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Wine Journal Index by Producers by Region -
    
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Wine
- Notes and Comments - (See
Key
- See
Rating Wines)
New to wine?
See my
Getting Started - Wine Tasting 101!
Back to Previous Tasting
Journal Page
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May 20, 2010 -
Robert Craig Napa Valley Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 - RM91- Deep purple color. Huge
ripe berry fruit aromatics. Dark, full body, ripe
berry fruit, accented by a undercurrent of caramel
with a hint of anise, tobacco and firm full tannins
on the long fruit filled finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com//wine.asp?iWine=323482
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May 17, 2010 -
Turn Four Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
- RM91- Deep dark purple color. Medium bodied. Not
highly complex but wow - tasty! Rich forward black
and blue fruits - spicy clove, hint of cinnamon and
vanilla and a touch of black pepper on the long
flavorful finish. I bought this bottle while
traveling in Colorado Springs. Good value at $20.
Buy it if you can find it.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=767489 |
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May 16, 2010 - Behrens
& Hitchcock Mendocino County Merlot 1998 - RM 84:
Fruit has diminished - whiskey taste
predominates followed by black licorice anise,
leather and hint of black cherry the remaining
remnant of fruit flavor.
http://cellartracker.com/w?55615 |
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May 13, 2010 -
Ashland Park Spring Mountain District Cabernet
Sauvignon 2006 - RM 89 -
Purplish ruby color - fragrances of mulberry,
black cherries and blackberry with a hint of cloves;
Rich and silky mouth feel with good structure and
balance, chalk-like tannins; and fine acidity on the
finish. Better after being open several hours.
http://cellartracker.com/w?581361 .
Tasted
w/ L at
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ Alec serving. |
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May 9, 2010 - Phillippe
Melka 'CJ' Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 -
RM 91: For Mother's Day dinner, a wine
dedicated to the winemaker's kids! Wow.
Did we drink other bottles too soon? This bottle was
better than one's tasted earlier. Is Phillippe
Melka's Bordeaux heritage of longer lived wines
coming through? This bottle exhibited more depth and
breadth than before - spicy oak, red currant, and
black raspberry fruits accented with hints of cedar,
subtle eucalyptus and smoke, giving way to a hint of
mocha and licorice on a smoky tannin finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?19571
Hanna Sonoma Valley Bismark Ranch Merlot
1999 - RM 88: Medium bodied,
subdued black berry fruit, leather and hint of
spice. Overshadowed by bigger, fuller, more forward
Melka CJ 2001 tasted along-side.
http://cellartracker.com/w?90636
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Rosemount
Balmoral Mclaren Vale Valley Shiraz 1995
- RM 90
$39 -
Dark
full flavor, over ripe berry, raisin, notes of
blueberry, plum fruit, with spice and anise. Showing
age on opening but opened and softened with a long
full complex finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=12022
Tasted at
Angeli's Restaurant
for Mother's Day dinner w/ L, Erin, Evelyn & Keith,
Barb & Kevin, Sean, Will & Sarah, and Alec serving.
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May 8, 2010 - Duckhorn Napa Valley Howell
Mountain Merlot Blend 1990 -
RM 89
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Surprising life left in this twenty year old Napa
blend. Dark garnet color. Medium bodied, moderate
tannins throughout with black currant and berry
fruits offset by subtle vanilla and oak. Merlot 57%,
Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Cabernet Franc 13% -
Tasted at hme w/ L and Alec returning home from IU.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=367310 |
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May 7, 2010 - Seventy Five Wine Company '75'
North Coast cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - Needs
time to shed a slight harsh edge ... Dark color,
tangy spice, long lingering graphite finish
predominate over blue and red fruits. |
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May 6, 2010 - Murphy-Goode Napa Valley Fume
Blanc 2008 - RM 85 - Tasted at Cafe 29 in
Huntsville. |
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May 4, 2010 - Guenoc California Petit Sirah
2007 - RM 79 - Aroma and predominant
flavors of a slightly funky combination of
wintergreen mint, sour cherry and musty damp grass
with a lingering cedar mint finish offset by an
essence from the barnyard. They spared Lily from
adorning and gracing this non-estate bottling label.
This would've been best left to someone elses'
bottling/label. Tasted by the glass at
Connor's Steak & Seafood in Huntsville.
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May 1,
2010 - Flinders Run,
Southern Flinders Ranges,
Baroota, Australia,
Shiraz
2005 -
RM
93 -
Dark inky colour. Full bodied, elegant rich thick
chewy symphony of flavors of sweet currant, ripe
plum, red raspberry, blueberry, a hint of pepper,
vanilla, and spice, and a lingering essence of creme
brulee' burnt sugar and cedar on the soft finish.
Taken to Eric and Cathy's for a tasting.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=421985
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April 30, 2010 - Suhr Luchtel Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - RM 91
$40/26 - Full-bodied, aromas of vanilla, cinnamon,
mocha, tobacco and blackberry. Complex with flavors
of cassis, black cherry, plum and raspberry accented
with nicely integrated full tannins.
The fruit is sourceed from hillside vineyards on
Atlas Peak (70%) a young vineyard up on Howell
Mountain (28%), Oak Knoll (1), and Mt Veeder
(1%).Small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc (1%
each) are added. This wine is the result of
collaboration between two long time friends Don Surh
and Gary Luchtel who make approximately 3000 cases a
year of small batches of carefully crafted wines
from purchased fruit.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=886069
Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 -
RM89 - Overshadowed
by the bigger, more polished, complex and flavorful
Sur Luchtel. A challenge in a comparison tasting is
that an otherwise pleasant drinking noteable wine is
diminished. Medium bodied, dark berry, black cherry,
hint of cedar and cassis on a moderate tannin
finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=344026
Taken to Pat's for dinner & tasting. |
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April 27, 2010
- Grand Cru Vineyards California Merlot 2005
- RM 82 - Medium bodied, cedar, leather and mineral
overshadow the black cherry and dark berry fruit on
this respectable but rather simple and basic daily
'house' wine at Front Page
in Arlington, Balston, VA ...
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April 24, 2010 - John Duval 'Entity' Barossa
Valley Shiraz 2004 - RP 95 RM 93 WS 92 - $34 -
Medium bodied, easy drinking sweet creme brulee'
with that burnt sugar and vanilla taste intermixed
with plum, red raspberry laced with camphor on the
long smooth finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?184522
Kalleske Greenock Barossa Valley Shiraz 2005 -
RM 91 - Intense,
full bodied, inky colour, thick chewy tongue-coating black cherry,
plum, creme de cassis and a hint of black pepper.
http://cellartracker.com/w?275934 Tasted
w/ L - taken to Bob & Gloria's birthday dinner
party. |
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April 22, 2010
- Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2007
- RM 86 - Easy drinking, pleasant, good
value - light bodied, opaque purple color - scent of
strawberry, flavors black cherry, subtle spice, hint
of smoke. Tasted at Carson's Bistro in Ann Arbor.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=570853 |
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April 20,
2010 - Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005
- RM 87 points: Bright vivid red berry and
black fruits give way to tar , smoke, a hint of
mocha on a firm, slightly hard edged finish with a
subtle whiskey or cognac tone. -
http://cellartracker.com/w?489505 Tasted @
Flemming's Steak House in Beaver Creek. |
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April 19, 2010
- Keenan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
- RM 91 - Deep bright dark garnet colour. Forward
full bodied fruit with chewy plum, black raspberry
and currant flavors.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=376910
: Arrowood Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
1998 - RM 87 -
Leathery,
earthy subdued currant, black cherry, berry and plum
with a smooth refined but short finish. Tasted from
magnum.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=12044
Taken BYOB to gala RG team dinner at Zsa
Zsa's in St Charles. |
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April 18, 2010
- Reignac Bordeaux Superiere 2003 - RM 87 -
Tobacco, subtle tar and leather predominate over the
black fruit notes.
http://cellartracker.com/w?62791 Tasted at home w/ L, Sean & Alec. |
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April 17, 2010 -
Evergreen Vineyards "Spruce Goose" Pinot Noir,
Willamette Valley 2005 -RM 86 - Somewhat
closed and tight with subdued
fruit - black cherry, hint of strawberry and plum,
dusty rose petal and moderate firm tannin finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?407676 ; R
Stuart Big Fire Oregon Pinot Noir 2007 - RM
88 - Flavorful berry, cherry, red raspberry and plum
fruit with moderate tannin finish. Great
accompaniment to "Linda's Salad" and
Bellavitano cheese.
http://cellartracker.com/w?540948
Tasted w/ L at
Salt Creek Wine Bar in Brookfield.
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April
16, 2010 - Chateau
Ducru Beaucaillou St. Julien Bordeaux 1981 -
RM89 - From earlier
tastings - Medium bodied, classic left bank Bordeaux
bouquet of floral and perfume with that elegant and
well integrated classic earthy leather that gives
way to berry, black cherry, a hint of anise,
vanilla, plum and a lengthy finish. Breaking
out a 1981 Bordeaux, Erin's birth-year wine as we
celebrate news and all being together. Still life
left in this mature St Julien, Bordeaux, but need to
be mindful of last two bottles and large format dbl
magnum remaining. Other reviews -
RP 88/100 (Ed 1998) "One of
the Medoc's more successful wines, the 1981 has
reached full maturity. It exhibits a dark
ruby/purple color, and a moderately attractive nose
of minerals and jammy cranberry fruit intermixed
with black currants. In the mouth, this wine has
lost its baby fat, revealing medium body, and an
elegant, measured personality. Pure, with
well-integrated tannin, this is a stylish, graceful
Ducru-Beaucaillou. Wine Spectator: 89/100 (10-1994)
A wonderful balance of rich fruit and silky tannins,
with plum, vanilla and light tar character.
Full-bodied and tannic yet so well integrated;
excellent harmony. Drinkable now but better after
1998. - Frank Dubourdieu : 90/100 (Ed 09-2000).
http://cellartracker.com/w?22740
DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Cave
Blend 2000 - RM 90 -
Big floral and perfume bouquet, huge full forward
fruit accented by sweet currant - almost cognac
flavor, dark ripe cherry, spice, a hint of anise and
licorice on the long moderate tannin finish. Much
bigger and brighter than earlier tastings. - 73%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 8% Sangiovese
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=460970
Tasted
w/ L, Erin & Johnnie, Sean, Will, and Sara G at
Angeli's Restaurant
Alec home for the weekend and serving.
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April 15, 2010
-
Anderson's
Conn Valley Vineyards Eloge 2000
- RM 91 -
Very tasty - huge floral perfume -
berry and currant fruits with a
cedar tone and hint of mocha on the
long soft tannin finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?19544
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Chateau Gontey St Emilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux 2004 - RM 87 -
Firm tannins throughout with
leather, slightly astringent earthy
black cherry, blackberry and cedar
on the firm tannin finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?877858
:
William Fevre
Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2007 -
RM 86
http://cellartracker.com/w?668857
: Served
as
Grand Flight wine
tasting at Grand Cru Wine
Store and Vineria in
Ballston, Arlington, VA. |
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April 12, 2010
- Hidden Ridge 551/2° Slope Sonoma Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon 2005 - RM 92 WE 95 -
From the western side
of Spring Mountain, just inside the Sonoma County
line. Full bodied, nicely integrated firm tannins
throughout with flavorful mouth-full of blue and red
fruit flavors with tones of spice and chocolate
accenting the rich fruit. What a find! This is a
wine from one of our favorite winemakers Marco
DiGuilio! Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon 2006 - RM 88 - Slight edge of
earthy cedar, spice, pepper and graphite offset the
blackberry and dark fruits with a subtle acid layer
of moderate ripe fruit offset with firm nice tannin
structure to this nicely balanced, firm Napa
cab. The Hidden Ridge is a great complement to filet
of beef at Morton's
Steak House Crystal City, Arlington.
Tasted w/ DZ and AC.
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April 09, 2010 - Clark-Claudon Estate Grown Napa
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 - RM 88 points:
Somewhat closed and flabby, the fruit is muted.
Like Dominus (86) and some top Bordeaux (89-90
Pichon Lalande) that I later learned I drank too
early when they finally 'awoke' to reveal their true
character and fruits years later? Initial black
cherry fruit, subtle tone of cigar bar - after an
hour it started to open to reveal subtle tones of
mocha. Full bodied with well integrated tannins
throughout. Still have two thirds of case left so
will try again soon to see how it develops. Tasted
w/ L at
Angeli's Restaurant.
Tom Clark & Laurie Claudon-Clark were featured
producers during our
Napa Wine Experience 1999.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=436557.
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April 08, 2010 - Erath Pinot Noir
Estate 2008 - RM 84 - Light body - a
little green - a bit awkward. Earthy cherry, plum,
dusty spice, a subtle smokiness and soft tannins on
the finish. Not really worthy of one would expect of
the winelist at Morten's
Steak House Crystal City, Arlington.
Tasted w/ DZ and 'Gunny'.
http://cellartracker.com/w?825011
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April 6, 2010 -
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles Barossa Valley 2008
- RM 86 - Jammy full fruit - ripe plum almost subtle
cotton candy, tinny mineral, spice,
earth turns to green
olive on a moderate finish. Blend of 60% Grenache,
and equal parts of Shiraz and Mataro. Tasted by the
glass at Tallulah wine bar in
Arlington.
http://cellartracker.com/w?637336
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April 3, 2010
- Freeman Vineyard and Winery Sonoma County Russian
River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 - RM 88 -
Medium-light bodied - subdued black cherry, cola
flavors are overtaken by spice, pepper, earthy dusty
rosehips. Tasted at home w/ L, Ryan and Michelle.
http://cellartracker.com/w?470519
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April 2, 2010
- Lewis Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Reserve 2000 - RM 93 - Delicious - symphony
of black and red fruits accented by red currant
turning to subtle vanilla and hint of milk chocolate
at the end. Full bodied but smooth and polished with
well integrated tannins on the long polished
flavorful finish. A minor slight edge renders
slightly less than flawless. Tasted at home with
Linda with farm sourced beef steaks celebrating new
start on Monday.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=17212
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March 31, 2010 - Paradigm Napa Valley
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 - RM 89 -
Fragrant, soft supple tannin, medium body, the
layers of cherry and black currant fruit are being
overtaken by earthy leather, licorice, and herbs,
with under-currants of spice and cedar.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=5875
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March 29, 2010
- Christian Moueix Pomerol 2005 - RM 88 - I
figured if world famous Christian Meouix put his
name on the bottle it must be respectable and I was
not disappointed. Great value in this simple
fundamentally sound merlot with a highlight of 5%
cabernet franc Bordeaux blend from a classic
vintage. Nice well rounded smooth silky dark berry
fruits with a moderate structure and slight leathery
soft tannin finish. Great compliment to grilled
steaks w/ Scott E at Ray's Steak in
Arlington Clarendon.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=443092
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March 28, 2010 -
Merryvale Profile Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Blend - RM 89: Consistent with earlier tasting
notes. Showing a little age, needed an hour to open
to fully reveal its fruit - floral and earthy
leather bouquet - flavors of black cherry, black
fruit, subtle cedar, bright floral violets on the
moderate tannin finish. Not as much structure or
backbone, a bit lighter body than what one might
expect and a bit short on the finish - perhaps the
fruit is starting to fall off a bit... Not flawed
but probably has peaked for this modest vintage.
Served up the gold label w/ L for Bob and Gloria to
celebrate their 'Golden' 24 on the 24th anniversary
at
Angeli's Restaurant.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=10090
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March 28, 2010 - Robert Mondavi Reserve Napa
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 - RM 90 -
Wow, I probably drank most of this case of this
Reserve too young!, like I did too many of my 80's
decade Bordeaux'. For a long time, this was rather
closed and tight, only to now open up to truly
reveal its complex, full bodied dark cherry, black
berry fruits and long nicely integrated tannin
finish. I gave several bottles to the charity
auctions over the years - probably to be
under-appreciated for not revealing their potential.
Slightly astringent on opening but softened over
time. Needs decanting for aeration and to collect
the sediment. Tasted at home with L, Johnny & Erin.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=187178 |
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March 26, 2010
- Robert Craig Affinity Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon Blend 2007 - RP 96 - RM 93 - Just
received release shipment from the winery. Initially
a bit tight and closed but after an hour opened up
to show wonderful black and blue berry fruits, red
currant and slight hint of mocha - complex,
polished, velvety well integrated smooth silky
tannins on a big long soft finish. Tasted w/ L and
Mark D at
Angeli's Restaurant.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=802059
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March 24, 2010 - Conn Creek Napa Valley
Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 -
RM 87 - Great value in this easy drinking cab.
Bright ripe dark cherry and blackberry, mocha, spice
and subtle coffee on the dried fruit moderate
finish. Blend: 82% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec,
2% Petit Verdot. Tasted w/ Don Z and Merk G at
Kora Italian restaurant eatery and lounge
in Crystal City, Arlington. |
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March 22, 2010
- Robert Craig Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 - RM 91 -
Slight edge and 'hot'
streak to this initially ... gives way to
full forward tasty black and red berry
fruits, red currant and slight spice and
hint of chocolate and sweet oak. Several
days later opens further to release essence of
floral perfume, smoke and anise on top of the
fruits. |
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March 20, 2010
- Silver Oak Cellars Alexander Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon 1983
- RM 90 - Dark garnet, slightly brickish
color emerging on the edges. Still holding
up and showing dark berry and black cherry
fruit, accented by subtle oak, smoky tar and
cassis on a moderate long silky tannin
finish.
Gundlach Bundschu
Sonoma Valley
Rheinfarm Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1983
-
RM 87 - Super ripe
fruit - taking on predominant forward
raisiny, prune tones, accents of leather and
black cherry with subtle tones of smoke, tar
and cassis. Two Michelle birth-year
wines taken to Ryan & Michelle's family
celebration dinner for Michelle's birthday
and grad school graduation. Tasted w/ L,
E&J, D family. |
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March 19, 2010 - Cloud
View Pritchard Hill Napa Valley Red Wine 2001
- RM 88 - Dark garnet color - subdued nose - full
bodied, firm forward smoky, leathery dark berry
fruit, charcoal, hints of anise, acidic, zesty spice
on a long firm tannin finish. 57% merlot,
43%cabernet sauvignon; tasted at home w/ L with
grilled tenderloin filets & artisanal cheeses. |
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March 18, 2010 - Hall
Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall Napa Valley 2006
- RM 93 - WS 96 - BIG cab - full bodied - forward big fruit
filled, firm, silky smooth polished black berry, red
raspberry, hint of cedar, with full well integrated
tannins on a long vanilla finish. Frank
Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 -
RM91 - WS 91 WE 91-
Dark color, firm full
bodied, black cherry, blackberry with spice,
hint of vanilla and roasted nut on the long
smooth tannin finish. Blend of
Cabernet Sauvignon 81% Merlot 13% Petit
Verdot 4% and Cabernet Franc 2%. Tasted w/ Jan & Bill
@ home in HB. |
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March 17, 2010 - Cade
Napa Valley Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 -
RM 91 - Owen Roe The
Prisoner 2008 - RM 90 - Tasted w/ DZ, Mike
F, Ryan, Ted, Mark and Rob at Spaghettini's in Seal
Beach. |
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March 16, 2010 -
Rombauer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 -
RM 88 - Dark garnet
color - firm, a bit tight, moderately firm body -
black berry and black raspberry fruit flavors give
way to tar - creosote with a slightly hard firm
finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?796777 -
Tasted w/ DZ, Mike F, Ryan, Ted at Spaghettini's in
Seal Beach. |
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March 14, 2010 - Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
St Julien Bordeaux 1982 - RM 93 - I was
slightly concerned and skeptical upon opening with
brackish colour and funky odor but it quickly opened
to revealed classic Bordeaux black berry and black
cherry fruits, earthy leather, tobacco and hints of
cigar box. This was smooth, well balanced and
polished and still has several years life left.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1769;
Chateau Brane-Cantenac Margaux Bordeaux 1982;
RM 87 -
Subdued slightly tart black fruits and
subtle leather and cedar give way to floral
highlights in the moderate finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=22706;
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Pauillac Bordeaux 1984
- RM 88 - What a pleasant surprise - life left in
this 25 year old from a modest vintage - I didn't
expect the stable, only slightly tart balanced black
cherry and black berry fruit accented by subtle
cigar box, leather and a hint of anise with medium
body and smooth moderate tannin finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=133427
Men's getaway retreat & celebration from bridal
shower for Will C and Kate at C's with Will, Bill (Sr),
Rusty and Drew. Great complement to artisanal
cheeses, beef tenderloin, chocolates. |
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March 13, 2010
- Darioush Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 -
RM 89 - Dark color - big
forward firm intense dark fruit - black cherry, dark
berry, tobacco, cigar box and touch of leather. Not
for the feint of heart - good complement to the big
bold zesty Italian food.
http://cellartracker.com/w?457615; Hall
T-Bar-T Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 -
RM 90 - Dark color - medium bodied, smooth
polished silky texture, berry, red currant fruits
with tones of creme caramel. Better than when tasted
and purchased at the winery almost a decade ago -
(below).
http://cellartracker.com/w?26835 ; Revisiting
wines from E & J's Napa trip. Tasted w/ L, Alec,
Erin & Johnnie, Sean and Megan D
at
Angeli's Restaurant.
These bottles were tasted and purchased
during our
Napa Wine Experience 2003
-
Darioush and
Napa Valley Wine Experience 2003 - Hall Vineyards.
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March 10, 2010
- Ramey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
- RM 90; Faust Napa valley cabernet
sauvignon 2006 - RM 89; Caymus Napa
Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - RM
93 - Incredibly smooth - soft silky finely
integrated tannins - mocha laced with red currant
and red raspberry, blueberry fruit with soft oak. Tasted at Ruth's Chris in Crystal City,
Arlington.
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March 09, 2010 -
Antinori Sangiovese Santa Cristina Toscana IGT 2008
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT - RM 86 -
Medium bodied, firm, dark black cherry fruit,
leather, hint of anise on a
moderate tannin finish.
Tiziano Chianti Riserva 2005 Italy, Tuscany,
Toscana IGT - RM 84 - Dark slightly metallic,
black cherry fruit on a moderate short finish.
Tasted at Ristoranti Murali,
Pentagon Row.
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March 08, 2010 -
Chateau La Croix Cardinal
Grand Cru St Emilion 2005 - RM 88 Firm but
approachable tannins predominate - dark, medium full
bodied, dark fruits of black berry and black
raspberry with dusty rose petals, leather and hint
of anise.;
http://cellartracker.com/w?564907 -
Reflets du Chateau Cissac Haut Medoc 2005
-RM 86; Medium to light bodied - modest fruit - dark
berry, hint of leather and anise.
http://cellartracker.com/w?549889
Tasted w/ DZ at
Bastille Restaurant in Alexandria. |
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March 06, 2010
- Cloudy Bay New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=591001)
- RM 88 - Tropical fruits,
citrus, nut and subtle herbs, flavorful with full,
intense long mineral acid finish: Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-pape 1996
(http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=5098)
- RM 88 - Brackish dark color, subdued
nose, medium body, complex layers of black cherry
accented by subtle black pepper, spice and tobacco
box giving way to slightly earthy leathery red
fruits on a silky tannin finish.
;
Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-pape 2006 (http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=476442)
- RM 89 - Dark garnet purple color - bright
lively core of black cherry, blackberry and
raspberry fruits with moderate tannin finish.
; Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-pape 2006 (http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=608878)
- RM 91 - Complex layers
of dark fruits - black cherry, blackberry and
raspberry fruits with finely integrated silky
tannins. Tasted w/ L at Bill and Beth C's w/ shrimp,
fruit, chocolates, artisanal cheeses, and delightful
beef filets dinner with grilled asparagus and sweet
potato.
Visited Beaucastel and Mont-Redon during
our
Rhone Valley /Provence Wine Experience. |
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March 4, 2010 -
Morgan Gary's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot
Noir 2007 - RM 89 - Tasted at Main Street
Wine Bar and Cellars - Huntington Beach, CA.
Groth Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007 -
Tasted at Scott's Seafood, South Coast
Center, Costa Mesa, CA. |
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March 3, 2010 -
Mount Veeder Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
- RM 90 - Deep garnet color. Layers of brambly dark
berry, cassis and mocha, rich concentrated with
flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, chocolate and
cassis. Good structure and well-balanced, with
fine-grained tannins and a long finish of cassis and
sweet vanilla. Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%
Merlot, 5% Syrah, 2% Malbec and Petite Verdot.
Tasted at The Butcher Shop across from Miramar NAS
in San Diego with Don Z, Mike F, Ryan Z, and Chate. |
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March 1, 2010
- Belle Glos Meiomi Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
2007 - RM90 -
Very aromatic and flavorful - black berries,
raspberries, spice, herbs, subtle white pepper and
black olive with a smooth polished velvety texture
and long lingering tannin finish. Great value blend
from several vineyards with different sub-climates
in the true Sonoma Coast - pronounced May-OH-mee”
which means “coast” in the language of the native
Wappo tribe. From the Wagners of Caymus fame. Tasted
at Flemings in Beavercreek. |
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February 27,
2010 - Kilikanoon Oracle Clare Valley Shiraz
1999 - RM 92 RP 94 - Medium bodied but
packed full of flavor - intense oak permeates the
flavorful blackberry, blueberry, plum, cedar and
hints of creosote and mocha. The predominance of the
oak and cedar detracts from and almost overpowers
the fruit. Tasted at home with selection of artisan
cheeses. Selected for OBTN - "Open that Bottle
Night" based on our fondness for and experience with
the 2004 and other vintages and this being our
oldest bottle of this label in the cellar. |
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February 25,
2010 - Whitehall Lane Napa
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 - RM 89 -
Compare to recent vintage tasting earlier this week
- dark color - medium bodied - dark berry fruits,
blackberry, black cherry, hint of subtle cedar, soft
lingering tannins. |
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February 25, 2010 - Smith Haut Lafite Grand
Cru Classe de Graves Bordeaux 2005 - RM91 - Wow -
Big mouthfull of bright floral and full black berry fruits - currant,
plum, raspberry with a lingering smooth polished
tannin finish: Chateau LaGrange St Julien Bordeaux
2005- RM 89 -
Blown away by the
Graves - simpler, narrower and les complex - dark fruits,
black cherry, leather, subtle tar and a lingering
tannin finish; Domaine Grand Nicolet Vielles Vignes Rhone 2007 -
RM 88 - Blend of Grenache and Syrah - the firm
structure and mineral of the grenache is nicely complimented
by full dark berry fruits and
hint of spice from the syrah - medium bodied, more narrow and simpler than
the Bordeaux above but good value none-the-less.
Tasted w/ Mike at Binny's DG. |
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February 23,
2010 -
Ladera Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
- RM 90; Spring Valley Uriah Walla Walla Red
Wine 2006 - RM 90; Whitehall Lane
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - RM
89; Tasted w/Oz, DZ, MG. Dane and Curt at Morton's
Crystal City. |
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February 22,
2010 - Don Miguel Gascón Malbec, Argentina 2008
- RM 86 - Tasted w/ DZ, MG
at McCormick & Schmidts, Arlington, Crystal City.
A full bodied wine showing blackberry, dark cherry,
a hint of mocha, subtle spice - firm texture and
moderate tannins on the finish.
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February 20,
2010 - Paradigm Napa Valley
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 -
Fragrant, soft supple tannin, medium body, the
layers of cherry and black currant fruit are being
overtaken by earthy leather, licorice, and herbs,
with under-currants of spice and cedar. Mollydooker
Violinist Verdehlo 2007 - RM88 |
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February 13,
2010 - Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2002; (RM 88), Duckhorn Napa Valley
Merlot 2006 (RM89), Matthews Yakima
Valley Red Wine 1999 (RM 88);
Flinders Ranges South Australia Shiraz 2005
(RM 93); Napa Creek Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon 2007 (RM87); Mollydooker
Violinist Verdehlo 2007 (RM88):
Bonomi Tenuta Castellino Franciacorta Brut 2006 -
Tasted at formal dinner of rib-eye and NY
strip steak, sea-bass, |
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swordfish, ravioli, artisanal cheeses at
neighbors Mark & Shirley w/ Capt Al & Lee & Capt
John & Marge. rib-eye and NY strip steak, sea-bass,
swordfish, ravioli, artisanal cheeses at neighbors
Mark & Shirley w/ Capt Al & Lee & Capt John & Marge. |
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Chateau Larmande St Emilion 2005: RM 91-
My favorite of this Bordeaux flight tasting. Plum
fruit, subtle cherry-cranberry, nice texture and an
appealing, moderately firm grip of tannin in the
midpalate. Chateau Quinault L'Enclos Saint
Emilion 2006 - RP 92 RM90 -
Aromas of dark cherry,
mocha and tobacco, flavors of cherry, mineral and
iron. Chateau De Beaulieu Comtes De Tastes
Bordeaux Superieur 2006 - 60%
merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet
Sauvignon. Good value. Concentrated, dark fruits,
black cherry ,subtle mocha and mineral notes.
Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut-Médoc 2005: RM89
- Dark fruits, subtle leather,
hint of earthy cassis, notes of toasty oak, well
balanced, nice polish. Chateau Vieux
Taillefer St Emilion 2006; Chateau Beaulieu 'Comtes
de Tastes' Bordeaux Superieur 2006 - RM88
RP88 - Blend of 70% Merlot, Cabernet Franc and
Cabernet Sauvignon - Dark ruby color, medium body
black currant, black cherry, hints of spice box and
cedar, sweet tannin. Extraordinary value. Tasted at
Binny's Downers Grove.
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February 3, 2010
- Ladera Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
- RM 90 - winemaker notes - "Aromas of blackberry
and raspberry fruit; rose petals, mint and white
pepper with toasty and vanilla highlights. Dark plum
and bramble berry flavors fill the mouth. The tannin
structure is full and highly extracted, but soft and
lush". Tasted at Morten's Steakhouse in Crystal City
w/DZ and MG. Blend: 100% Napa Valley, 92% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 5% Petite Verdot. |
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February 2, 2010
- Kenwood Sonoma County Russian River Valley Pinot
Noir 2006 - RM 89 Sensations of black cherries and black raspberries followed
by hints of black pepper, rose petals and spice; rich,
medium full-bodied texture with a smooth, long finish.
Tasted at McCormick & Schmick Arlington w/ DZ and
MG. |
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January 30, 2010 - Gala dinner and tasting featured Del
Dotto Connoisseur Series Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
- Vintage wine aged in various oak barrels provides
unique comparative tasting experience. Oak selections
include Troncas French Oak, Allier French Oak, Marsannay
French Oak, Colbert French Oak, Minnesota American Oak, and
standard traditional Napa cab. Yes indeed, the oaks are
distinguishably different from the more forward and full
American, Marsannay to |
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more
refined and polished and Troncas to a more delicate and
slightly sweeter French Allier and Colbert. Great
accompaniment to beef tenderloin dinner. Flourless chocolate
cake accented by Dow's Vintage Port 1997. French Creme
Brulee highlighted by Kracher Nouvelle Vague #5 Zweigelt TBA
1996 and Kracher Traminer #8 TBA 1998. Medley of artisanal
cheeses and butter seared sea scallops in sherry tomoato and
spinach sauce were accented by comparison flight of
Chardonnays - Joseph Phelps Ovation Los Carneros 2004 and
Ramey Hudson vineyard Carneros 2005, and Bernkasteler Doctor
Mosel Ruer Sauer Kabinett Riesling 1999. Participants and cellar selection
besides hosts L and me were Dr Dan and Linda, Bill & Beth C,
and Lyle and Terry F.
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January 16, 2010
- Marco Di Giulio Napa
Valley Mount Veeder Progeny Vineyard Cabernet
Sauvignon 2001 - #wine
http://cellartracker.com/w?137762
RM 92:
Dark inky color. Big floral nose. Mouthful of
black berry, cedar, spicy oak and finely integrated
polished tannins on a long flavorful finish. Tasted
w/ Dr Dan. |
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January 8-9, 2010 - Clark Claudon Napa
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 - RM 90-91.
I struggled to characterize this wine. I defer to
the master who demonstrates his expertise with his
discernment and articulation. My review and Robert
Parker's. Rick's journal - Medium - full bodied.
Aromas and tastes of cedar and perfume predominate
with black fruits throughout the long finely
integrated firm tannin finish. Robert Parker's
Review - "Another brilliant effort from this
up-and coming Napa estate, Clark-Claudon's 1999
Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits an opaque blue/purple
color, and a sweet perfume of minerals, blue as well
as black fruits. Medium to full-bodied, it possesses
outstanding purity in addition to well-integrated
tannin, acidity, and wood. Vintages to date have
blended grace, power and subtlety, resulting in
extremely impressive Cabernets. More over, they are
built to last. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022." 92+
points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, August 2002 885
cases produced". Tom Clark and Laurie Clark-Claudon
were
a Featured Producer at our
1999 Napa Wine Experience. It was the blue
fruits that threw me. I wouldnt use that to
describe the 'other' fruits in there - I considered
logan-berry and raspberry but its not that sweet and
not that tart.. somewhere in-between.... You decide!
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January 5, 2010
- Matthews Cellars Red Wine 1998 -
RM 90: Dark, nicely integrated
complex structure of dark berry, black cherry, berry
flavor, hint of anise on a nicely balanced tannin
finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?138961 Blend of
53% cabernet sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 19% cabernet
franc.
Tasted at
Angeli's Restaurant
with L and Alec serving. |
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December 31, 2009
- Hazyblur 2004 Shiraz
horizontal medley - shiraz's from South Australia
Baroota, Mclaren Vale, and
Kangaroo Island; . Schramsberg 2006 Brut North
Coast sparkling wines -
Blanc de Blancs and
Blanc de Noirs - Delightful and interesting
comparison between chardonnay and pinot noir based methode
champenoise sparkling wines. Blanc de Noir is 90% pinot
noir, 10% chardonnay added for 'length' on the |
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palate. New Years eve dual horizontal tasting accompaniment
to chocolate fondue and artisan cheeses hosted by Bill and
Beth C.
Dessilani Gattinara Piedmont Reserva 2000 - RM
87 - Nebbiolo varietal. Dark medium-full
bodied, dry. Initially closed, then opened to black berry,
black cherry, rose and violet floral notes with dusty anise
on a polished firm tannin finish. Drank with festive holiday
dinner at
Angeli's Restaurant
with L and Bill & Beth C. Sourced from C's cellar. |
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December 30, 2009
- Haan Barossa Valley Shiraz Prestige 2003-
RM 89 -
Spicy, earthy leathery super ripe black berry fruit,
menthol, hint of vanilla on a long spice finish.
Tasted at home w/ L and Pat. http://cellartracker.com/w?174207
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December 28, 2009 - Rudd Napa Valley Sauvignon
Blanc 2005
- RM 89 - Tasted w/ L and Dr Pat - a great
compliment to the sherry infused seared scallops.
Kilikanoon Oracle
Shiraz 2004 -
RM 94, RP 97, WS 92 - Dark
inky purple, intense, rich, thick, full bodied,
forward fruit of blueberry, ripe plum and
blackberry, violet floral, and a hint of anise on
the finish.
Parker review -
'The dense purple-colored 2004 Shiraz Oracle
ratchets up the fruit and glycerin levels, yet
remains pure, elegant, and well-balanced.
Full-bodied, powerful, cleanly textured, long, and
heady..' Int'l Wine Cellar:93 -
'Explosive, wild aromas of blackberry liqueur,
cassis, licorice root and espresso. Boasts
impressive weight and power on the palate, the dark
berry flavors wonderfully sweet but also focused and
firmed by solid tannins. Spectator:92 -
'A vivid mouthful of violet-scented blueberry,
blackberry and plum...';
Tasted w/ L
and Pat at home. |
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December 25, 2009 -
Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 1997 -RM 90:
Subtle berry, dark cherry, slight earthy
leather, licorice on the moderate tannin finish.
#wine
http://cellartracker.com/w?192928 and 1998
- RM 91 points: Dark full bodied -
elegant fruit forward dark berry fruit predominates
with silky smooth tannins, anise, cedar and a long
oaky tannin finish.- #wine
http://cellartracker.com/w?20631. |
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December 24,
2009 - Marco Di Giulio Napa
Valley Mount Veeder Progeny Vineyard Cabernet
Sauvignon 2001 - #wine
http://cellartracker.com/w?137762
RM 92:
Dark inky color. Big floral nose. Mouthful of
black berry, cedar, spicy oak and finely integrated
polished tannins on a long flavorful finish. |
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December 21,
2009 -
Markham Napa Valley Petit Syrah 2001 -
RM 91 - Having bought more than a case of this I've
had a chance to try this wine numerous times and it
just keeps getting better! Dark inky purple color,
black berry, black cherry, currant and rose petals
with anise and nicely polished integrated silky
tannins on the finish. |
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December 19,
2009 - Chalone Vineyards County Pinot Noir 2005
- RM 87 - Aromas and flavors of tart black
cherries, black raspberry and cola with hints of
spicy clove and nutmeg. A hard to find great value
in a presentable pinot noir. Hahn Monterey
County Meritage Red Wine 2007 - RM 87 -
Black cherry, black berry, spice and cedar.
Remarkably sophisticated and complex yet nicely
polished for this price point. Another great value
respectable presentable red wine under $18. Two
great party wines. |
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December 17,
2009 - Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley
Chardonnay 2005 |
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December 16,
2009 -
Robert Craig Affinity Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 - RM 89 -
Huge ripe berry fruit
aromatics. Dark, full body, ripe berry fruit,
accented by tobacco and hint of caramel with firm
full tannins on the long finish. |
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December 09,
2009 -
Robert Craig Affinity Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2000
- RM 88 - Earlier review - Dark purple, black
fruit and slight earthy tobacco on the nose, black
cherry and blackberry fruit with tea and herbs on
the moderate finish. This wine is not quite as
polished nor bearing as much fruit as near vintages.
The earthy leather is taking over the fruit... need
to drink up. Tasted at home with E&J, R&M, & L at
home.
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December 8, 2009 -
Domain Serene Evenstad Reserve Willamette Valley
Oregon Pinot Noir 2001 - RM90 -
Flavorful zesty spicy black cherry, smoke and soft
oak on a long tangy spicy lingering finish.
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December 05, 2009 -
Nickel & Nickel Napa Valley Branding Iron Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 -
RM91: Dark
purple, full bodied, polished complex layers of
berry, currant, spice and oak with a hint of cedar
on the long silky tannin finish. Tasted at home w/
L with selection of artisan cheeses.
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