Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Blackbird Vineyards ARISE Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine 2009

The ten acre Blackbird Vineyard sits on the Napa Valley floor nestled at the foot of Mount Veeder in the Oak Knoll District appellation in the southwest part of the valley. A former walnut orchard that was planted with Merlot vines in 1997 providing fruit to many of Napa's finest winemakers in notable labels. Michael Polenske purchased the property in 2003 and now produces the Blackbird Vineyards proprietary label crafted by Winemaker Aaron Pott in the style of the Pomerol appellation right bank Bordeaux wines - Merlot based wines blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The Blackbird moniker reflects this devotion to Merlot and is derived from the word 'Merlot' which is French patois for 'little blackbird.'
 
We've driven past the Blackbird Oak Knoll District vineyard near the corner of Oak Knoll Avenue and Big Ranch Road down the road from Trefethen and Lewis Cellars Chateau.  

The former walnut orchard was first planted with Merlot vines in 1997, hence the name is derived from the French patois for 'Merlot' is 'little blackbird.'

Fruit from the property received early recognition when Mia Klein of Dalla Valle fame featured the juice in her highly acclaimed Blackbird Vineyard designated 1999 Selene Merlot (where no less than 95% of the fruit in the bottle must be from the named vineyard). That released received 90+ raitings from three of the top wine critics - Robert Parker, Stephen Tanzer, and Wine Spectator's James Laube.

Blackbird's inaugural release was in 2003 with a Merlot bottling from a small crush of grapes that weren't already otherwise committed under contract to other vintners. That release received 98 points by Vinfolio, proclaiming it, "the best Merlot nobody had ever heard of." The Blackbird 2003 Merlot was also given a score of 95 points by Vintrust citing its complexity and richness, proclaiming it, "hedonistic in length."

The Oak Knoll District is similar to the Pomerol region of Bordeaux in its terroir - soil composition and microclimate. It is one of the coolest regions in the valley - second only to Carneros, adjacent to the south which collects the cool fog that rolls up from nearby San Pablo Bay - and like Pomerol, has gravelly, clay loam soils - ideal growing conditions for Merlot.

We first tasted this wine with the 2006 vintage. Tonight we tasted it as it best should be - alongside grilled steak, at Del Frisco's Grille in Atlanta Buckhead dining with colleague Tom L and client and partners Victoria, Dave W, and Jim Z. This wine was just received by the restaurant and wasn't yet posted on their winelist which is predominantly California with a nice collection of our favorites and some new discoveries - Cabernets, Merlots, US Pinots and modest but carefully chosen selections from Australia, France and Italy. The extensive list features a very nice selection offered at moderate, fair prices. They should take credit and promote their wine offering exposing it on their website which has no mention of wine whatsoever.


The 2009 Blackbird Vineyards ARISE Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine is medium full bodied - dark inky color - and shows smooth polished nicely integrated flavors of black raspberry and black cherry, a layer of chocolate with hints of cassis, cola and spicy oak on a soft lingering moderate tannin finish.

The profile reflects the blend of 53% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is generally soft, velvety and smooth, with structure, backbone and tannins provided by the Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Cabernet Franc contributing spice, depth, backbone and breadth complexity. 

RM 90 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1206126
 
http://www.blackbirdvineyards.com/

Saturday, November 3, 2012


Mollydooker Shiraz and Shiraz Blend 2005

We've been fans of the 'artwork' of Sparky and Sarah Marquis since their earliest releases of the Marquis Phillips branded wines when they gained notoriety in 1999 as Australian Winemakers of the Year.and their flagship 'Integrity' Shiraz was awarded 99 points by Robert Parker. On his recommendation to ‘run, don't walk and secure as much as you can of these wines!’, they became immediate blockbuster successes growing from 8000 to 120,000 cases in four years. We're fortunate to still have a vertical selection of  their '9' Shiraz going back to those days.

Following our tasting of the big and powerful Mollydooker "Carnival of Love" the other night, we did this comparison tasting of two 2005 vintage Mollydooker Shiraz' - "The Boxer" Shiraz and "Two Left Feet" Shiraz Blend.  Testament to the Aussie sense of humour are the cartoonish labels that Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate says "resemble Broadway vaudeville acts from the mid-thirties". Like the whimsical name 'Mollydooker', which is Aussie for 'left handed', the rest of line-up from Sparky and Sarah Marquis has fun comical names. They live by the motto, “We make wines that make people go wow - through attention to detail and commitment to excellence.”  Indeed Sarah's auto license plate reads "HAVEFUN". To that end, see my page of WINPL8S on my WineSite.

We tasted these with neighbor Shirley over grilled beef tenderloin, grilled salmon, kale, green bean casserole, baked Idaho and sweet potatoes, artisan cheeses, and chocolates. Of course, Linda would say everything goes with a full throttled full forward fruit filled Shiraz!

Mollydooker "The Boxer" McLaren Vale Shiraz 2005




Another big bold fruit forward shiraz, naturally not as big, complex, smooth and/or polished as the high end "Carnival of Love" we tasted the other night, but similar tasting profile at a fraction of the price results in a good value high QPR (quality to price ratio). 


In line with my tasting notes from back on November 24, 2006 - Mollydooker's "The Boxer" McLaren Vale Shiraz 2005 provides incredible value in this new release from Sparky and Sara Marquis. Deep purple - full rich plum, currant, and mocha. RP says it best in his review -  "The 2005 The Boxer Shiraz (primarily from McLaren Vale, followed by Langhorne Creek and Padthaway) exhibits a black/blue/purple color, an incredible density of fruit along with that tell-tale purity, blackberries, white flowers, melted chocolate, sweet licorice, and subtle wood. Full-bodied, beautifully textured and layered with an awesome finish, it should drink well for 4-6+ years. 

RM 91 points; RP 95 points.  

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=238920


Mollydooker "Two Left Feet" McLaren Vale Red Blend 2005

Not normally considered a blending wine, this interesting rendition of Shiraz does indeed appear to benefit from the addition of 19% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is most evident when compared side-by-side to the same vintage of 'straight' 100% Shiraz. Fruit for this blend is  from McLaren Vale, Padthaway, and Langhorne Creek.  

Like "Sarah's Blend" from the old Marquis Phillips label from Sparky and Sarah Marquis, this is another high QPR value in this new release, although at a higher price-point. According to my records, this was on offer at $20. I think the price of this wine has crept up since this 2005 release perhaps as this label has gained more notoriety and achieved consistent high ratings. It's still positioned at a fraction of their premium high end Shiraz blend label "Enchanted Path"

The  Mollydooker "Two Left Feet" McLaren Vale Shiraz Blend 2005 is naturally more complex, smoother, softer and polished than the standalone "Boxer" Shiraz. Its deep dark inky purple colored and full bodied with complex array of aromas and flavors of dark black berry, sweet plum and blue berry fruits with a layer of spice and dark mocha and hints of mineral and vanilla. The winemaker notes say, "The palate is round and filling and has concentrated sweet fruits with layers of chocolate and cream. It is such a wonderful example of how Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot can be blended together to fully complement each other. Two Left Feet has always been a stand out for me and this vintage is exceptional." - Candice


Robert Parker summed up this offering best writing..."It boasts an inky/purple color, superb intensity, a big, sweet, full-bodied nose of creme de cassis, graphite, white chocolate, black olives, blackberry liqueur, and spice, and a spectacular, voluptuous, even unctuous texture. This is a big, powerful, classic southern Australian red made with no compromises."

RM 93 points; RP 94 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=240605

http://www.mollydookerwines.com/

 

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Gala Dinner - Awesome Reds Wine Tasting

Gala Dinner - Awesome Reds Wine Tasting

Almost like the alignment of the sun, moon and stars for a celestial event, our autumn gala dinner tasting get-together at Dr Dan's featured an awesome line-up of memorable reds and a spectacular aged vintage white. What might have been billed as a battle of dueling reds turned surprisingly harmonious with intriguing complements and smooth transitions across a tasting of disparate styles of master class selections. One had to pay attention for fear of missing a spectacular wine in the mix! Ironically, this also provided an unplanned almost mini-horizontal of dozen year old disparate Napa Valley Reds from 1998 and 1999. Even the vintage selections proved to be well matched as the mid-flight included 2003, a pair of nicely 2004's and recent releases.

Joining L & I at Dan's with Linda were Bill and Beth, Bobbie, Ernie and Gina. Dan and Linda prepared a marvelous dinner of grilled beef tenderloin, marinated pork tenderloin, butternut squash with creme fraisch, artisan cheeses, and chocolate cakes and truffles to finish.

Awesome Reds Flight minus the Sea Smoke (not shown)


The line-up included, listed in order of tasting after thoughtful assessment and lively discussion, explained further in the discourse below:

  • Sea Smoke 'Ten' Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2009
  • Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve Napa Valley Red 1998
  • Joseph Phelps Backus Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
  • Peter Michael 'Les Pavots' 1999
  • Freddie Constant Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
  • Barbour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
  • La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbaresco Riserva Vürsù Vigneto Starderi 2008
  • d'Arenberg 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz 2002
  • Mollydooker 'Carnival of Love' McLaren Vale Shiraz 2010
  • Coutet-Barzac 1959
  • Joseph Phelps Eisrebe 2004

Sea Smoke 'Ten' Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2009

The name 'Ten' is from the clones on which this Pinot Noir varietal is based.

 Ruby colored, medium bodied - silky, polished - a symphony of nicely balanced delicate fruit flavors, nice tart acidic, expressive elegant aromatics, nice floral scents turn to strawberries, plum and black cherry, hints of cola, nut and dusty rose with a touch of soft oak on the smooth finish.

Winemakers' notes - "A brooding and intense wine. The aromas begin with notes of chocolate cake, dried blueberry and lavender, then cassis and dusty black berries. Firm, mature tannins—evidence of Ten’s ageability—are followed by a long, velvety finish.

RM 93 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1025981

https://www.seasmoke.com/index.asp


Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve Napa Valley Red 1998

It would have been easy for this to be overshadowed by the full forward concentrated fruit bombs except that we staged this as the transition between the Pinot and the 'big' Cal cabs to follow, before closing with the Aussie Shiraz'.

Garnet colored, medium bodied,  this was a symphony of smooth polished nicely integrated black berry and black cherry fruit flavors accented by a layer of tobacco, hints of leather, a bit of earthiness with a finish of moderate oak. After about two hours delicate floral notes emerged as a highlight like a lower left bank Bordeaux. This wine has held up well and was very Bordeaux like in showing well despite its pedigree of a modest vintage - more like the challenging years more often found in Bordeaux than the more consistent seasons of Northern California all seemingly make more Bordeaux like than Napa-esque.

RM 89 points.



Joseph Phelps Backus Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

A wonderful transition and progression adding weight and structure at each step in the flight. Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, this was silky smooth, nicely balanced, polished and elegant with black berry and black raspberry fruits with hints of currant, chocolate truffle and touch of vanilla bean with a layer of soft oak and silky smooth tannins. Dan likened it to a refined St Julien Bordeaux.

RM 94 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=165835







Peter Michael 'Les Pavots' 1999

This was my favorite of the tasting flight. I still remember my first encounter with this wine back around 1990 when we had it at dinner dinner at Cab's Restaurant and Wine Bar in Glen Ellyn, IL, one of our then favorite dining places.

Dark inky garnet colored, full bodied, a backbone core of concentrated but smooth polished and balanced black currant, blackberry, more subtle black cherry  and hints of blueberry fruits with nicely integrated layers of mocha, soft oak and hints vanilla, cassis and tea on a lingering silky tannin finish. This was a delicious balance of a full throttle Cal-Cab and a Pauillac Bordeaux.

RM 94 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=8110

http://www.petermichaelwinery.com/

There is remarkable irony here as the principle Sir Peter Michael happens to be in the technology business, like me. He is also owner of two lodging properties located in Newbury, Berkshire, England. That was the home to Micro Focus, the software company that brought the Cobol programming language to the PC, and eventually to over six hundred platforms. I was with Micro Focus during those formative years from 1983 to 1996 during which time it grew from $3.5 to $140m becoming the 20th largest software company in the world, and largest in the UK at that time.  During those years, as a Group VP, I visited Newbury almost two hundred times. I've not yet had the opportunity to meet Sr Michael but look forward to doing so one day, either in Newbury, or at the Winery Estate in California. .




Freddie Constant Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

L, Bill and me with Freddie at
Constant Diamond Mtn Vineyards

We refer to it as Freddie Constant Wine based on our adventure having met the producer Freddie Constant during our visit to the magnificent winery high atop Diamond Mountain during our Napa Valley Diamond Mountain Wine Experience in 2011.

What an amazing pairing with the Les Pavots above! On initial opening and decanting, it was almost as if this were the core central component of the blend, this exhibited the same profile of  full bodied backbone core of concentrated but smooth polished and balanced black currant, blackberry, more subtle black cherry fruits with hints of blueberry fruits but lacking the moderating tones of the blend. After about two hours, this opened up even more to reveal more concentrated and forward black fruits with a hints of black pepper and olive - separating itself from the moderating effects of the more elegant and polished blend.

Bill's tasting notes from CellarTracker - "Inky purple in the glass. Full of dark fruit, pencil lead and coffee. Opened after 2 hour to reveal notes of pepper and spice. Very unexpected and absolutely outstanding."

RM 93 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=43558

http://www.constantwine.com/



Barbour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

If we did this flight again, I think this would better fit between the Bacchus and the Peter Michel. It was narrower (than the Les Pavots) and more modest than the Constant and others to follow and hence overshadowed such that it probably didn't show nearly as well as it likely would if held up stand-alone or against more similarly situated peers. Not bad company to be compared against indeed, it suffers from damning with faint praise in this comparison flight of blockbuster wines! 

All in all this is a dark inky purple full bodied smooth polished cab with forward black berry fruits, accents of dark chocolate and sweet oak with nicely integrated fine silky tannins on a lingering finish. 

RM 93 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1155213



La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbaresco Riserva Vürsù Vigneto Starderi 2008

Forgive the repetition but I'll reiterate my comments above about the Barbour, if we did this flight again, I think this would better fit between the Bacchus and the Peter Michel. It was narrower (than the Les Pavots) and more modest than the Constant and others to follow and hence overshadowed such that it probably didnt show nearly as well as it likely would if held up stand-alone or against more similarly situated peers. Not bad company to be compared against indeed, it suffers from damning with faint praise in this comparison flight of blockbuster wines!  Perhaps too, these both were consumed too young and would reveal themselves more fully after a couple years in the cellar.

How can you not take seriously a wine with a Rhinocerus on the label!?!  Its either farcical or to be taken very deliberately - this is another blockbuster wine that is caught in between the more polished elegance of the blends and the bigger full-throttle varietal Cabernets.

First we should parse the wine label to explain this wine. From the producer La Spinetta, the grower and winemaker is George Rivetti; fruit for this wine are sourced from the single vineyard Vigneto Starderi in the Barbaresco appellation in the Langhe district in the Piedmont region. The varietal is the Nebbiolo grape.

The Nebbiolo black-skinned Italian variety is the basis for some of the best and longest lived red wines of Italy, however, despite the preeminence Nebbiolo has in its native Piedmont region in northern Italy its is relatively unknown beyond. Because of its success in DOCGs of Barolo and Barbaresco, it has begun to be planted in the new world in the Central Coast near Paso Robles and Santa Ynez Valley, and in drier regions of the Pacific North West, such as Washington’s Columbia Valley and Oregon’s Rogue Valley, in South America, and Australia.

The name derives from nebbia, the Italian word for ‘fog’, which regularly enshrouds the foothill vineyards of the region. Benchmarks for Nebbiolo wines are Barolo and Barbaresco, Piedmontese wines known for  powerful tannic structures, finesse, intense, earthy, dark noses, and hints of floral. Aroma of classic Barolo are characterized to reflect tar, tobacco or smoke, combined with violets and rose petals. Neighboring Barbaresco Nebbiolos tend to be slightly more feminine. While Barbaresco can be more approachable when young than Barolo, it should not be consider light in weight or structure, both Barolo and Barbaresco Nebbiolos can possess muscular tannins and high acidity requiring extensive cellaring to fully show off the grape’s more subtle fruit character.  


This selection exhibited dark purple color, medium full body, black berry fruits with hints of smoke, tar and touch of leather on a lingering moderate tannin finish.

RM 89 points.  

As of this date, the CellarTracker community has not yet discovered or encountered his wine, hence the most recent listing is the 2007 vintage. 
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=791203

http://www.la-spinetta.com/

Still a work in progress - more to follow ! Stay tuned for the Mollydooker Shake!

d'Arenberg "The Dead Arm" Shiraz 2002

Dead Arm refers to the (one armed) vines that when afflicted in the early days of the last century were spared from being turned under and emerged to produce highly concentrated fruit from the single remaining arm that survived after the loss of the other side of the vine. Always a big fruit forward complex wine, the 2003 is true to form with its big forwardness but what was an off-tone of minerality. It has uber ripe almost raisin-fig with a layer of cedar predominating over complex black 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 it needs to be tasted with hearty meats, even bar-b-que, or artisan cheeses, such as tonight when it complemented the beef tenderloin, marinated pork tenderloin and then the course of dark chocolate deserts.

RM 89 points.  

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




Mollydooker "Carnival of Love" McLaren Vale Shiraz 2010

From Sarah and Sparky Marquis, these left-handed winemakers so named their label 'Mollydooker' which is Aussie for what we call a 'south-paw'.  Their wit and sense of humour is further indicated by their cartoon-esque labels and whimsical names of their wines such as this 'Carnival of Love' their high end Shiraz. Just reading their winelist and looking over their labels is like a journey through the Sunday comics, but rest assured there is nothing funny about this big bold intense Shiraz that  is not for the feint of heart. .

Being a recent release, Bill had to conduct the 'Mollydooker shake' to this bottle. You had to be there!


Building up to this crescendo indicated by its 15.5% alcohol content, this boasts dark opaque inky purple color - full bodied, huge bursts of dense syrupy ripe black berry and dark plum fruits, layers of cassis, spice, sweet dark chocolate, cedar, black pepper and spicy oak with huge but mercifully balanced tannins, that go on and on and on.

RM 94 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1181887

http://www.mollydookerwines.com/web/index.cfm


Château Coutet a Barzac 1'er Grand Cru Sauterne 1959


What a rare treat to indulge in a 50+ year old vintage wine. This Sauterne brought by Ernie (along with the Les Pavots) would have been straw or butter colored upon release, then turn darker to weak tea color and eventually to a maple syrup color. Amazingly, as 53 years of age, it is rusty brownish orange colored with life still although not likely to improve from further aging. It showed a slight citrus edge on the nut flavors with a subtle layer of smokiness, I wonder if it held more sweet fruit at one stage that bled off with age.  

From the producer's website: "Tasting Notes - The year was marked by an early spring and flowering took place at the beginning of June. The summer was very hot and sunny. On September 24th and 25th, strong rains accelerated the development of Noble Rot in the vineyard that required a team of 150 harvesters. These conditions contributed to the making of a great Sauternes. The harvest took places from September 20th to November 2nd.  The wine is of a dark yellow amber color. Its well-developed nose is rich and complex, an experience that is shared by the palate."

RM 87 points.

The CellarTracker community had not encountered and hence not entered this vintage selection however they list the two adjoining vintages from 1958 and 1960 as noted below respectively: 
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=31099
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=222509


What fun to enter the 1959 vintage selection along with my tasting notes and bottle and label photos!  
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?AllV=True&iWine=1484667

http://www.chateaucoutet.com/




Joseph Phelps Eisrebe Napa Valley Scheurebe Ice Wine 2004

This is consistently one of California's very best dessert wines from a region not known for such. It's vinified from the relatively obscure Scheurebe grape grown in a the small Spring Valley vineyard near the St. Helena estate. Unlike German or Canadian ice wines (see recent post in Inniskillin Ice Wine), where the grapes are left on the vines until they freeze, Phelps uses commercial refrigeration to freeze the grapes before pressing. This results in low yields as the water in the grape freezes leaving the remaining resulting must high in sugar such that the wine ends up with about 8% alcohol and 25% residual sugar. Full bodied, thick and chewy with intense apricot aromas and flavors. A deliciously sweet, unctuous wine, which still has enough acidity to avoid cloying on the palate.


RM 92 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=94617

 http://www.josephphelps.com/

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Varied Red Tasting - Carr - Flinders - Northstar

Former co-coach Mike G invited me to tourney quarterfinals so he and Chris came over for an impromptu wine tasting afterwards. We pulled a selection of varied big reds and a desert wine to accompany an assortment of artisan cheeses, smoked salmon, mixed nuts, mixed fruit and hearty biscuits and breads.




Joseph Carr Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 

From the Carneros District down at the bottom of Napa Valley near where it meets Sonoma. Not as smooth or polished as the 2007 release but a great value none-the-less. A respectable Napa cab, with a great QPR (Quality Price Ratio) especially at a price point of about $17. The 2009 is a blend of Cabernet with small amount of Merlot and Cabernet Franc aged for 16-18 months in a combination of one- and two-year-old French and American oak barrels. Medium bodied, dark garnet colored, aromas and flavors of cherry, blackberry and black currant fruits, a layer of smoke and leather scents open to a focused core of cassis, black cherry and plum fruit with hints of vanilla bean, clove and cocoa powder. Moderately firm tannins with supporting acidity gives the wine freshness not often seen in wines at this price.  

RM 87 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1174540

Flinders Run Southern Flinders Ranges Shiraz 2006

We love this wine and consider it a benchmark representation of Southern Australian Shiraz at its very best, and at a pricepoint between $25-30 it offers a relative great QPR (Quality to Price ratio).

Overall hit of this comparison tasting of varied big reds. Consistent with earlier notes, the 2006 Flinders is dark inky purple, full bodied, powerfully scented bouquet of dark berries, smoky minerals and fresh flowers bursting with flavors of thick chewy black raspberry, blueberry and cassis with layers of nut, vanilla and hints of mocha flavors on a tongue coating lingering finish. As much as we like this wine, the 2005 is even better.

RM 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=579974




Northstar Columbia Valley Merlot 2008

One of our perennial favorite Merlots is this blend from fruit sourced from over 14 separate vineyards and 18 different blocks  from vines averaging 15 years old yielding grapes with concentrated varietal flavors of cherry and plum with elegant tannins.

This 2008 is a bit tight and closed, not as smooth, polished and fruit filled as some earlier vintages of this wine that I remember - perhaps due to its age or period in its aging profile. This is medium to full bodied, with dark inky color, this is a bright, balanced wine with notes of black cherry, tobacco, spice box and nut leading to a long, smoky moderate tannin finish.

 RM 88 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1210721

http://www.northstarwinery.com/

Cavalchina Bianco Del Veneto Passito 2004

Full bodied and thick - the butter color has turned to an orange rust color already, the muted fruit flavors of apple, subtle tangerine, apricot and peach are overtaken by smoke, leather, nut and lemon peel on a moderate flavorful lingering finish.

RM 84 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=436980

Deep Reds - Del Dotto Cab - Kalleske Shiraz

Two Big 'Deep' Reds with Italian Dinner

In planning our wine selections for our dinner outing with Dennis 'Woz' and Rosie, I asked Dennis what type wines they preferred. He replied that they like big "deep" reds so I selected the 1999 vintage Del Dotto Napa Cabernet and Kalleske Greenock Barossa Shiraz 2005. They both lived up to expectations according to earlier tasting experience notes. These were great accompaniment to the spicy and cheesy pasta dishes, as well as the brown sage sauce on the halibut entree at Angelis, our favorite local Italian trattoria. 

Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

Dining with Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto in the
garden court at Tra Vigne in St Helena
We're long time fans of Del Dotto wines going back to their inaugural vintage in 1993 when they were featured in the Wine Spectator feature of up and coming new producers to watch. We've attended many Del Dotto events and hosted them numerous times at our Napa wine producer dinners during our Napa Wine Experiences.

R & L with Dave Del Dotto in the caves.
We first tasted this vintage selection from the barrel in the Del Dotto cave tour at the old caves over by Silverado Trail. Today, of course they have a magnificent new winery and cave on the estate on Highway 29 and Zinfandel Lane in St Helena, Napa. Everyone to whom we've recommended the Del Dotto Cave Experience during their Napa visit have said it was a highlight of their trip. (It was especially memorable for our good friends Rick and Wendy when Del Dotto arranged an exclusive intimate tasting there where Rick popped 'the question' and proposed.) 

This 1999 vintage selection was featured at their gala festival  Barrels and Beef Extravaganza at the estate which we attended during our Napa Wine Experience in 2002. Later that same year, Del Dotto served this wine at the Wine Spectator Grand Tasting where it was a standout. That winter we took this wine along on our holiday in the Caribbean where it was the center of several memorable dinner experiences. 

The fruit for this selection was sourced from the Del Dotto estate in the Rutherford appellation. My earliest notes of this wine from that time said that "this may be the best ever Cab from our friends Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto - and winemaker Nils Venge". Of course they have since followed up with many spectacular vintages many of which are drinking very nicely such as their 2001 which is showing especially complex, smooth and polished these days and gives the 1999 a run. Suffice to say, this is one of our favorite Napa cabs, a centerpiece of our cellar collection that we continue to enjoy on special occasions and showcase with friends. We're still holding a vertical back to that 1993 release and we continue to be amazed and pleased with their longevity! 

The 1999 Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is dark ruby colored, full bodied, complex but nicely balanced with intense dark cherry, black currant and blackberry fruits, a spicy tangy oak layer on a lingering finish of tight structured tannins. This wine cries for a big juicy steak or bold cheese or dark chocolate accompaniment. 

RM 92 points. 


https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=616988

http://www.deldottovineyards.com/



Kalleske Greenock Barossa Valley Shiraz 2005

Intense, full bodied, inky colour, thick chewy tongue-coating ripe black cherry, plum, creme de cassis with a layer of mineral and a hint of raisin, vanilla and black pepper on the smooth polished finish.

RM 90 points

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=275934

http://www.kalleske.com/ 

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Haut-Carles Fronsac

Haut-Carles Fronsac Bordeaux 2005

Taken BYOB to our local Italian Bistro Angeli's Italian Restaurant in Naperville, the Haut-Carles Bordeaux was a great accompaniment to their hearty Gorgonzola Veal dish.

Dark inky purple color - full bodied - surprisingly vibrant and bright blackberry and black currant fruits up front give way to cedar, charcoal and crushed rock with hints of nutty vanilla and slight mocha turning to mineral and touch of leather and spice on the acidic finish. Great QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) showing off a great vintage that presents itself well even at modest sub $20 price point. This is ready to drink now and doesn't appear likely to improve further. 

RM 88 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=224210


Cliff Lede Napa Valley Stags Leap District Sauvignon Blanc 2011

We discovered this wine at the winery during our visit Napa Valley Wine Experience in the fall of 2009. Located in the heart of Napa Valley in the Stags Leap District along Silverado Trail, Cliff Lede Vineyards are known for their collection of Cabernet Sauvignons, including their classic Poetry, unique Moon Symphony, and Estate labels.

Additionally, the Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc has become perhaps our favorite Sauvignon Blanc which should be a mainstay of any cellar as it is so versatile for so many occasions from causal sipping to apres dinner to spicy entrees. Its hearty enough for the breadth of Italian dishes for white wine lovers. 

 The 2011 Cliff Lede Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is light straw colored, crisp and clean with complex aromas and flavors of  pear, peach, lychee fruit, with a layer of lime zest, and apricot blossom with a flinty minerality on a lingering finish.

RM 91 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1346624

 http://www.cliffledevineyards.com/

Monday, October 8, 2012

Firesteed Oregon Pinot Noir 2009

Firesteed Oregon Pinot Noir 2009

Grapes for this wine, as in previous years, were sourced from throughout the Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue and Walla Walla Valleys, creating a truly Oregon blend.

Tasted w. James at Chez Andres in Alexandria, VA, where Monday and Tuesday nights feature wine specials. Too light for the filets of beef this was a great compliment to the chocolate mousse cake. 

Garnet in color, light bodied and a bit flabby but acceptable at the low QPR (Quality Price Ratio) price-point - aromas of dusty rose, raspberries, cedar, leather and spice; berry and slightly tart cherry flavors give way to tannin through the modest lingering finish.  

RM 85 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1193971

http://www.firesteed.com/
 

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon - 90+ Wines Shiraz

For a gala dinner celebration while visiting son Alec in New Jersey, we dined at Matisse Restaurant on the Beach in Belmar, NJ and took two big reds BYOB to accompany dinner - Robert Mondavi Oakville Cab 2004 and 90+ Wines Shiraz. 

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

From the collection of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon selections, the Oakville (appellation) label represents the Oakville AVA or Appellation - one of seventeen in Napa Valley. Located in the heart of Napa Valley the AVA (Agricultural Viticultural Area) extends the width of Napa Valley nestled between the Vaca Mountains to the East and the Mayacamas Range to the west, rising from the valley floor to an elevation of 600 feet.

Oakville is home to some of the premier producers of Bordeaux varietals with Cabernet Sauvignon being predominant as it is perfectly suited to the distinctive Oakville terroir - that combination of soil and micro-climate - just the right number hot sunny days and modest amounts of moisture at the right times of the season. Oakville is home to all the traditional Bordeaux varietals in addition to Cabernet Sauvignon  - Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot as well as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc white wine grapes.


Oakville is also home to many of the most storied, renouned and famous growers and producers of Cabernet Sauginon wines as shown on the interactive map of Oakville Appellation producers and growers and list of Appellation Members.

 The Mondavi Oakville may represent the best QPR - Quality to Price Ratio in the Mondavi line as it often equals or beats the Reserve flagship label for a fraction of the price. While almost double the price of the Estate Napa Cab, the Oakville consistently is distinctive and represents the best that the appellation has to offer in this price range and is generally available based on production of over 10,000 bottles. In good years, Mondavi does a great job obtaining this quality in such a quantity production.

The 2004 presented dark garnet ruby red color, medium to full firm body with intense concentrated flavors of sweet ripe currant and blackberry, dusty herb, and cedary oak with hints of anise and dark mocha on the sharp moderate tannin lingering finish.

RM 92 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=224276 

http://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/ 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Robert Craig Howell Mtn Cab 2005

Robert Craig Napa Valley Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2005


Wine tasting with Robert Craig atop Howell Mtn
We're long time huge fans of Robert Craig and his selection of Napa Valley Cabernets from 'three mountains and a valley' - Howell Mtn, Mt Veeder, Spring Mtn and his Bordeaux style blend Affinity. We've been collecting his wines since his inaugural release in 1993. 
Typically, over the years, our favorite is his Howell Mtn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

 We first tasted this 2005 vintage at the winery up on the top of  Howell Mountain at a wonderful lunch tasting during our Napa Wine Experience in 2008Joining us on that trip were my sister Jan and bro-in-law Bill. So it was great fun to experience this bottle with them at their house over dinner during my recent trip to Orange County.
 
This Cabernet Sauvignon is dark purple colored, full bodied, concentrated with smooth velvety texture,  bright, intense black and wild berry fruits, tones of soft mocha, cedar, spice and soft oak, a whisper of cedar and herbal notes on a polished smooth finish.
RM 92 points. 


Sunday, September 30, 2012

Plumpjack Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

Plumpjack Estate Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

A selection from our cellar remaining from a case we purchased at the winery during our Napa Wine Experience 1999. That trip featured one of our wine producers dinners featuring then Plumpjack associate winemaker Mary Pisor when we tasted Plumpjack 95 Reserve and pre-release ot the 97 Estate, and Plumpjack Chardonnay 1997. The then fairly new Plumpjack winery visit was one of our more memorable from numerous Napa trips during that time. This was the second vintage of PlumpJack Cabernet Sauvignon made from the grapes grown in the vineyards directly adjacent to the Oakville winery.

We pulled this bottle for our anniversary dinner a couple of weeks ago but didn't consume it then so we enjoyed it this evening over an intimate dinner of grilled Angus sirloin beefsteaks, corn on the cob and baked sweet potato, followed by baked chocolate cake and turtle ice cream. The wine was a great pairing to both the steak and the chocolate.


The Plumpjack Estate '96 opened with a big fruit and floral nose, dark garnet color and full body. Aromas and flavors of big ripe black cherry, black currant and black raspberry, a layer of cassis (more pronounced than earlier tastings' notes), and a slight hint of bittersweet chocolate, finishing with sweet soft oak from the French Demptos oak cooperage, and lingering soft tannins. At release this was projected to have "a long and vibrant life of more than 12 years." Well here it is at fourteen years just beginning to show any signs of diminution tempting promise of perhaps another half decade of enjoyable drinking, so we'll not rush the remaining bottles in our cellar, but expect no improvement from further aging.

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=11760

http://www.plumpjackwinery.com/

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Aged Napa Cabs - Mondavi Reserve - Rubissow-Sargent

Aged Napa Valley Cabernets - Robert Mondavi Reserve 1992 - 1993 and Rubissow-Sargent Mt Veeder 1996

For a grilled sirloin steak dinner Bill & Beth showed up with a Robert Mondavi Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1993, so we trolled the cellar and pulled out a 1992 for a mini-vertical tasting. We'd already set aside a Rubissow-Sargent Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 which provided a good comparison tasting to the similarly aged Napa Cabs.

For an starter course Linda prepared grilled lobster tail medallions which we served with Penn Shore Lake Erie Diamond - a semi sweet varietal wine from the southeastern shore of Lake Erie at the New York Pennsylvania border appellation. This was a perfect complement pairing to the hearty lobster - standing up to the full bodied, chewy unctuous tangy Diamond with its essence and layers of peach, clove, vanilla, hints of honey, cinnamon and tangy citrus.  

We discovered and purchased this wine at the winery during our recent tour of the Lake Erie Appellation and featured the Penn Shore Diamond in a recent wine tasting.

RM 88 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1441210

We had already pulled and decanted the Rubissow-Sargent to commemorate our discovery with Bill and Beth, Eric & Cathy, and Jan & Bill during our winery visit on Mt Veeder during our Napa Valley Wine Experience last year.

To finish we open a  Herbert Triebaumer Ruster Ausbruch, Rust, Burgenland, Neusiedlersee-Hügelland,  Austria 1996/87. "Ruster" is the town where the grapes are grown in the appellation of Rust, while “Ausbruch” describes the method of selecting and picking the most perfectly shriveled & botrytized grapes. While at one time this was probably butter colored, this exhibited a bright reddish rust weak tea color with a medium body.  Gone are the layers of peach and apricot that have given way to smoke, quince, honey and tangy lemons with aromas of vanilla. 

RM 85 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1455246

Rubissow Sargent Napa Valley Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

This wine pays homage to the early years of Tony Sargent and George Rubissow producing hand crafted Bordeaux varietal wines from their mountaintop vineyard at the south end of Napa Mt Veeder. At sixteen years of age, this shows the aging potential of these early releases as this wine is still holding up albeit approaching the end of its prime drinking window.

Dark garnet and purple color, this was medium bodied with pleasant black cherry and black berry fruit aromas, and flavors with a layer of kirsch, anise, tobacco, leather and hint of cedar on a moderate tannin finish.

RM 86 points.

http://www.rubissowwines.com/

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=5125


Robert Mondavi Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 and 1993

Bills note from Cellartracker - "Medium garnet color, very restrained nose. Took about two hours for this to open up. Upon popping the cork, this showed signs of being well past prime. Seemed carmelized and thin although the color showed no bricking. Between 90 and 120 minutes, this opened to reveal anise, mocha and graphite and some remaining tannins. Nicely complemented by grilled marinated sirloin with peas and mushrooms and herbed rice with Rick and Linda. Rick provided a 1992 Mondavi Reserve, creating a mini vertical tasting opportunity. Fascinating experience.

The '92 was the better wine, opening earlier with more depth and complexity than the '93 and a deep indigo color. Still not much on the nose. However, as the two opened over a 2 hour period, it was very interesting to see the wines come together in similarity and style. The common heritage became quite evident."


My notes - These two aged vintage cabs both are starting to show their age almost begrudgingly revealing the subdued fruits of modest vintages. They both were a bit closed and tight tasting more like aged left bank Bordeaux than vibrant Napa cabs. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, slightly astringent cherry fruit give way to weak tea, tobacco, leather and graphite. Both were decanted and aerated on opening. The '92 was more full and expressive early on opening, with brighter fruit, albeit subdued, while the '93 was a bit thinner, taking over an hour to reveal its fruit at which time it also showed a layer of anise with hints of mocha and a soft floral essence on the finish.

92 - RM 86 points. 93 - RM 85 points.   


93 - https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=97829

93 - https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=8821 

My earlier notes on the 1992 reveal a rather short drinking window, from 3/28/2010 - rated 89 points at that time: 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. Slightly astringent on opening but softened over time. Needs decanting for aeration and to collect the sediment

This was the second to last bottle of a case purchased upon release. It'll be drinkable for another year or so but will be nearing the end of its drinking window by then.

Friday, September 14, 2012

BV Tapestry Reserve Vertical and Constant Red Blend Tasting

BV (Beaulieu Vineyards) Napa Valley Tapestry Reserve Vertical and Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyard Red Blend Wine Tasting

What fun when we took a bottle of Beaulieu Vineyards Tapestry Reserve 2004 to Bill & Beth's and Bill pulled out a 2008 to compare in this impromptu mini-vertical tasting. To round out the comparison tasting, Bill also served a Fred Constant Napa Valley Diamond Mountain Vineyard Red Blend from 1995. We tasted these with artisan cheeses, bacon wrapped figs, and Angelis Italian lasagna. 

We've been fans of BV Tapestry for a long time with our collection dating back a dozen vintages to the mid-nineties. Tapestry as it's name so aptly states, is a blend of classic Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and accent portions of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The predominant Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the historic BV Ranches No.1 and No. 2 vineyards in Rutherford, selected from specific blocks of reserve-quality grapes that give Tapestry the combined attributes of rich character and softer tannins for relatively early approachability. To complement the Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is added from Beaulieu’s vineyard in the Los Carneros region and the remaining grapes in the Blend from various Napa Valley vineyards.

Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Valley Tapestry Reserve Red Wine Blend 2008

Wow. Immediately I stated that this is the most expressive Tapestry I can remember with its vibrant full floral perfume. Dark ruby color with a slight purple hue, medium-full bodied, polished, smooth and nicely balanced - big bright vibrant expressive floral tones that are pervasive throughout accented by sweet ripe black currant and black berry fruits, a layer of vanilla, hint of cassis and tangy cinnamon spice and pleasant sweet oak with fine smooth polished tannins with that clinging long floral essence that holds for minutes.This was remarkably approachable for such a recent vintage. Barrel aged in 50% new oak. RM 91 points.

Classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70)%, Merlot (16%), portions of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1198005

http://www.bvwines.com/

Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Valley Tapestry Reserve Red Wine Blend 2004

Dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, a bit tight and closed initially, it took more than an hour for this to open up and fully reveal black berry fruits, a layer of anise and tones of cedar, black tea and smokey oak on a moderate tannin lingering finish. RM 89 points.

The 2004 Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Tapestry was barrel-aged for 20 months, with 70 percent new barrels, to add warm vanilla nuances. For even more complexity, they used a tapestry of different oak barrels; over half were French, with the balance being American, Hungarian and Russian.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=410294





Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyard Red Blend Wine 1995

From high atop Diamond Mountain at the northern end of Mayacamas Range above the town of Calistoga, Fred and Mary Constant and consulting winemaker Paul Hobbs produce Bordeaux style red wine blend wines. We visited Diamond Mountain and Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyard during our 2011 Diamond Mountain Napa Valley Wine Experience. Sitting at the summit at the top of the mountain, the site offers spectacular views overlooking both Napa and Sonoma highlands from over 2100 feet elevation. Constant is among the oldest wineries in the valley with history dating back to the late 1800's.

Dark purple color, medium bodied, subdued black berry and black cherry fruits with trace of tobacco, tea and leather on a moderate, short soft tannin finish. RM 87 points.  

Cabernet Sauvignon 73%, Merlot 18%, Cabernet Franc 9%

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=36373

http://www.constantwine.com/


Even on a rainy day, Constant Diamond Mountain Vineyards
offer picturesque views in a spectacular setting.