Memorial Weekend BBQ at the Shaffer's

As usual, Matt and Jen were gracious hosts. Matt cooked brisket, ribs and pulled pork on his BGE. Plenty of accompaniments - including a delicious hoppin' john. If that wasn't enough, Matt and Jen served a boat load of wine with a casual blind tasting to find out what pairs best with BBQ.

The whites were great on their own and with apps. The Antis Malbec Rose was quite good and worked well with the food. Of the Reds, for me the PETS and Rhone Reds worked best with the food -- but that's not surprising given my personal biases! Cheese cake dessert and dessert wines were killer as well.

• 2006 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm 90 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  Palate has medium body with toasty blue and black fruit. Very dry on the palate and lacking rich fruit to balance the tannins. Needs time.

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• 2004 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla Clio 94 Points

  Spain, Murcia, Jumilla

  Delicious nose of fresh berries and toast. Palate is full bodied, rich and overt. Totally delicious, chock full of flavor and well balanced. Tastes as rich and fresh as on release. Not for everyone, but darn good in my book.

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• 2007 Neyers Zinfandel Pato Vineyard 90 Points

  USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Contra Costa County

  Restrained nose of blue and black fruit. Medium bodied palate is reserved with pure fruit and spice. Medium finish.

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• 1997 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley

  Nose has a good yum factor with black, brambly fruit and toast. Palate seems mature and even a bit tired with dried plummy notes. Shortish finish. Surprised on reveal but didn't get a chance to re-taste.

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• 2005 Carlisle Petite Sirah Dry Creek Valley 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

  Full nose of black fruit and toast. Palate is medium rich, with black fruit and plum. Approachable for a young PETS.

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• 2006 Saxum James Berry Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Delicious and layered nose has sweet raspberry, blueberry, black fruit, tar and toast. Palate is big and lush with loads of black fruit. Plenty of energy and verve provides balance. Excellent!

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• 2003 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard 87 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Medium classic zin nose shows a touch stewy. Smooth palate has medium body. Drinks like a down the middle of the road zin.

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• 2005 Robert Biale Zinfandel The Biale Block Stagecoach Vineyard 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Nose of fresh blueberries. Palate has medium body and juicy acidity. Blue fruit and spice. Classic zin character.

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• 2006 Scholium Project Gardens of Babylon 95 Points

  USA, California

  Wow nose is big with smoky black fruit. Huge palate has rich, black fruit and gritty tannins. Fruit is rich and delicious with spice and toast. Long. Love it.

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• 2004 Scherrer Winery Zinfandel Old and Mature Vines Scherrer Vineyard Alexander Valley 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  Mmmm full nose has rich, sweet black fruit and toast. Palate has medium body with lush, toasty black fruit and spice. Plenty of juicy acidity provides length and balance. My favorite zin of the night ... by a margin.

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• 2001 Pride Mountain Vineyards Syrah 93 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  Rich explosive nose of black fruit, toast and spice. Palate is rich and high on the delicious factor. Chock full of flavor and fruit. Long spicy, toasty finish. A yum wine.

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• 2002 Jeff Cohn Cellars Petite Sirah Frediani Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Deep, black color. Full, bold nose of black fruit and spice. Huge on the palate with big, rich fruits and firm tannins. Tasty. Has a way to go on the long PETS aging arc.

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Great company, food and wine ... awesome night!!!