Honeymoon Wines

Obviously may be tinted somewhat by the sentimental time, but a few wines I took on our honeymoon to Cabo San Lucas.

• 1996 Salon Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 95 Points

  France, Champagne

  (5/28/2011)

  Much different in style than I expected, as Krug CdM was my only Mesnil blanc de blanc comparison and this is much more reserved. Nose is rather shy but captivating with mild yeast, and stoney fruit. Palate is steely, taught with tension, but eventually opens up with floral character, with subtle lime and melon flavors. Despite the taught nature and acidity, mouthcoating and lush, with an incredibly lengthy dough and stone finish that last minutes.. Very balanced, smooth, with any hard edges or seams. As good as it was, I think the best is yet to come.

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• 2007 Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 90 Points

  USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

  (5/28/2011)

  Floral apricot melon and stone nose. Palate is sharply delineated, ripe slightly tropical fruits and lush mouthfeel, but focused and slightly tight. Unintegrated oak notes dominate the finish, adding creamy vanilla that tuned slightly bitter, but the fruit hangs on with a nice mineral stoney edge. Given time, I think will come together nicely, though the oak became more bothersome after 2 days open in the fridge.

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• 2008 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel 90 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

  (5/28/2011)

  Lovely open nose of leafy herbs, spice box, herbs de province, thyme, and touch of black cherry. Palate is soft and fruity, with just a touch of grip on the backend. Nice cherry an licorice notes--I get the feeling the cinsault percentage is higher this year. Medium length finish, with a touch of cedar, spice, and darker red fruits. A nice wine, totally accessible, with good conplexity, but doesn't posses the agability of '06 or '07. A fine value and expression of the region, drink up while waiting on the others to come around. Impressive for the supposedly sub par '08 vintage.

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• 2009 Copain Pinot Noir Les Voisins 91 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  (5/28/2011)

  Sweet red fruit nose of raspberry and cherry. While he palate hints at a sweeter overdone palate, it is quite steuctured. More fruit forward and concentrated that expected, but with a lively spine of acidity and added tension. Just a touch of tannins rounds out a balanced and well shaped palate that only Pinot can do. Medium finish, quite refreshing, adding a mild leafy herb quality. Quite nice. A step up from the Tous Ensemble.

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All drank well for the 90+ degree days and 60's in the evening. The Mt. Eden came across as heavy in the heat, while the other succeeded and performed quite well. And of course, A wonderful relaxing week with the wife.