PRIMA, Walnut Creek
Tasted Thursday, September 30, 2010 by soyhead with 802 views
After much palaver, 2nd annual Kings of Kalifornia vs Best of Bordeaux convened with a quorum of eight: Duane, Mario, Steve, Loretta, Kevin, Peggy, Jeff and Errol. There were some very noteable absences, but I can no longer remember whom.
To paraphrase Duane, for those of you could couldn’t make it we were happy to drink wine for you. Again California swept, and the crown passed from Mario to Duane, who did a minor victory lap in the restauarant when the wines were revealed, against the rules of better decorum, and gleefully exclaimed ‘So now will you guys leave me alone?’ Duane, sorry buddy, even a stopped clock tells the right time twice
a day.
Eight wines were served, blind – half California, half Bordeaux. All eight were decanted, and we each had eight glasses in front of us. Gwyn and Sid took care of all our vinous needs. It was yet another reminder of how PRIMA is a really classy place. A spit bucket went largely unused. Some of us hazarded a guess as to the geographic location of each wine, some us were so bold to actually predict an appelation, and some of us just kicked back and enjoyed the wines.
An interesting observation was that I was able guess 3 of the 4 Bordeauxs correctly based on the perceived aroma of celery. I pointed it out to the table, though I'm not sure anybody really agreed with me on that. As usual, all notes are my personal opinions, and scores are somewhat arbitary.
Thanks to everyone for their generosity and a great evening.
For photos, check out:
http://picasaweb.google.com/errolcraig/KingsOfKaliforniaVBestOfBordeauxII?authkey=Gv1sRgCNjS58nxiuSCLQ#
1995 Chateau St. Jean Merlot Reserve 89 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
nose - started off smelling like a dusty shoebox, but evolved amazingly fast to a nose of cranberry funk, vanilla, coconut, and spice.
mouth - fruit punch, red cherry, sweet red fruit, and lots and lots of caramel. Per steve has 'unctuousness'. Initially I found it delicious, and as the night wore on i thought it to be candied.
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