhoff and a 2004 Hartford Court Chardonnay Seascape thrown in). 4 flights of 3 wines and 1 flight of 2 wines. A merry time was had. Onward I go.<br /><br />The Blind Flight<br /><br />1998 Allegro Vineyards Cadenza (blend - 96 cabernet Sauvignon) York County, PA.- This was very interesting as it showed some age and was very expressive. I get some red fruits of cherries and raspberry with some cedar shavings, soy and cardamom. I figure it to be about 20 years old as it showed some brown on the edges and seemed pretty much fully resolved. I was thinking maybe something like a Spottswoode partially because I know Steve and part because I have seen some older Spottswoodes show like such. Some said new age Bordeaux. An outlier to start the evening. Never seen that before. 89<br /><br />1999 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Herb Lamb- pretty nose of spring flowers with a touch of vanilla. This is lively and youthful still with a deep black core and perfect balance. Interestingly enough, as it sat it developed a slight popcorn nose. Very nice. 93<br /><br />1994 Château Léoville Las Cases- this was funky and dirty with a drying woodiness. Dump. <br /><br />The group loved the Karl Lawrence and gave it 8 votes for WOTF. The Cadenza came in second with 9 second place votes and 3 first place votes. The Bordeaux had 1 first place (The ‘bringer’) and 1 second place vote.<br /><br />The ‘Little of this little of that’ flight<br /><br />2003 Dominus Estate- Elegant red black fruited nose with graceful lines. Red cherries, raspberry and cassis driven with a touch of cola and graphite. Very nice if just slightly outclassed on the night. 90<br /><br />2003 Cayuse Cabernet Sauvignon The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard- very distinctive cool climate style with some blue-black fruits. Not much of a set of bones though and acidity seems non-existent. Faded quickly as well. 88<br /><br />2004 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon- These are always fun to taste. Tonight’s had too much plushness and an almost candy-cane feel to it. I have had this 4 or 5 times and this is the worst showing yet. (Still have 2 more!) 88<br /><br />The ‘new world sandwiches old world’ flight<br /><br />2005 Bevan Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Showket Vineyards- This was a bit contentious with the left hand side of the table. I like the big boned structure this shown. Some said too much oak, to which I said….so? I never see oak as an issue, especially when it goes in its diverse flavor explosion and brings other interesting thing. This was pure and fragrant. 91<br /><br />2006 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon- A bit one dimensional and ‘pedestrian’ for me tonight. (I love that word). Red black fruits and varietally correct, but since when is that just good enough? 89<br /><br />2007 Greer Cabernet Sauvignon Greer Vineyard- This was full throttle with big black fruits of currants, black berries and plums. I got some nice warm vanilla notes, cedar and graphite but this really shined when the steak hit the table and became the mustard sauce’s best friend. Wow. 91<br /><br />The Bevan got 5 votes for WOTF, the Mayacamas got 5 as well. The Greer the last 2. Voting for the second position was pretty even across the board. I Chose the Bevan in the number one spot and Greer as number 2.<br /><br />The 2007 redemption flight<br /><br />2007 Beringer Private Reserve-(served blind) beautiful creamy texture with pretty floral notes, this has much going for it tonight. I guess placement is important but had this been served in any of the top 6 positions, it would have been a contender. 92<br /><br />2007 Ovid- Late night wines never show as well as they should/could. I liked the mouth-feel and presence of this one. Great dark fruits sitting on a feminine set of pretty bones. Nice.92+<br /><br />This flight of two (Should have had the Realm in there had I not forgotten it atop the ice) had the Ovid outpacing the Beringer, 7 to 5.<br /><br />The ‘Super Star Winemakers’ flight<br /><br />2008 Seven Stones- I am a fan of Aarons wines. This had a beautiful showing, I just wish I could read my notes. I do know that it was my WOTF. 93<br /><br />2010 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard- The 2009 was probably my wine of the year for 2012 (and I have had some awesome stuff this year) I was both excited and a bit apprehensive to open this tonight; If the 2009 RM Panek was any sort of indicator, this really needed 24 a hour slow-ox. There was much going on in the 2009 that it was mind boggling. As this sat in my glass is just blossomed into an expression of pure cabernet seldom encountered. I did not actually choose if as my WOTN because I know it has not shown itself fully and I will be patient and hold out my final determination at a later date. Lucky me to have 4 stored away. 92+<br /><br />2006 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard- OK, I am guilty of letting this sit on ice for too long. These have long been favorites of mine. This has some dark sweet currants, cocoa powder, cola and more. Pure and long, with balance and grace. Tannins are intricate and well resolved, but this should have a decent life ahead of it, especially if the Mayans were wrong. 91<br /><br />The Realm garnered 6 votes for WOTF. The Seven Stones 4 and the Rivers-Marie 2. Should have slow-ox’d.<br /><br />In an unscientific vote for wine of the night, the Karl Lawrence came out with 4 votes (me too) which tells me everyone had a good time as the rest is just scribble on a wine stained page……Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-72811021632489324482012-10-09T10:41:00.003-07:002012-10-09T10:41:18.345-07:00CLONYC 33- A few of Napas new releases with Merrill LindquistAbout a month ago Merrill Lindquist emailed me to tell me she will be visiting NY for a holiday after harvesting her 2012 EMH Black Cat wine. She asked if we had a CLONYC scheduled for that week she was visiting that she can join in on, to which I replied ‘no, but I can make one’. I did.<br />
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I thought to keep it simple in theme and just make it a new release thing, since Merrill herself would be bringing her new releases, the 2010 duo of Cabernet Sauvignons. Reason more to enjoy friends, wines and food is never needed.<br />
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As it turned out, we were 10 men and a lady. It was a fun evening. As usual, the food was great and the wines, although youthful showed pretty good indeed. The youngest cabenet was a 2008. We did have a 1996 Champagne starter (thanks Brent).<br />
Let me get to it. Please keep in mind these are more of an impression than a formal notes with the consensus of who liked what at the end of the flights.<br />
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2010 Maybach Materium- Quite possible the best Materium to date, and there have been some doozies (spelling?). Tremendous black fruits profile. The nose was slightly less expressive from my half ounce taste when I opened it and quickly recorked at noon. The palate showed more cohesiveness though. Pure and elegant with so much plush fruits amidst a superstructure. And a super long pure finish. Simple marvelous. The group loved it too.<br />
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2010 Maybach Amoenus- An interesting sibling to the Materium, this showed a bit more edgy and tight. Tannins giving up little. More of a red fruit profile, I firmly think these are made for the distance while you are enjoying the Materiums in the here, now and handful of years ahead. A beautiful drink of wine she is and promises to be.<br />
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Flight 2<br />
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2008 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Incubo - This started strong with a pretty nose of flowers and reddish black fruits. Palate showed a big tannic wine that belied the nose. This handled food nicely. Not sure what the makeup of this wine is. I sense there may be some cab franc in the mix. As it sat it became more fleshed out and approachable. I continue to be a fan and want to experience the complete lineup at some point as I only had the Acteon to compare it to which I though had slightly more grace.<br />
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2008 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon Annum- This started out a bit one dimensional with a dry streak right down the middle. Some nice black fruits of blackberries and currants shown through. As it sat in the glass it just blossomed into a pretty and nicely balanced Cab that added a dimension and a smile from me. This needs lots of time DOH!<br />
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2008 Bacio Divino Cabernet Sauvignon Janzen Missouri Hopper Vineyard- this one seemed a bit outclassed tonight. I got an immediate greenness cutting across the middle. Some seemed to get a eucalyptus, and I think as it sat it certainly gained some weight and the mint tone. In all fairness it became dump number 1. Too bad.<br />
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The group put the Pott in the number 1 spot with 5 votes. The Ramey got 4 and the Janzen received 2 which prove I really have no clue.<br />
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For my vote it was the Ramey that edged out the Pott with the additional glass time I gave it.<br />
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Flight 4 <br />
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2008 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon- When it comes to this label, I usually gravitate toward the Blueline bottling. This showed great blackberries, black plum and some kirsch. It also seemed to get lost in this crowd tonight. A pretty wine that showed some gracefulness and balance, just not achieving the greatness I expected. Settings like these are really unfair toward wines like this, one that begs to be your only date for the night.<br />
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2008 Gemstone Estate Red - aka ‘G’- Another label that I have had some hit and misses with in the last bunch of years. Large boned and dark as night, this had some wonderful notes of fresh flowers, crème de cassis and framboise. Balance was lilty and finish long. It took some glass time but then this really became more fragrant and pure. A nice long finish, I was loving it.<br />
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2008 Kobalt – pretty flamboyant nose of red fruits. Think raspberries and cherry liquor. Plushy and silky, this also seemed a bit outclassed tonight.<br />
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The group pretty much split this one with 5 votes Hourglass and 5 votes for Gemstone. The single lone-wolf being the Kobalt. Interesting flight. My WOTF was the Gemstone.<br />
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Notice how the sparse notes fall apart here? Eight wines with 1 dump will do that to you. <br />
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Merrills flight<br />
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2010 EMH Black Cat Cabernet Sauvignon (opened earlier that day)- CLONYC hosted Merrill and her wine three years back. That night I met her 2007 EMH Black Cat. This one seems somewhat in line with that vintage---to me. It had the boisterousness I enjoy. Nicely balanced with some minerality and notes graphite and cola. Certainly a different style than many on the table tonight, to me more in sync with a more classically structured Cabernet, one made for aging. What you don’t get is the big plushy round stuff but you do get pure cassis driven reddish black fruits and the minerality.<br />
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2010 EMH Black Cat Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection - larger boned and slightly more austere, again one made for the cellar. Would love to try this in about 5 years.<br />
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2010 EMH Black Cat Cabernet Sauvignon (Pop-N-pour)- A little science project we had going here. See if there is a more rambunctious nose on this on sans slow-ox. It was brighter and slightly more primary. Interesting. My WOTF and 5 others agreed. Thanks for bring these Merrill.<br />
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Flight 6 …things so slightly sideways.<br />
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2008 Buccella Cab Cuvee Katrina Eileen -Ok, so here we are at wine number 12. Now, if this was the number 2 or even 10 wine tonight, it may have battled the Materium for first place. May have. It was super pure, ultra plushy and pillow like with so much to like. It screamed drink me. I yelled back ENOUGH! <br />
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2009 Kapscandy Grand Vin- this was the most Euro-like tonight. I got a bit of dirt amidst some nice black cherry and plums. Do we call it terroir in Napa? If so, too much. Dump.<br />
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2009 Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard- This is one of the more consistent labels out there. I have always been a fan of the True vineyard Cabernet Thomas produces. Somewhere between old and new world for sure--- at least to me. The mountain fruits is evident. And in my estimation these do benefit from some cellar time. Maybe the most contentious on the table tonight, but hey, it’s like wine number 40 or something. Give it a break.<br />
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Blind wine- As if we needed more wine, Steve was gracious enough to bring a blind wine. It was certainly cooler climate Cabernet , that much I can still tell. Beyond that I knew it was pretty great and it was a 2009 Quilceda Creek.<br />
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WOTN voting commenced with the 2010 Materium garnering 8, possibly 9 votes (Howard left just before the vote, he did choose Materium in flight #1)<br />
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Thanks to everyone for a great night. Today I move….slowly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-48632568573096629812012-07-27T05:56:00.005-07:002012-07-27T05:56:43.025-07:00CLONYC 32- Russell Bevan Part Deux<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">I had knowledge about last night’s weather ‘situation’ that most in the tri-state did not have: I knew a tornado was coming to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">New York</place></state> 2 since months back. No, I am not a meteorologist, I am a wine lover who resides over one of the most exciting cabernet loving tasting groups this side of the <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">Mississippi</state></place> and I had Russell Bevan and his wines scheduled for a whirlwind dinner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Last evening our group had that good fortune materialize. If you’ve never met Russell, you are missing out on one of the most vivacious, passionate and opinionated guys the Valley has produced. His approach is unique. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an added bonus, last night he brought with him Jim </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">McDonough</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> from Wren Hop vineyards. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim is a very unassuming and friendly fellow who farms some amazing vineyards in the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Sonoma</placename> <placetype w:st="on">County</placetype></place>. His Chardonnay are a revelation and his Pinots should be on everyone’s list to try and oh yeah, Russell makes them. I must admit, the dude has some talent. (I will empty my inbox for all the thanks I expect in the next few months)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The skies darkened and the rains fell. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Lightning flashed and oh yeah, stuff was going on outside as well.. 6 flights and I want to thank Russell and Jim for their graciousness in supplying my humble group with world class vino. Let the whirlwind begin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Wren Hop Wines with Jim </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">McDonough</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">, Prop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">2010 Wren Hop Chardonnay Trial by Lightning- beautifully fragrant with beautiful notes of sweet lemongrass and Meyer lemon. Maybe one of the best Chardonnays I have encountered. A must buy. ($48)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">2010 Wren Hop Chardonnay Rebels & Martyrs- I found more minerality on this and it seemed more in line with a traditional RR Chardonnay than its sibling. Focused and pure with hints of honeysuckle and lemon peel. When served alongside the above wine you certainly have a something for everyone situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">2009 Wren Hop Pinot Noir Omens & Prophecy- Holy crap! This is one amazingly fragrant Pinot! Round and intense with hints of blackberry, strawberry and smoke. I also get a touch of petroleum, star anise and cardamom. This is an estate wine; it shows breed, structure, focus and elegance all wrapped in a layer of power. A very distinctive wine. Loved it. A must buy. ($60)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">2009 Wren Hop Pinot Noir Siren's Lure- More typical in its <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Sonoma</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Coast</placetype></place> styling. Nose of cola, black daspberry and spring flowers. Slightly less exuberant than its brother above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Bevan wines with Russell Bevan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Russell’s second visit with CLONYC and I must say, this years assortment show much more cohesiveness as a group. His whole lineup is fantastic but his Cab Franc based wines are some of the best I have sampled yet. He certainly is able to coax some amazing aromatics from this grape. I also notice a slightly more containment of signs of oak in this years array overall.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">2009 Bevan Cellars Prop. Red, <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Sugarloaf Mountain</city>, <state w:st="on">NV</state></place>, The Whitney- here we go! This 50/50 blend Cab Franc/Merlot is simply put: downright amazing. Black fruited and creamy textured with attractive notes of chocolate. This wines rises from the glass and attacks all the senses. On paper, I might have doubted such a blend but in reality this just…..rocks. wow.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">2010 Bevan Cellars Prop. Red, <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Sugarloaf Mountain</city>, <state w:st="on">NV</state></place>, The Oscar- same blend, year later. Sweeter black and blue fruit profile with the same chocolate notes running right through the middle. Slightly less fragrant, this is an elegant and pure wine that keeps in line for what was being aimed at: joy. As this sat and we got into dinner, it really shined. I loved how it became playful with my steaks mustard sauce accompaniment. I would love to see where this one goes in a year</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">2009 Bevan Cellars Red Wine Showket Vineyard, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Oakville</place></city>, The Curmudgeon- How can you not love a wine named for yourself? This is a 67/33 blend of Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Nose of pure black and blue fruits. This is a cornucopia of all things gone right: cassis, black cherry and framboise with hints of sweet cardamom. Mouth feel is full and tannins complicated. In keeping with a theme, I get a certain elegance, but this time it brought its iron glove. Loved it.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">2010 Bevan Cellars Red Wine Showket Vineyard, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Oakville</place></city>, EE Cuvée- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all I just said above, I found this one lacking slightly behind. It’s a serious wine that came across slightly typical. You are as good as the company you keep and this one suffered slightly by some rock stars that came before it. Big boned and super structured. Would love to have it alone in about 2-3 years. (50/50 CF/CS)</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">2009 Bevan Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Showket Vineyard, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Oakville</place></city>, Bab’s Cuvée- Big boned with great black and red fruits, this one brings great black currant, plum pumice, blackberry and cherry cola. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lush and deep with a solid core of blackness. Tannins remain in check and finish goes on and on. A few years should reveal a prize for those lucky enough to have buried them away; the perfect bottle to forget you had and surprised to find when company arrives for dinner circa 2016.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">2010 </span></strong><strong><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Harbison</span></strong><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Wines Cabernet sauvignon- Here is one Russell split the output of: 37.5 cases to Russell and the same under the Harbison label. – This is a cabernet lovers cab: deep dark fruits with depth and intensity. I can still taste this in my minds palate. Fragrant and giving, this explodes as it sits for some time. What you end up with is being fully engulfed in black currant, crème de cassis, hints of cola, cardamom and more. This one packs a quiet punch for sure. Long and true, this glides along the tongue with some silkiness and purity. On my very short (these days) list to buy. Not inexpensive at $140 though….</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">2010 </span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Oakville, Red Wine- this one perplexed me. Its Russell’s <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Bordeaux</place></city> blend. It seems somewhat out of place with all else that came before. I know it’s pretty highly regarded in the world of winos. It seemed a bit ‘manufactured’ and it does not have the focus, purity or delivery its senior siblings have. </span></strong></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-54685470480898309962012-03-30T07:14:00.013-07:002012-03-30T07:50:55.428-07:00CLONYC Thirty - Steve Pride and Pride Mountain Vineyards<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlkEH0i252Y/T3XAccuA7aI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4EAK6gtTbzQ/s1600/booklet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725694096249515426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlkEH0i252Y/T3XAccuA7aI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4EAK6gtTbzQ/s320/booklet.jpg" border="0" /></a>CLONYC Thirty goes into the books as a huge success--- huge.<br />Steve Pride ventured east to meet with a very eager and excited group, bringing with him a boatload of wine. We approached this one slightly different: we had a mini vertical of Reserves, a flight of Merlots and Cabernets from the same vintage respectively. (2007 for the Merlots, and 2005 for the Cabernets). These flights were bookended with some pretty tasty whites: A Chardonnay up front and a dessert wine, Mistelle de Viognier taking up the rear. As usual, the food was spot on and service truly fantastic. Our little private room always lends to some lively discussion. Steve is an awesome guy whose passion for the family business, and especially wine is obvious from first greeting. Thank you, Steve for your generosity and company. All in all a great night was had by all.<br /><br />We started the night with the 2010 Pride Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay. A beautiful wine that has perfect balance with hints of cream. Sexy and fragrant, I don’t remember tasting a Chardonnay from pride quite like it.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrpddgV3PDY/T3XAl8wC5_I/AAAAAAAAAyE/orYCdYCrBF8/s1600/complete.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725694259466790898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrpddgV3PDY/T3XAl8wC5_I/AAAAAAAAAyE/orYCdYCrBF8/s320/complete.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>1997 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- Once opened and sampled 3 hour earlier, Steve mentioned that he was worried this was showing its age. Let me tell you: It certainly did not seem like that once we got to it. It was all black fruits with a finely delineated lush light to mid-weight mouth-feel that just said elegance and breed. I found hints of cocoa, cola, graphite and more. It was simply beautiful. The problem with being beautiful and in the number 1 position sets you up to want to make it a sort of yardstick going forward; wait until we get to the 1999. This has 4% PV in it. Great balance and long finish. 93 points<br /><br /><strong>1999 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- I love to see my friends reaction when I shock them in my likes/dislikes; once the word went around that this was ‘very Bordeaux-like’, I can sense the snickers and silent thought of ‘he won’t like it, Mikey hates everything’. Wrong. I love this! It has a subdued sweet note that really caught my attention. This wine is exact and refined with notes of cedar, leather and tar. I sensed some graphite as well. 2% PV in here. Balance impeccable and just slightly more structured than the 1997 with certain family re semblance, it rocked. Long, elegant, precise, and deft. Yes please! 94 points<br /><br /><strong>2001 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- if ever a wine I wanted to like more, this is it: I have heard it was quite the star. I have had this once with slightly better notes. The nose seemed slightly over-ripe. Palate showed some great black cassis, black cherry and a tinge of crème de cassis. As it sat it went slightly redder. I check a few other guests’ glasses; they all seemed to have the over-ripe nose thing. It got 6 first place votes so as usual, what the hell do I know? 90 points<br /><br /><strong>2003 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- I believe this particular wine is one of the stars in this vintage. I have had it no less than 4 times and just always rocks. The nose may tell you it’s from 2008; it had some creamy vanilla notes that seemed almost primary, but once on the palate the party started big-time; Black cassis with an almost gobby black cherry (gobby good here). Dense and almost chewy, this had pure cherry cola, pomegranate and more. As it sat it just kept releasing more ’stuff’--- good ‘stuff’. This was balanced with a medium weight mouth-feel and lively acidity and length. Oohs and aahs all around. 94 points<br /><br />This flight had 6 WOTF votes the 2001. 3 for the 1999(me), and 3 for the 2003.<br />2003 had 7 votes for 2nd place. Overall if you do the ‘point thing’ (5, 3, 1), it would have taken 37 points to the 2001’s 39. An awesome flight indeed.<br /><br />The next flight had the 2008 and the 2009 Cab Reserves. I for one like the direction the new winemaker, Sally Johnson has gone with this label. I love watching the guests scurry to their smart-phones and go ordering wine, as they are sitting there tasting the wine as happened with the 2008.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ey4Pek2D5n0/T3XA_gF4KbI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/2cFe5ycS_i0/s1600/res.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725694698450332082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ey4Pek2D5n0/T3XA_gF4KbI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/2cFe5ycS_i0/s320/res.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /><strong>2008 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- The nose was similar to the 2003. Here’s where they parted company: fresh, lively and lilt in approach, these say delish right of the bat. Black and dark with an undercurrent of sweet vanilla and cocoa powder. Infused black fruits land on your tongue and we are no longer in Kansas. Simply deft and gorgeous. The purity in mind numbing. A high wire balancing act of acidity with a tannic backbone to go the distance. If you open this now you must give it a few hours airtime; all the difference on these. This was elegant and structured all at once. Intense and long finish keeping the fruits lively. Love it. 95 points<br /><br /><strong>2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- not very dissimilar to its brother above, but with slightly more verve and astringency. The thing is after sitting in the glass for 30 minutes or so it took on more weight and lost the abstinent edge. (I believe it was only bottle in August). Give it a year and this will bloom. Black red fruits with lively acidity and balance; this had a conveyor belt of all things good in Cabernet that I love. Hints of cola, some warm vanilla, some cedar and exotic tea. Well done! 93<br /><br />The 2008 garnered 9 first place (flight) votes. That’s how I voted as well.<br /><br />The next flights were served with food. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tlg88ygP6y4/T3XBKngc7UI/AAAAAAAAAyc/9HqONsVJRX4/s1600/2007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725694889419402562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tlg88ygP6y4/T3XBKngc7UI/AAAAAAAAAyc/9HqONsVJRX4/s320/2007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot</strong>- pure and red fruited; this had a great roundness to it. Cherries, red plums with some leather and cedar. A nice wine that stands strongly within its QPR status as seen with the next 2 wines. 89 points<br /><br /><strong>2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Vintner Select Merlot</strong>- More serious for sure. A hint of jamminess, this is slightly redder and slightly more structured than is sibling that came before. The nose was slightly more subdued on this. As it sat it became more fragrant and open showing denser chewy tannins and understated acidity. Very nice. 91 points<br /><br /><strong>2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Claret</strong>- Yowsa! Here we go! The breed and elegance hits you immediately. A 70% merlot 30% Cabernet blend. Immense structure with black red fruits that explode sideways and up all at the same time. Mouth-coating with a finely meshed tannic structure, this took command of the flight, a flight that was surely voted along its price-point. This is pure heaven. 94 points<br /><br />8 WOTH flight votes went to the Claret and 4 to the VS. 52 points for the Claret, 44 for the VS on the 5/3 system <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpBj_BHbToA/T3XBdRl_GhI/AAAAAAAAAyo/sLiXxxJBpO0/s1600/2005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725695209954548242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpBj_BHbToA/T3XBdRl_GhI/AAAAAAAAAyo/sLiXxxJBpO0/s320/2005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>2005 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- dense, pure and fragrant with hints of coffee bean, cedar and leather. I got some nice black plums, black cherries and some kirsch on this. It was certainly outclassed by the first flight, but held its own nicely in this group. I have always been a fan of these. This whole flight had the true to form Foley nose: creamy vanilla and cocoa. On nose alone, it was hard to distinguish these. The palate tells the story waiting to be told….<br />91 points<br /><br /><strong>2005 Pride Mountain Vineyards Vintner Select Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- I am onto these guys now. The 2-8% Petit Verdot is KEY to the whole pride CS lineup. This one does not have it being 100% Cabernet. It had a great array of black fruits with currant and blackberry being in control, but what it lacked was the fragrance of the two that bookended it. Dense and slightly tannic, this remained true to its cabernet lineage. A nice cab nonetheless. 90 points<br /><br /><strong>2005 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</strong>- We have arrived right back where we started---full circle. This had a wonderful pure breed quality that all its brethren had before it. (4.5% PV) Dense, chewy and flamboyant, this had the Foley-esque qualities that became a bit polarizing in the day. Some oak is evident with black tar, leather and tea. This is a medium weight wine with big bones and no excuses; this pleases all the senses above the neck. 94 points<br /><br />8 votes for Reserve WOTF, 1 regular and 3 VS. The rest gets…..blurry.<br /><br />The overall voting of WOTN is certainly not scientific. Let’s face it, I’m no Einstein. I can tell you the 2008 reserve had 5 votes (me too). The 2001 had 3 votes, the 2009 2 votes and the 2005 VS had 2 and 2005 Reserve Cab had 1 vote. See? Add that up. 13…..Einstein? I think not......<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yfQUGBwbX0/T3XBn7d6tXI/AAAAAAAAAy0/xjw7SsULyQk/s1600/steve.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725695392993686898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yfQUGBwbX0/T3XBn7d6tXI/AAAAAAAAAy0/xjw7SsULyQk/s320/steve.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-64092985841334262462012-03-06T06:51:00.003-08:002012-03-06T06:59:01.966-08:00CLONYC 29 - The Marston family Vineyard with Elizabeth Marston Leahy & Jamie LeahyThis CLONYC thing has morphed into something I could not even imagine when I first started nearly six years ago as we now have good fortune of hosting some of the worlds premiere winemakers. What I love best is meeting people behind the labels; people who have more passion for what they do in their pinky than many others in other walks of life have in their whole ‘selves’.<br /><br />Last nights Marston dinner with Elizabeth (Marston) and Jamie Leahy of Marston Family vineyard double downed on that thought. Nicer people you won’t find. A lively and fun evening of great people, food and oh yeah, wines was had by all.<br /><br />So let’s talk wine.<br /><br />Strangely, I do not think I ever had a Marston Cabernet. I am more of a ‘valley floor’ guy. These are serious wines that deserve your attention. They are certainly distinctive; I can’t say they remind me of anyone else’s wine I have had. Purity and focus is the key to these deep, dark and precious beauties. Elizabeth and Jamie brought two whites and six cabernets for the group to sample. Steve filled in with a few 2002s to make us a straight seven year vertical. I want to thank Elizabeth and Jamie for traveling to the countries east coast to share their wines, stories and passion. Thanks to Steve and Sue for the generous add-on of the 2002s.<br /><br />All wines were opened at 6pm with the exception of the 2002, which I believe was double decanted at about 3pm.<br /><br />Onward…..<br /><br /><strong>2009 Marston Family Vineyard Albion.</strong> This beautifully fragrant sauvignon Blanc blend (Sémillon 4%) has a wonderful balance while showing purity and elegance. Pretty fresh cut lemongrass, crushed stones with hints of grapefruit peel and spring flowers. Some interesting minerality revealed itself as it found its perfect window of drinking temp. Elizabeth mentioned that they wanted to create a white Bordeaux-like bottling. They have achieved just that. Simply beautiful.<br /><br /><strong>2010 Marston Family Vineyard Albion.</strong> Nothing simple about this one. It shows more earthy notes. This one shows a larger frame with more blunted fruits. The nose showed some tomato leaf within. Its youth evident, this displayed some great verve that was more in your face than its younger sibling. I would like to sample this one again, on my deck whilst grilling some shrimp.<br /><br /><strong>2002 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.</strong> The nose was floral with hints of violets, cassis and cardamom. Palate showed a precisely woven Cabernet with wonderful black currant, blackberry and cola. There was some plead pencil shavings, leather and cedar box. I could have sniffed this one all night. A perfect start to a fantastic round of Cabs that were to follow.<br /><br /><strong>2003 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.</strong> Although similar on the nose at first, this one went on a roller coaster ride quickly. From deep black filled fruits to edgy back to fragrant fruit. In one of the dips I got some metallic notes, but on the whole this was a fun gregarious wine with nice balance and lots of life left and tannins showed themselves to be in control.<br /><br /><strong>2004 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.</strong> This one started off like a brute and 'me' not being shy of the brutes loved the texture and focus it had. Pure cassis and kirsch notes were driving this pure cab. Alluring black cherry cola & sassafras with some plushiness and roundness---It had me at hello. Tremendous depth, this had a nice medium bodied mouth feel. Balance & structure was what this was all about.<br /><br /><strong>2005 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.</strong> Chunkier than those before her, this was one that could certainly have used a decant. It showed the Marston black fruit profile with more angles and intersections. Deep and dark with hints of leather, soy and graphite. I would love to see where this goes in about 4 years.<br /><br /><strong>2006 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.</strong> This was the most expressive wine of the group. Layer upon layer of black fruit goodness with lush undertones. Balanced perfectly, this flew high when accompanying food. Kirsch Royal laced sweet black currant with some roundness. The proverbial iron fist/velvet glove thing is well in play with this one. I got some notes of exotic tea leaf and spring flowers. The depth was incredible. This was the best of the 2004 and the 2005 wrapped into a neat little package. Reminded me of a 2002 Bryant I had a few years back. My WOTN.<br /><br /><strong>2007 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.</strong> In keeping with most 2007s Napa Cabs I have experienced, this certainly was attractive right out of the gate. It had the dark fruit thing going alongside, but what I find is a (and I hate to use this word) somewhat ho-hum version of the 2005 served earlier in the night. It’s well balanced and enjoyable; maybe it need many years in the bottle. If 2007s are wines made for the masses, count me as non-mass.<br /><br /><strong>2008 Marston Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.</strong>YIKERS!, this goes to the outer limits of all else before her. Simply delicious (And I DON’T use that word often). Big and flamboyant, this had some butter popcorn, white chocolate and bouncy sassafras in play. A medium bodied wine, this showed great structure and promise for a bright future. With most of these 2008s, I find them enjoyable very early in their lives. I also believe these will become amazing with half dozen years in the bottle; as this sat in the glass for an hour or so it became graceful and elegant while remaining well structured and prominent.<br />If you must open one, you best decant. I loved it.<br /><br />Not really being one to rate wines when the folks who have made a life of making them are sitting right next to me, I took a chance and went around the table for the groups 1,2 and 3. Elizabeth & Jamie were all too happy to play along, and as a matter of fact almost giddy to hear what the group had to say!<br />The 2006 was the clear WOTN. Bravo!<br /><br />1st place<br />2006 - 6 votes<br />2002 - 3 votes<br />2008 - 2 votes<br />2004 - 1 vote<br /><br />Runners up<br />2004 – 5 votes<br />2002 – 4 votes<br />2007, 2006 & 2003 all got 1 voteUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-27767857351377958152011-12-15T06:04:00.000-08:002011-12-15T06:05:37.331-08:00SLONYC 3.5 US-SYRAHUpon planning this one I ran into a tiny problem of 'conflicting schedules' during the holiday season with a bunch of invites going out and only 4 yes responses coming in. Never one to be defeated, I decided to march on and plan a smaller dinner with the 'yes' crowd. I booked a table for 4 at North Square. We grew to 6 quickly. The theme was Syrah from the US. A fun night as usual with lively & spirited conversation. The wines showed pretty great too. All the 'syrah' style-spectrums were covered on this night.<br /><br />2004 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard<br />Arriving last at the table I spied some cloudy straw colored stuff in front of my place setting. What do we have here? It was pure love, that’s what it was. Super aromatics of exotic fruits with Meyer lemons, pineapple, fresh cut flowers and a hint of hazelnuts. It was perfectly balanced. Fresh and vibrant, this had a creamy fleshy texture with some fresh cut grass notes. I loved this ‘surprise’ at my place setting.<br /><br />1999 JM Gerin Cote Rotie Champin le Seigneur<br />Most definitely has the French-funk. A bit thin, simple and non-memorable, to me. The more Francophile amongst us thought different as it sat in the glass.<br /><br />1998 Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz <br />Nose tells you there is going to be a reduction and you will be pouring it out. On the palate this showed less of what was expected and was quite nice. In 10 minutes time this became floral and gorgeous! No reduction now. Just pure red-black fruits of cherries & red raspberries. The nose was really beautiful. What an amazing transition.<br /><br />2002 Alban Reva<br />We have arrived in the new world and have burned our ship. There’s no going back now. This was big and brawny on the nose with black cherries and white pepper in control. Youthful and full of life, this needs 5 more years. As it sat it fleshed out and became more balanced and integrated. There was leather soy and earth amongst the blue-black fruits. An interesting and pretty great wine that just kept evolving in the glass. 5 first place votes<br /><br />2005 DuMol Eddie's Patch <br />A totally different direction this headed in. More pinot like than Syrah like, it was elegant and filled with cherries and spring flowers. More of a stylistic thing, this might have showed better (to me) sans ‘others’. It garnered one first place vote.<br /><br />2005 Kongsgaard Hudson <br />Somewhere in style between the Dumol and the Royal City about to come. Some nice deep black fruits on this one though with cassis, black raspberries and some plum. Hints of cedar and framboise with a bit of a lush mid-palate, this was large boned and pretty nice.<br /><br />2006 Charles Smith Royal City<br />Opened 3 hours) This had the sweet buttered popcorn thing happening. A bit of alcohol noticed upon entry, this needed to be decanted or aerated for longer. Time in the glass and this showed a ripe blue-black fruit profile with some worn leather and crème de cassis. It was glossy and well structured. Alongside the pepper encrusted steak with Dijon sauce this simply ROCKED. Its balance deft, this now had tons goodness. The most food friendly wine on this table-- this night. Glad to have brought it and glad I have more.<br /><br />2006 Cabot Aria's<br />Simple and nondescript, I think this a good wine just a bit outclassed this night.<br /><br />Alban- 5 votes WOTN<br />Dumol- 1 vote WOTN<br /><br />Looking forward to 2012, the CLONYC/SLONYC schedule is shaping up pretty pretty good with some exciting dinners on the horizon. <br /><br />Cheers to you and your families this holiday season!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-14155548976327663492011-10-05T09:04:00.000-07:002011-12-16T08:39:50.408-08:002001 Napa Cabernets. Ten years on, blind.<p align="left">I have always been a fan of the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage in Napa & Sonoma; always found them classically structured when compared to the more austere 1999s and somewhat fatter 2002s. With the ten year anniversary upon us it seemed about time to look into a slice of them with the group. 11 of us did just that last night at North Square in the Village. </p><br /><p align="left">There have been some deep discussions as of late about when to reveal wines during the night: do we reveal after each flight or wait until the end of the complete lineup. The group was pretty much divided in half with their preferences. I always liked the after flight option myself, especially in a double blind scenario. Last night we went with the other & it worked pretty good save for the wine number 5 (flight 2) garnering more points (54) than the second best wine in flight number 1 (wine 3). Sure it was good, but certainly not better than wine 3. This distraction aside, we all voted for wine of the night after all were tasted, but not revealed.</p><br /><br /><br /><p>Flight number One: Super flight of the night.</p><br /><br /><br /><p><u><strong>2001 Switchback Ridge Peterson Cabernet Sauvignon</strong></u>- Big boned and still quite tannic. A pretty nose of super black fruits, violets and cocoa. Pure and precise, this really opened as it sat in the glass into a wonderfully rich & expressive cab worthy of my table any ol’ day. Wonderfully Foley-esque. My WOTF. The whole group, including myself as WOTN with 10 votes 94Revisiting this at the end of the night just solidified my choice for WOTN. It was awesome.<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p><u><strong>2001 Bond Matriarch</strong></u>- Opened with notes of eucalyptus and mint. After a minute or two this went all black fruit and elegance and pretty much stayed the course. Medium weighted wine with great structure; this had a lot going for it. Black currants, blackberries and framboise and maybe just a hint of sassafras which I really enjoyed. Initially my WOTF, but edged out only by the Switchback Ridge. 93<br /></p><br /><u><strong>2001 Beringer Private Reserve</strong></u>- In a flight of such great cabs, this was nearly as great, but in a different style. More classically structured than the other two appealing more to the Francophile amongst us, and appeal it did. I found it to be showing its age with some interesting secondaries popping through. Hints of cedar, spice-box and rubbed leather, this had notes of forest floor. A bit redder than the other two and certainly more food friendly as it has a wee-bit more acidity as well. Fully resolved and should drink well for a long time. 90<br /><br /><strong>Flight number Two: What can I say?<br /></strong><br /><u><strong>2001 Seavey</strong></u>- Nose of reduction which was distracting, as always. Reddish black fruits with hints of cherries, currants and plum, it just never really inspired anything beyond so it became dump #2. Too bad. N/R<br /><br /><u><strong>2001 Phelps Backus</strong></u>- Initially seemed a bit overdone in the ripeness area, this came around with glass-time. Interesting Cab that just seemed outclassed by the first three. It became my drink with appetizer, but probably more by default than really earning it. WOTF by default. 89<br /><br /><u><strong>2001 Araujo Eisele</strong></u> - Remember, these are blind. Totally disjointed and displaced, this seemed a bit tired. It had fruit. It had other stuff. What it did not have was ‘time in my glass’. It was actually the first dump of the night. N/R<br /><br /><strong>Flight number three: can we now get back on track?</strong><br /><br /><u><strong>2001 Opus One</strong></u>- Who poured number three for me again? This had some correct black and red fruits with hints of cedar and earth but anytime I use correct, best not believe it to be too good a thing. Uninspiring. Again, the Francophiles liked it better than I. 88<br /><br /><u><strong>2001 Kathryn Kennedy Cabernet Sauvignon</strong></u>- In the running to be one of the prettiest wines in the bunch, this was all about nose. Great black currant, black raspberries and black cherries. Nicely balanced and classy, this was my WOTF. 92<br /><br /><u><strong>2001 Abreu Madrona</strong></u>- I think this a bit flawed. Some cardboard was within a layer of decent black fruits of cassis and plum. It turned a bit mushroom-y as it sat and then it sat no more….dump. N/R<br /><br /><strong>Flight number 4; Give me shelter!</strong><br /><br /><u><strong>2001 David Arthur Elevation 1147</strong></u>- Who brought the Shiraz? No, really?<br />This had a sweetness that just seemed…wrong. Maybe some blue fruits amongst the black did not help. It was a pleasant wine with lots of currants and plums. The balance seemed pretty good too; just the Shiraz thing is a tough hurdle to get over so late in the line-up, if ever. 88<br /><br /><u><strong>2001 Merus</strong></u>- OK, who brought the Mark Herold wine? No, really? I had the advantage of playing tonight’s lineup single blind which gave me the advantage to know that there was a 2001 Merus in the lineup, and this was it. It had a decidedly Herold style to it. It was super black with hints of warm vanilla and cardamom. Loads of black cassis and black plum skins, this really shown late in the night, and was really needed and appreciated. Tannins large but well behaved and acidity seemed lithy. Just a great wine that happened to come after flight number One. 92<br /><br /><u><strong>2001 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon</strong></u>- Classically structured and precise, I was thinking Beringer in style as I knew Beringer PR was in the house. Reddish black fruits with cardamom and. wonderfully balanced and yes, we are in the heart of Napa. Very youthful with tons of life ahead. A really nice wine that only suffered due to placement placement. 91Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-37391917864965153262011-08-04T06:55:00.001-07:002012-04-03T06:37:29.398-07:00CLONYC 27 'Got Karl?' The Karl Lawrence Reserves.On a rainy Wednesday in August during a temporary break from the heat waves we (a humble group of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Napa</span> Cabernet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sauvignon</span> aficionados) gathered to partake in what we love best: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Napa</span> Cabernet. Not just any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Napa</span> Cabernet, this was a night of reserves from one of the better reserve houses in the valley, Karl Lawrence.<br /><br />As a starter, Steve poured his newly released <strong>Congruence Zinfandel</strong>. This was my first taste and I was impressed. Not pretending to be an aficionado of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Zin</span>, I did notice its easy approach and its slight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">zestiness</span>, great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">minerality</span> and perfect balance. A very pleasing and honest wine. Well done, Steve.<br /><br />Now lets drink us some Cabernet…<br />3 flights of 3 wines and 1 flight of 2 wines. I kept the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Morisolis</span> up front since we had 6, and I started with the oldest.<br /><br /><strong>1997 Karl Lawrence Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Morisoli</span> Reserve</strong><br />This was showing either its age or vintage characteristics I have come to expect from many a 97. Fruit, although slightly present, was reddish black. There was some cedar, some worn leather and dried <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cassis</span>. This lacked a wee bit of acidity and was fully resolved. 88<br /><br /><strong>1999 Karl Lawrence Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Morisoli</span> Reserve</strong><br />Now we’re talking. This had more stuffing and bolder fruits of blackberries and black cherries. Some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">crème</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">cassis</span>, cola, pomegranate and more. It had the prettiest nose of the three in the flight. As it sat, I found an interesting array of blueberries and sour cherries. It had perfect balance and is probably in its best spot right now. Just an elegant and near perfect wine with a 23.6 second finish. 7 people made it their number one in the flight. so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">WOTF</span>. 93<br /><br /><strong>2001 Karl Lawrence Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Morisoli</span> Reserve</strong><br />More guts….more glory? That’s what we will see. This had the darkest fruit profile with the most backward attack of this group. Tremendous mouths feel with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">lilty</span> balance. Tannins were complicated and at full attention, this danced over the tongue like a ballerina on steroids. Of the group, this was most in my immediate wheelhouse. Long finish kept the fruits alive. 3 people had this as their number 1. I had it as my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">WOTF</span>. 95<br /><br />The next flight was an interesting one for sure; it showed a slightly different profile for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Morisoli</span> Reserves. What I found was these stayed true to vintage.<br /><br /><strong>2002 Karl Lawrence Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Morisoli</span> Reserve</strong><br />This had the fat 2002 nose I have come to know form the half a million or so 2002s I have had. They fulfill in a totally different way and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">yin</span>-yang wines tonight and usually anytime would be a 2001 and a 2002 of the same label. It was redder and more soda pop like (in a good way). I got the cola AND the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">uncola</span>. It had a big structure but wore the clothing loosely. Rounder and fuller with slightly awkward tannins and slightly higher acidity. The interesting this was this stayed true to the vineyard still. A fun & whimsical wine that I would not mind having more of on any snowy quiet Saturday afternoon….. 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">WOTF</span> votes. 92<br /><br /><strong>2004 Karl Lawrence Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Morisoli</span> Reserve</strong><br />In keeping with the vintage <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">typicity</span> thing, this was a 2004 that showed like one; that is to say in my humble estimation, is slightly reminiscent of the 02s while having some more structure. What I have also found is the fruit is going slightly rogue on these. They lay low in the background and taunt you. It was blacker and more evenly balanced in the tannin/acidity department. This might have shown better a year or so back, or it might be napping, albeit a cat nap. I hope the latter as I grabbed some for really really cheap last season. 90<br /><br /><strong>2005 Karl Lawrence Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Morisoli</span> Reserve</strong><br />This was the boldest, more flamboyant of the whole group of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Morisolis</span> that came before it. It had an intensity and purity that was again, typical of vintage, but still maintained the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Morisoli</span> brand. Such a fantastically cerebral wine, this has guts to go. Currant and blackberry ruled, this had some lead pencil shavings, hints of vanilla and spice box. A medium plus weighted mouth feel with slightly edgy tannins and high-wire balanced acidity. Strangely enough, as this sat, it got slightly hallow for a time, and then returned to be even darker and purer. I kept some for the long run. Interesting. 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">WOTF</span> votes (as mine). 94<br /><br />This flight was evenly split between the 2002 and the 2005. Certainly, style preference is in control.<br /><br /><strong>2001 Karl Lawrence Herb Lamb Reserve<br /></strong>While I really wanted to love this, I could not get beyond an ever so slight medicinal note that I could never really get past. After some time another at the table had mentioned the same. 4 number 1 votes for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">WOTF</span>. n/r<br /><br /><strong>2002 Karl Lawrence Herb Lamb Reserve</strong><br />Corked, tainted, whatever we are calling it these days, it was. The discussion at to flawed/not flawed kept the table in turmoil until the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Poobah</span> put his foot down for a vote. 4 voted flawed. I need a new set of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">CLONYCers</span> going forward…. n/r<br /><br /><strong>2005 Karl Lawrence Herb Lamb Reserve</strong><br />Back to the tracks. This was beautiful. Notes are thin though. Reddish black fruits of currant and raspberries. A little floral for a big boned wine. This had poise and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">pizzazz</span>. I let this sit and it got darker and fuller, while becoming more fragrant. 6 votes for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">WOTF</span>. 93<br /><br /><strong>2002 Karl Lawrence <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Beckstoffer</span> To-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Kalon</span> Reserve</strong><br />Wow. This was pure and purely To-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Kalon</span>; sweet black fruits were in control with the creamy mid-palate. Just an amazing wine that was different that anything else on the night. Perfectly resolved with lots of life, this had hints of mocha and vanilla. Some leather, cedar, and hints of graphite. Finesse-full and never coy, this was just a complete Cabernet, one in a style this group has had much experience with, and the oohs and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">aahs</span> proved it. 96.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">WOTN</span> was evenly balanced between the ’99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Morisoli</span> and the ’02 To-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Kalon</span>.<br /><br />All in all a fantastic array of well bred wines. The family traits were apparent with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Morisolis</span>, and the ‘class’ obvious all around. As an interesting contrast, we had the good fortune to have a magnum of the <strong>2002 Karl Lawrence regular</strong> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Napa</span> cab as cleanup and you spotted the pedestrian qualities it carried in such a revered group. A great night indeed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498523066238130817.post-40829966340643494732011-06-24T06:26:00.000-07:002011-06-24T06:32:21.186-07:00Napa - Bordeaux Slap-fest II<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">And so it goes, just another contentious night of Cali Cab guys mixing it up with <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bordeaux</st1:place></st1:city> guys. Nothing unusual BUT the outcome. I have no clue what was accomplished other than dinner with a bunch of loudmouths. (Well almost).</span></p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">I laughed, I nearly cried, I could have/should have wrote more detailed notes, but I didn’t -–just too much happening for that.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">I am going to approach this from a different angle; I am going to tell you what I did not like first. We tasted 11 red wines and hated the <strong>2002 Merus</strong> (#10 on the night, Steve, please don't EVER LISTEN TO ME AGAIN! Bring what you want next time.), the <strong>2004 Buccella</strong> (#9 on the night), and the <strong>2002 Blankiet Merlot</strong> (#2). The first two were like candied framboise mixed with soda-pop and vanilla. The latter was just a funky & messy nightmare. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>There were a few <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Bordeaux</st1:city></st1:place> I dumped ASAP, but that was based on style preference. The <strong>2001 <st1:place st="on">Cos</st1:place> D’Estournel</strong> and a <strong>2000 Pontet-Canet</strong>. The <strong>2000 Figeac</strong> had me nonplussed as well. I think it a well made wine, just not for me. The <strong>2001 Montelena Estate</strong> has proven again that it is a style I am not a big fan of; I was told this needs some time, but can time fix my issues with it? I am not buying it. It was more in the style of the ‘old guard’ Cabs. </span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Whew, I feel better. I had to get that off my chest.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Now I will tell you what I had liked: I think the <strong>2000 L’Evangile</strong> (#6 on the night) was pretty amazing. It was perfectly balanced with great red-black fruits of cherries, plum and raspberries. A near mesmerizing finish really made this memorable. </span></p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">The <strong>2001 Shafer Hillside</strong> (#3 on the night) was only opened about an hour. It evolved in the glass and became sweet black fruits with cassis, black cherry, cola and more. The <strong>2003 Pavie</strong> needed some air-time but was outshined by the L’Evangile, but I still enjoyed it. The <strong>2004 Caymus Special Selection</strong> was in my ‘group of four’ favorites. It had wonderful balance and mouth feel with some pretty floral notes and a solid cassis driven fruit profile with hints of cola, leather and cardamom.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">I would be remiss if I did not tell you about one of the 3 whites a few attendees graciously brought as starters (thanks!).</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong></strong></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>1996 Rollin Corton-Charlemagne</strong>. Cripes! This was awesome. A lilt little number with hints of some fresh soft Meyer lemon, graphite, petroleum jelly and spring flowers. Perfectly balanced and precise, a light to medium weighted mouth feel, this just glides over the tongue. Very nice indeed.</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">A great time was had.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0