D'Arenberg The Dead Arm McLaren Vale Shiraz 2002

D'Arenberg The Dead Arm McLaren Vale Shiraz 2002

Interesting name dating back almost a hundred years to the results of a phenomenon of affliction that took half of the growth of the vines, hence a dead arm. Most producers churned them under and replanted but d'Arenberg descendants kept this vineyard whose now aged vines produced rich, complex, extracted fruits from the remaining one-sided vines.  

One of our longstanding favorites going back to our discovery of the 1994 vintage. Always a big fruit forward complex wine, this was much more expressive than as documented in my earlier 2004 and 2009 tasting journal posts. Its bigger and still boasts a forwardness but what was an off-tone of minerality now is more natural ripe raisin-fig with a layer of cedar predominating over complex black and blue berry fruits with tones of pepper, spice, and cassis and hint of vanilla with a big long bold finish that has a slight tone of tangy cherry. Linda likes this ripe boldness but its a bit too much to my liking. We tasted with fruits and artisan cheeses - it needs a bigger accompaniment like beef steak or even perhaps bar-b-que ribs!


RM 89 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=27221

Monastrell Red Blend Leads Red Wine Flight at Grand Celebration Dinner

Sensational Monastrell Red Blend Leads Red Wine Flight at Grand Celebration Dinner

Gala family birthday celebration dinner - our son Ryan and daughter-in-law Michelle prepared a super make your own sandwich featuring grilled beef tenderloin, roast pork loin and roasted chicken with all the accoutrements featuring carmelized onions, pickled onions, avocado, tomato, fresh celantro selection of cheeses, herb balsamic vinagrette dressing and selection of fresh breads, twice baked potatoes and salad.

I brought a vintage 1983 Cabernet Sauvignon from Michelle's birthyear to celebrate the occasion along with a a slightly eclectic pair of outliers which I thought would highlight lamb which ended up not being served. What a pleasant surprise when they turned out to be a sensational eye-popping wines fit for the occasion and spectacular complements to the great food!

Dessert featured chocolate cake and fresh berries and key lime cupcakes.

The wines:

Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio 2004 

Dark inky color, full bodied, huge forward black and blue berry fruit flavors with layers of caramel, vanilla, anise, vanilla and sweet oak that go on and on. Nice structure and complexity but not firm, tight or tannic resulting in a tasty, pleasant easy drinking wine yet sophisticated and polished. Wow, this was an eye-opener and changed my perspective on Spanish wines - by far the most expressive and tasteful I have ever experienced. This wine vastly exceeded my expectations. We're huge fans of big fruit filled Syrahs and this stood with the best of them, with none of that metallic, mineral or creosote that I expected. 70% Monastrell (and 30% cabernet sauvignon) which I now know is aka Mouvedre which is the M in GSM - Genache, Mouvedre and Syrah, a popular blend in the Rhone River Valley as well as South Central Australia. This wine was sensational - bursting with flavor in the glass - immediately apparent to everyone.


RM 93 points.


https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=288642

Liparita Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 2002

Like a left bank Bordeaux that features Cabernet Franc to add flavor and structure, this full bodied Cab Franc was all-in with huge floral bouquet and full forward flavors of black berry and black raspberry fruits, a layer of clove spice, leather and a hint of cedar on a long lingering finish. Its slightly flabby awkwardness can be forgiven for its big forward tasty floral and fruit. We've been long time fans of Liparita Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots - this is our first Cabernet Franc and what a hit - a nice achievement exceeding expectations indeed - better than their other endeavors from this era. 


RM 91 points.


https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=158451

Conn Creek Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1983

Vintage selection of the evening commemorating daughter-in-law Michelle's birth-year and birthday celebration - one of such selections in our cellar for each of our kids' years. This one was of a lesser producer and as such hadn't held up as well as some of the others - clearly beyond its prime and certainly reaching its end of life. The black cherry and black berry fruits were diminished, giving way to more leather and an earthy mustiness with hint of smoke and anise on a moderate finish. The color was tinged with a rim of rust color on the edges. It was still drinkable and a notable and worthy selection for the occasion but am glad I didn't hold it any longer.  

RM 85 points.


https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=272467

Eagle Eye Rutherford Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Medium to full bodied - well balanced nose of black berry, black currants, dark cherries with a layer of vanilla, hint of spice, smoke, anise and oak on a moderate tannin finish.

RM 88 points. 


https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=359815


More to follow.

Sonoma Wine Flight Features Syrah and Vintage Cabernets with Steak Diane Dinner

Sonoma Wine Flight Features Syrah and Vintage Cabernets with Steak Diane Dinner

Tasted w/ L at Bill and Beth C's over dinner - Beth prepared a delicious Steak Diane with roasted potatoes with shallots and onions that was a perfect complement to showcase the Sonoma Valley Cabernet flight, as was the selection of chocolate and assorted petit-forts deserts. A selection of artisan cheeses inlcuding my favorite Bellavitano were perfect with the bold forward Constant Syrah and the opener Pinot Noir. 

Bill decanting the Sonoma Cabs

Beth preparing the Steak Diane

The wines:

 Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyards - Queen of Diamonds Estate - Northern Sonoma Syrah 2006

We picked up this wine during our winery visit to the spectacular Constant Vineyards property at the very top of Diamond Mountain during our 2011 Diamond Mountain Experience. Sitting at the summit at 2100 feet elevation it is the only Sonoma vineyard on Diamond Mountain.

Dark purple color - medium-full bodied. Bright vibrant lively full forward flavors of blue and black fruits with a layer of ripe plum and sweet clove, hints of tea and cedar on the lingering finish. While this is tasty now, it lacks backbone and structure for longevity.

RM 91 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=775651 

Gundlach Bundschu Rheinfarm Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

In a blind tasting one might mistake this for a Margaux Bordeaux! Dark inky purple color, medium-full bodied; big floral perfume scents and flavors of violets and rose petals gives way to dark black berry and raspberry fruit flavors with complex layer of leather and tea with hint of earth and herbs on a moderate tannin finish. Amazing life left in this fifteen year old.

RM 89 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=136899

http://www.gunbun.com/

We met and had an enjoyable visit with producer Jeff Bundschu back in February 2005 in Chicago at the Silicon Valley Bank hosted wine producer wine tasting and networking event held at the One North Wacker restaurant.We stopped in at the winery and vineyard during following Sonoma Valley visits. We need to schedule a tour and tasting on our next Sonoma trip. 

Gundlach Bundschu Rheinfarm Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Dark inky purple color - medium bodied. Not as polished or complex as the 1997 perhaps reflecting a more modest vintage. Dark berry fruit flavors are more subdued giving way to a layer of mineral and tea and hint of leather on the moderate finish.. 

RM 87 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=109617

Hanna Bismark Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Dark inky purple color - medium-full bodied; a bit tight but slightly bigger and more complex than the other cabs perhaps indicative of the mountain fruit; somewhat subdued black berry and black raspberry fruits give way to a layer of tea and mineral, hint of smoke and a slight vegetable herbal tone that detracts from the fruit.

RM 88 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=54725

Belle Pente Murto Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir 2008

Bill C's Cellartracker Wine Tasting Notes posting -

"Nicely balanced Pinot. Medium red in the glass. Long legs imply more glycerine than I think is really there. Nose is light and a bit on the earthy, herbal side. Maybe a bit of cherry also. Cherry also reveals itself on the palate with a touch of strawberry. Nice overall, well balanced but at $40, a bit pricey for what it is."

I found it nicely balanced and as noted in Bill's post but bit austere with a slight cherry tartness note.

WCC and RM 88 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1035962 

See Bill's WineBlog - http://billswines.blogspot.com/ .

St. Hallet Gamekeeper's Reserve Barossa Shiraz Grenache 2009

St. Hallet Gamekeeper's Reserve Barossa Shiraz Grenache 2009

Another discovery of a great value over-achiever from this Barossa Valley South Australia producer. See recent review of their St. Hallett Faith South Australia Barossa Shiraz 2006.
.

Dark black purple color, full  bodied. Full forward flavorful black berry, black cherry and a layer of red berry fruits accented by pepper, spice, hint of floral, with a slight metallic note which I associate with the Grenache. Moderate to full tannins on the lingering finish.Great value Barossa Shiraz that is somewhat complex but pleasant for easy drinking.

This was available by the glass at Seasons 58 Restaurant in Atlanta/Dunwoody. Great compliment to the beet salad, cheeses, and the chocolate mousse desert. Blend of 56% Shiraz, 35% Grenache, and 9% Touriga Nacional.

RM 88 points. 

http://www.sthallett.com.au/

http://www.seasons52.com/

OTBN - Open That Bottle Night 2012

OTBN - Open That Bottle Night 2012

Still gathering pics - more to follow.

Its that time of year again - a highly anticipated annual event in the life of a wine-geek.No, its not the vintage viticulture milestones, the bud break, grape vine pruning, harvest picking, crush, blending, or the release party. Its OTBN - Open That Bottle Night. Great fun, food, friends and of course, great wine in our OTBN 2012! See feature from OTBN 2011.

Credit (or blame) for this annual wine bachanalia goes to Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, wine columnists for the Wall Street Journal. OTBN - Open That Bottle Night, was conceived for those that have a special bottle of wine or champagne hidden away being saved for a special occasion that for whatever reason hasn't happened.  Every year since 2000, on the last Saturday night in February, Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) has been celebrated - the time to uncork and enjoy that cherished but here-to-for elusive bottle. OTBN was conceived by Gaiter and Brecher to say, what the heck, go for it, Open That Bottle (to)Night. They realized they weren't alone - having that special bottle set aside for an occasion that just never happens. On this night, you don't need an excuse or a reason - just do it! Take advantage of OTBN to open that bottle and enjoy it! Enjoy it by yourself, or better yet, enjoy it with someone special, or even better, with a group of special friends. Have everyone bring such a bottle and let the story telling begin, because amazingly, every OTBN bottle has a story or some meaning, or not. What the heck, Open That Bottle (To) Night!. Let the fun begin. 

Linda did her usual masterful job of preparing a spectacular dinner - a selection of artisan cheeses including blue, 2 and 5 year aged cheddar, cranberry cheddar, cranberry almond cheddar, french baguette, assorted biscuits and crackers. Alongside were an assortment of cheese stuffed olives, pickles and medley of vegetables and fruits. Dinner began with caprese salad featuring beef-steak tomatoes, beef tenderloin, her unique baked corn casserole, twice baked potatoes, green beans followed by her sensational flowerless chocolate case with whipped cream and an assortment of fresh berries.  

Yikes, we woke up this morning and found all the lemon sorbet dishes in the freezer that we forgot to serve last night between courses.

I started the gala by revealing a gift wrapped box given to me fifteen years ago by a fellow wine aficionado that I summarily tucked away in the cellar. With much anticipation, I opened it tonight to reveal a  magnum of Bollinger Special Cuvee Champagne. Thankfully it wasn't cheese!

Dr Dan presented three wines, Iron Horse Sonoma County Green Valley Thomas Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 1998, Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1996, and a 'mystery 'bottle - the inaugural release of a special Italian varietal production by a personal friend. It was surprisingly good for something bottled just three weeks ago!

Bill and Beth brought the spectacular Wine Spectator Wine of the Year for 1999, the 1996 vintage Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages Cabernet Sauvignon. He also provided a Tobin James "Liquid Love" Late Harvest Zinfandel Paso Robles 2005 desert wine. Beth brought some additional artisan cheeses befitting the medley of dessert wines as well as the big cabs and cab based Bordeaux.

I chipped in a Cinq Cepages 1994 to taste off against the legendary 1996 for comparison.

Ernie presented two left Bank Bordeaux - 1996 Chateau Lafon Rochet St Estephe and Chateau Les Fort Latour, Pauillac from the spectacular 2000 vintage.

Ryan & Michelle brought 2008 Bordeaux commemorating their anniversary year - Chateau Brane Cantenac Margaux and Chateau Pichon Baron Pauillac. They also brought a Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 for us to taste and extend our horizontal collection that dates back to the inaugural release 2003.

Lyle and Terry brought a legendary 98 point port - Niepoort Porto 1997, and an accompanying ever popular and one of Linda's favorites, Thorne Clark Shotfire Shiraz 2006. To complement the port, Terry provided artisan gorgonzola and cranberry stilton cheeses and fine dark chocolates.  

Sara added a chocolate infused desert wine from Vienna, Illinois, "Voyage into Night" from Shawnee Wines from near the Shawnee National Forest down near Carbondale.

I opened two of the classic and ever-popular TBA - Trockenberenauslese Austrian wines from Kracher, from the 1998 vintage, the classic Kracher Scheurebe TBA #12 Zwischen den Seen 1998   and  Alois Kracher Chardonnay/Welschriesling TBA #7 Nouvelle Vague 1998. 

Matt C (posing behind magnum below) opened a wonderful Robert Craig Napa Valley Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1996.

 

Two other 'what-the-heck, Open That Bottle (To)Night wines were ... 

 

Also attending were Johnny, Erin, Lucy and Jared G, and dropping in, passing through were Sean and Megan. 

Finally, this was the first gathering of the Chicago Wine Spectator Grand Tour group since that event last spring, excepting Eric who unfortunately could not attend due to a Board meeting commitment in Las Vegas. However, to attend and participate in spirit, Eric sent in a very special commemorative bottle as the ultimate artifact befitting the OTBN occasion, a non-vintage select bottle of Monto Rosso that he was able to acquire at a special benefit fund raising auction. Since Eric and Cathy could not attend in person and share in this special selection, we're saving for a future time when we can all gather together and partake of this special bottle. 

  

Stay tuned for more highlights and postings from OTBN 2012. Share your experience below.

See Bill's report at http://billswines.blogspot.com/2012/02/open-that-bottle-night-2012.html 

Italian - 1997 Vintage Cal-Ital, Cal-Cab Taste-off

Italian - 1997 Vintage Cal-Ital, Cal-Cab Taste-off

Gala Italian business dinner tasting featuring two Italian classics, a Lombardia Nebiolo and a 1997 vintage Sangiovese from Napa Valley against two 1997 vintage California Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, served in that order, lightest and brightest to tightest and firmest. Wines from cellar taken to our favorite cantina, Angeli's Italian Restaurant in Naperville. The artichoke in dill dip and mussels appetizers were typically incredible. The veal and pasta dishes were their customary tasty - great backdrop to showcase this wine flight.   

Venge Oakville Napa Valley Penny Lane Vineyard Family Reserve Sangiovese 1997

Nino Negri Valtellina Sfursat 5 Stelle, Lombardia, Valtellina, Italy 2004


Cornerstone Cellars Cornerstone Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997



Robert Craig Affinity Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Venge Oakville Napa Valley Penny Lane Vineyard Family Reserve Sangiovese 1997

Dark purple - medium - full bodied, this was the most expressive of the flight, bright lively forward fruits, red berry, ripe plum and spicy cherry with hints of cedar aroma and taste and a touch of anise on a lingering smooth tannin finish. Still life in this fifteen year old. More expressive than earlier tasting. 

This went well with the salads as well as the pasta entrees.

RM 89 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=50439

From our Venge vertical collection that is highlighted regularly in this blog. Another of Venge's Sangioveses that we discovered, first tasted and purchased this wine during our winery visit and at a lunch tasting with winemaker Nils Venge as part of our Napa Valley Wine Experience 2002. In earlier blog posts I've written about that visit and previous tasting notes,  other vintage tasting notes, and Nils Venge, his work with the Sangiovese grape varietal and its history. .Click on the Venge link for more features. 

Nino Negri Valtellina Sfursat 5 Stelle, Lombardia, Valtellina, Italy 2004


Brick red color, medium bodied, nose black fruits, wood and hint of floral. Slightly subdued black berry and black cherry fruits predominant with undertone of black tea, leather and hint of baking spices with supple tannins that are smooth and well integrated.

RM 88  points. 


https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=464104

Robert Craig Affinity Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997


Rich medium full bodied. A bit tight, fruit filled with black currant, black berry, raspberry, cassis with a slight bit of astringency, hints of black pepper and smoke with silky tannins on the finish. (82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc). This wine is more expressive than early in life showing lingering fruit and staying power.This is Robert Craig's Cabernet Blend from his three mountains (Mt Veeder, Howell Mountain and Spring Mountain) and a (Napa) Valley collection. Known for its good value and early drinking ability, this fifteen year old is holding up well. We have these wines dating back to the inaugural 1993 vintage in our cellar.


RM 91 points.



https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=29715


From our Robert Craig vertical collection that is highlighted regularly in this blog. Click on the Robert Craig link for more features.

Cornerstone Cellars Cornerstone Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997


Dark purple color, medium-full bodied; a bit tight, predominant black berry and black raspberry fruits with a layer of tea, tobacco, leather and hint of smoke; nicely integrated smooth tannins with hint of cassis, oak and earth on a lingering finish.



RM 90 points.



https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=69195


The two Cabernets were spectacular with the dark brown sauce of the portabella mushroom ravioli.

Bon Soiree Chicago French-Asian Fusion Dining and Wine Experience

Bon Soiree Chicago French-Asian Fusion Dining and Wine Experience

Gala birthday celebration at this trendy Logan Square neighborhood French-Asian Fusion sensation - walking distance from the kid's Bucktown domicile - a Michelin One Star award winner. A classic food and wine pairing opportunity where this evening the wine stars were the whites over a usual favorite classic super second Bordeaux.

The venue:

The courses:

Fresh Sardine in Flash Pickle with Thai Basil Sformato, Charred Radish & Japanese Cucumber Terrine, Sweet Soy Marinated Shimeji, and Mushroom Aioli.

Assiette of Foie, Honey, Black Truffle, Stout, and Brioche

 Kona Kampachi Crudo, Geoduck Clam, Housemade Tofu, Okara, Bonito, Ponzu, and Scallion

1. 
   
   
   
   
    
   
2.  
   
   
   Seared Scallop, Bacon, Pulled Salsify, Mirin Sauce, and Fried Yuba.
   
   
   
   
   Roasted Wagyu Ribeye, Ginger-Tarragon Emulsion, Purslane, Fermented Back Bean, Mini Parsnip & Purple Potato Pearls.
   
   
   
    Coconut Bavarian, White Miso Cake, Lemon Sorbet, and Shiso Crema.

The wines:

Fantesca Sonoma County Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2008

Crisp, clean, rich, well balanced; bright golden light straw in color with aromas of classic chardonnay - green apple, pear, citrus, honeysuckle and lemon meringue pie. Flavors of tropical fruit, lychee, and subtle lemon custard resonate through the broad mid-palate The oak is very subtle and delicate highlighting the fruit.This is the first Chardonnay produced by the legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett whose Napa Valley resume includes winemaking stints at Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, and her own La Sirena.


This classic Burgundian style chardonnay was the highlight and perfect complement to the three seafood courses above.
RM 91 points.



Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Grand Cru Classe Pauillac Bordeaux 2001

95 points and a 'Cellar Selection' from Wine Enthusiast: "The high proportion of Merlot in Pichon Lalande is a good reason why this wine, among the great wines of Pauillac, is always so seductive. This is no exception; it charms as well as excites with vibrant fruits as well as serious, dense tannins and acidity that promise good aging. Give it 7-9 years for full maturity to begin." (11/07) 93 points Robert Parker: "A distinctive bouquet of violets, soy, pepper, blackberries, cassis, and tree bark gives this 2001 a singular style. This dense ruby/purple-colored blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and a whopping 14% Petit Verdot exhibits plenty of structure, wonderful sweetness, a closed style, but a rich, textured, persistent character. The unusually large percentage of Petit Verdot gives the wine more structure and less initial charm. This beauty needs some time in the cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018." (06/04) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Plenty of tobacco, berry and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium- to full-bodied, with sweet fruit and refined tannins. Long and ripe fruit on the finish. Not quite as exciting as from barrel. Best after 2007." (03/04) 92 points Stephen Tanzer: "Red-ruby. Enticing aromas of plum, woodsmoke and Cuban tobacco. Lush, silky and suave, with intriguing hints of mocha and cedar. A wonderfully sweet, impeccably balanced claret without any rough edges. Finishes long and firmly tannic."

Blend - Cabernet Sauvignon: 50%, Merlot: 36%, Petit Verdot: 14%

Tasting Notes - Thomas Dô-Chi-Nam (winemaker)
Exhibiting a dark ruby colour, this Grand Vin develops aromas of rose petal, violets, cassis, and stone fruits.
On the palate; it is both clean and silky, which develops and intensifies through the mid palate and is well sustained by a certain overall smoothness. By the nature of this wine, it sustains a flavoursome and well developed body. With an aromatic finish, it is subtly spiced, showing hints of cinnamon, liquorice, and cherry, all helping to accompany a very notable length in mouth. This is a well structured vintage, both elegant and distinguished and is indeed characteristic of Pichon.

My notes -
Medium-full bodied, dark purple color. Full bouquet and flavors of floral, violets, cigar box and leather that are pervasive from the beginning through the lingering finish, with complex layers of blackberry and a hint of cedar and moderate silky tannins. A high achievement from a modest vintage.
RM 92 points.

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=8222

Inniskillin Niagara  Peninsula VQA Oak Aged Vidal Eiswein 2004

Aromas of apple blossoms, apricot with hint of cinnamon-raison bread. On the palate, this beautifully rich dessert wine follows through nicely with mix of apricot, mango and a strong honeyed fig component. The overall finish has good length with tantalizing flashes of exotic fruit and spice.

RM 92 points.

http://www.inniskillin.com/en/ice/searchWines.asp?AppellationID=3&TypeID=Vidal

More to follow ...

Angelis Italian Dinner with Vintage California Cabs matched with a Tuscan Blend

Angelis Italian Dinner with Vintage California Cabs matched with a Tuscan Blend

Birthday celebration continues with dinner at Angeli's Italian - our  favorite local trattoria featuring a special vintage California Cabernet Sauvignon selection against a Tuscan blend. As always, the Angeli's Portabello Mushroom Ravioli and Lasagna are great accompaniments to big wines. For this special occasion dinner we pulled out a favorite Lewis Reserve Cabernet 1998 while Bill C brought a Seavey Napa Cab from the same vintage. These were matched against an interesting Merlot Sangiovese Tuscan blend Castello di Gabbiano Alleanza Toscana IGT 2006.


Lewis Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1998

Dark, full bodied, full forward complex mouthful of ripe rich almost sweet black currant, plum, black raspberry, with a layer of black cherry, anise, a hint of mocha on a long firm finish of big firm but smooth polished and nicely integrated tannins.

WS 91, RM 92, Bill C 92 points. 

Bill C notes - Very much a new world style, huge with dark fruit. Deep purple in the glass, with, herbs, spice and oak on the nose. A fruit bomb on the palate, evidencing blackberry, plum, cassis and surprisingly almost no oak. The Lewis offers a mouth filling, palate coating finish that goes on an on. As enjoyable as it is now, the Lewis seems to have plenty of time left. One can only imagine what this will be like in 10 years.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=21629

 Seavey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 

Bill brought this from his cellar and posted his review on Cellartracker.



The Seavey is drinking very well and in the sweet spot of its drinking window. The nose provides a combination of floral, moss and mineral notes. The Seavey reveals red fruit, spice, a bit of vanilla and oak on the palate. It also required a full 90 minutes to reveal its complexity. This is a traditional cab, stylistically much like a left bank Bordeaux.

Bill C 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=8472

Castello di Gabbiano Alleanza Toscana IGT 2006

Bill's notes on the Alleanza. What a pleasant surprise! I am partial to super Tuscans with a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Alleanza is 70% Merlot and 30% Sangiovese and was bigger and more fruit forward than the blend implies. Bright red in the glass with an unimpressive nose, the wine opened to reveal bright fruits, cherry, raspberry on the front palate evolving to earthy, leather and mocha on the finish. It was smooth, well balanced and the Merlot softened the acidity I usually associate with Sangiovese.  

Bills rating - 87 points. 

 My earlier notes - Dark color, full bodied, nice tapestry of flavors - dark cherry, black berry, hints of violets and vanilla nicely integrated silky tannins and soft oak. 

RM rating 88 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=616376


Dinner with L, Bill and Beth C and Bob and Gloria.