CellarTracker Wisconsin June 2011

Madison, WI- various venues
Tasted Friday, June 24, 2011 - Saturday, June 25, 2011 by floydtp with 1,568 views

Introduction

The first CellarTracker event hosted by CT user petitblanc. Numerous CT members were in attendance from Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and various parts of Texas. We had around 17 people for Friday night and 20 or so for the Saturday events.

Flight 1 - Palate Calibration- Friday Afternoon (4 Notes)

A reception tasting of sorts at petitblanc's home. This was, of course, after we had beer, brats and cheese curds at the student union on the water. Some instrument adjustment was needed for the TX group after arriving via plane.

  • 1995 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Turque

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine tasting. Nose of white flowers, some red fruit. Some blood on the palate along with berries. Very tannic, hard to fully (or even partially) assess. Keep these in the cellar for awhile. This bottle had several hours of air, but still not enough. This taster isn't qualified to give a rating on this one. Very nice experience and hopefully I will be lucky enough to check on these again in 5 years or so.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1986 Penfolds Grange

    Australia, South Australia

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine tasting. The nose was unmistakably Grange albeit a little weak. Some leather and spice on the palate but nothing on the finish. A very big disappointment for a Grange lover (unfortunately this is my 2nd off bottle of Grange recently). No rating.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1945 Sandeman Porto Vintage

    Portugal, Douro, Porto

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine tasting. Copper almost tawny colored. Nose of nuts and a hint of caramel. Similar palate. Not a lot on the finish. Not terribly enjoyable without context but a great treat to taste a 1945 VP. No rating.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1999 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting. Nose of tobacco, tree sap and some floral notes. On the palate it had more leather and some cherry before sort of ending abruptly. Very disappointing showing for this bottle. No rating.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Flight 2 - Friday Night Dinner at Johnny's Italian (23 Notes)

Menu consisted of:
Amuse-Bouche- Gruyère Gougère with Chive Crème Fraiche
First Course- Colossal Shrimp Louis
Second Course- Lobster Risotto
Intermezzo- Sorbet
Third Course- Filet of Beef with Pommes Lyonnaises, Charred Broccolini, Cabernet-Fig Glace
Fourth Course- Crème Brulée

I tasted every wine present with the exception of a 2005 Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fumé Pur Sang and 2005 Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fumé Silex, which didn't make it all the way around the table.

  • 1979 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non-blind at a wine dinner from a magnum, opened several hours before dinner. Fairly weak vegetal nose with some forest floor. Hints of dusty old leather, cigar box and black fruits on the palate. Medium long finish consistent with the taste with the addition of some rubber at the very end. Medium tannins. Drink now and over the next few years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1996 Duval-Leroy Champagne Brut Millésimé 92 Points

    France, Champagne

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non-blind at a wine dinner. Bright yeasty nose. Slight sweet on the palate with green apples, apricots. Long finish of baked bread and apples. Nice acidity, drink now and over the next few to several years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1996 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon 89 Points

    France, Champagne

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non-blind at a wine dinner. Some peaches and pears. Wasn't a big fan of the texture, not very creamy with somewhat harsh bubbles. Finish was buttery. To be fair, I have never liked the house style but I have liked over vintages better. Seems to have plenty of life left in it.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2003 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of lavender and apricots. Fully bodied for sure with significant oak treatment (but handling it well). On the palate is has some light fruit, a touch of caramel and maybe honey. Very long enjoyable finish. Despite some missing acidity, this one is very enjoyable if you like the style. Drink now.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2008 Maybach Family Vineyards Chardonnay Eterium 89 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Floral nose with a hint of citrus that is hidden by a lot of oak. Very full bodied and somewhat hot on the palate. Some apricot but mostly butter. Consistent finish with a lot of sour butter.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2009 Maybach Family Vineyards Chardonnay Eterium 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non-blind at a wine dinner. Aromas of apricots and apples. Some vanilla butter on the palate. A bit more restrained than the 2008 but still not a fan of this style in general.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1993 Domaine Daniel Rion et Fils Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes 92 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Big nose of leather and red cherries. On the palate it has sour cherries, more leather, cigar box and a bit of cellar dust. Medium-long finish consistent with the taste with leather at the very end. Would have loved to spend an evening with this wine instead of a quick taste but is seems to be a solid 92 maybe 93. Drink now and over the next 1-3 years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2004 La Pousse d'Or Santenay 1er Cru Clos Tavannes 91 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Santenay 1er Cru

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Huge nose of mostly cherries. More cherries on the palate that turn sour. Medium-long finish of sour cherries and rubber. Likely needs more time in bottle. I struggled to find much complexity here but would love to have another go at it in a few years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2006 Rhys Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard 93 Points

    USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Lovely nose of dark fruit with more of the same on the palate. Some sour cherry and rubber with some spice in the finish. Very nice wine overall. Hold for a few more years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2006 Rhys Pinot Noir Swan Terrace 93 Points

    USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of black fruit, very similar profile to the previous Rhys in the lineup. More dark fruit on the palate with a nice pleasant finish of sour cherry and rubber. Hold these for a few years but certainly enjoyable now with some air.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1998 Fernando Remírez de Ganuza Rioja 93 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non-blind at a wine dinner. Dusty leather and dark fruit on the nose. Traditional styled Rioja, nice earthiness, dark berries. Medium-long and fairly tannic finish. Continue to hold for a couple more years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2004 Clarendon Hills Grenache Clarendon 87 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Big candy nose. Lots and lots of fruit on the palate. Very hot finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2004 Clarendon Hills Grenache Hickinbotham 88 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Big fruity nose. On the palate, it has a lot of fruit and sweetness but also some leather. The finish is a bit overshadowed by some looming heat.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2006 Efeste Syrah Ceidleigh 92 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nice nose of blueberries, violets and a hint of smoke. More blueberries on the palate along with blackberries and some warm leather. Medium long finish with leather and some spice. Hold for a couple more years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2003 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nice nose of leather with some funk. Would be interesting to follow this one over an evening. Quite a bit of dark fruit on the palate. Leather on the finish. Hold for 1-3 more years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1982 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind a wine dinner. Nose of forest floor, some greenery and a touch of cedar. Dark fruit on the palate with some cigar box. Tasted quite fresh and still very young. I would continue to hold this for 3-5 years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1989 Château Pavie Macquin

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of leather and tobacco with some cassis. Similar taste but the tannins took over quickly and I found it hard to fully assess. No rating.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2000 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of leather and cigar box. Black cherries and other berries on the palate with more cigar box. Coming across very young overall. Hold for 5+ years unless you have a lot of these.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2000 Château La Fleur de Boüard 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of red fruit, cedar and some barnyard. Similar taste profile with some sour cherries toward the end. A fairly modern style to be sure, but quite enjoyable. Drink now and over the next 3-5 years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2003 Château La Fleur de Boüard 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of red fruit, tobacco and some cassis. Sour cherries on the palate. Medium finish with more sour cherry and a touch of rubber. Decent wine overall but probably relegated to daily drinker status. Drink now and over the next 1-3 years

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2006 Ghost Horse Cabernet Sauvignon Shadow 86 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of overwhelming leather, alcohol and ripe red fruit. Similar palate with maybe some blueberries and chocolate. Seemed to me more consistent with a highly extracted AU shiraz than Napa cab. Fairly short finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2007 Melka Métisse Jumping Goat 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non-blind at a wine dinner. Interesting nose of red fruit and some spiciness that I couldn't quite pinpoint. Similar on the palate in that there were a few flavors that were interesting but hard to identify. Nice long finish. Can drink now with plenty of air but probably better to wait a few years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1955 Fonseca Porto Vintage

    Portugal, Douro, Porto

    (6/24/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Hottest port I have ever had and possibly not the best example of this wine. Tasted and smelled like port flavored vodka. No rating.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Flight 3 - Saturday Afternoon Double Parallel Vertical (plus a Backus and a few Champers) (15 Notes)

Mr and Mrs petitblanc did a fantastic job of hosting this event in their home. For me, this was the most enjoyable part of the weekend.

  • NV Charles Ellner Champagne Brut Rosé 89 Points

    France, Champagne

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine tasting. Very fresh and nose of light fruits. Some light red fruit on the palate. Medium consistent finish. Interesting bottle. Owner wasn't sure of exact age but has been cellared for 9 years. Drink now.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • NV Brice Champagne Grand Cru Brut 89 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting. Didn't take detailed notes but was a style I enjoy with aromas and tastes of yeast and baked bread along with some citrus notes. Exact age of bottle unknown but believed to be 8+ years old.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1994 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

    USA, Washington

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 QC. Fairly austere nose of cassis, lavender and some tobacco. Similar taste profile with a medium-long dusty finish. The most old world in style of the QC lineup and one of my favorites among the QC's. Plenty of life left, drink now and over the next several years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1995 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    USA, Washington

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 QC. Funky nose with some barnyard but little fruit, tight overall. Tastes of cassis and other dark fruit. Consistent but fairly short finish that ended with rubber. Medium high tannins. Hold for a few more years but I'm not expecting much improvement out of this one.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1996 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points

    USA, Washington

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 QC. Very little on the nose. Some sour red fruit on the palate. Very tannic overall but not much else going here. Some leather on the finish but doesn't seem to have the fruit to continue to age well. Hold? To be fair, other tasters mentioned that this wine came around later during the event but the bottle had been double decanted and left open for several hours when I tasted.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1997 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

    USA, Washington

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 QC. Very nice nose of cassis and violets. More cassis on the palate with a hint of leather that continues through the very long finish. Very consistent wine from nose through the very end. Med-high tannins. Fairly enjoyable now but should continue to improve over the next few to several years. Seemed a bit hotter than the 13.5% indicated but wasn't a big issue for me. Along with the 94, it was one of my favorites among the QC's.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1998 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    USA, Washington

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 QC. Barnyard on the nose. Starts with some sweet red fruit but finishes dry. Not very complex. Enjoyable but not great. The finish is consistent with the taste with some sour rubber at the very end. Drink now.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1999 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, Washington

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 QC. Lots of briar patch on the nose and palate. Reminds me of wines from St Estèphe. Medium high tannins. Hold for a few to several years. No rating this time.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1994 Joseph Phelps Insignia 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 Insignia. Nose of cassis, violets. Similar palate with some mint and a hint of leather. The oak treatment is well integrated and restrained. Very long, consistent finish with a hint of rubber at the end. Certainly enjoyable now but should last for several more years. One of the standouts among the Insignias.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1995 Joseph Phelps Insignia 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 Insignia. Nice nose of cassis and violets. Similar palate with mint and cigar box and a touch of sweetness in the middle. Very long and consistent finish. Drink now and over the next several years. Very nice overall and one of the standouts along with the 94 and 97.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia 94 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 Insignia. Nose of blackberries, cassis, tobacco. Similar taste with some spiciness, a touch sweet but turns sour in the middle. Very long finish (probably the longest of the day). 94+ with some potential for further improvement. Hold for 1-3 more years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1996 Joseph Phelps Insignia 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 Insignia. A touch of sweetness, briar patch, tobacco. Very Insignia in profile. Long finish with sour tobacco at the very end. Drink now and over the next 1-3 years. 92-93.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1998 Joseph Phelps Insignia

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 Insignia. Not a lot going on on the nose. Didn't take detailed notes (I spent my time by this point going back to the 94, 95, 97 and Quilceda Creek 94). I couldn't easily figure this one out but did note to hold for a few more years to see what happens but I'm not expecting this to be one of the great Insignias. No rating for now.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1999 Joseph Phelps Insignia 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 Insignia. Nice cassis nose with some tobacco. Very sweet on the palate with red fruit and some cedar. A bit one dimensional but well made. Somewhat short finish. Enjoyable enough but was my least favorite among the Insignias tasted. Drink now.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1997 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard 95 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a tasting that included 94-99 Insignia and 94-99 Quilceda Creek. Beautiful cassis and mint nose with more of the same on the palate along with a hint of cedar. Big tannins. Very, very long finish. A bit more Old World in style than the Insignias it was tasted along side. If you are lucky enough to have any of these, hands off for a few to several more years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Flight 4 - Saturday Night Diner- Ruth's Chris (31 Notes)

First Course- Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Apricot Chutney.
Second Course- Louisiana Tomatoes with Goat Cheese and Remoulade Sauce
Third Course- Lamb Lollipops on a bed of julienne mint and topped with veal butter and sweet potato casserole
Fourth Course- Beef Wellington
Fifth Course- Cheesecake and Chocolate Pecan Bark

Again, I missed two wines- 2006 Davis Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley and 2006 Davis Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Pinnacole Russian River Valley

  • 1986 Opus One 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner from a magnum. Fairly restrained nose. Lots of briar patch and vegetal notes with some leather and a hint of cherry. Medium to short finish with more briar patch. Probably past its prime and on the decline. Drink now.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1996 Bruno Paillard Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 93 Points

    France, Champagne

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Very nice yeasty nose. More yeast on the palate with some sour apple and citrus notes. Very long enjoyable finish and a nice creamy texture. Definitely my style. Drink now and over the next several years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1996 Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brut La Grande Dame 89 Points

    France, Champagne

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Some nutty citrus notes on the nose with a similar profile on the palate. A bit oily in texture. Medium finish with more nuttiness. Not exactly my style so I'm a bit biased against this one.

    Read 1 Comment / Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2005 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Great nose of rich citrus and grass. Similar palate with a hint of pineapple and some dry caramel. Super long finish consistent with the taste. Drink, hold, buy more, all of the above. Easily one of my favorite wines of the weekend that included around 80 wines of all description. 93++

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1997 Paul Pernot et ses Fils Bâtard-Montrachet 93 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of floral apples and a few other things I can't describe. Some apricots and nuts on the palate. Very long, enjoyable finish. While I couldn't completely figure this one out, I did very much enjoy it and was a stand out from a weekend that included around 80 wines. Nice elegant white Burg. Drink now. 93+

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1997 Etienne Sauzet Bâtard-Montrachet 90 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of buttery CA chardonnay. I didn't take detailed notes but did think it was a well made wine for the style. Not for me though.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2008 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay B. Thieriot Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nice nose of light fruits. Lots of minerals, very restrained, little to no evidence of oak treatment. Very nice and unexpected. Drink now and over the next few to several years. 91-92

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2009 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay B. Thieriot Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Nose of apples and minerals. Similar palate with some dry caramel. Very little oak treatment if any. Very austere and Old World in style. Tasted next to the 2008 vintage and was very similar with the addition of caramel notes in this one. Lovely wine. Can be enjoyed now but probably best to wait a few years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2007 Sine Qua Non Body & Soul

    USA, California

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. My note taking by this point in the evening was tilting toward the side of brevity. In general, this wine was very big with a lot of heat and butter. Not my cup of tea but an interesting wine to be sure. No rating.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1985 Philippe Leclerc Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Combe aux Moines

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. The nose was nice at first with some fruit but was only a flashback to what was once. The wine quickly took on a chemical profile for me and wasn't any better in the mouth. A little hint of some berries but not much before a chemical taste took over. The finish was very short. If this bottle is representative, I'm afraid a time machine is necessary. No rating.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2005 Domaine Jean Garaudet Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard 1er Cru

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Very little on the nose, maybe a hint of some forest floor but nothing else. A bit of cherry on the palate but not much there either. Not sure what to do with this one. No rating.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2006 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 89 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Mostly cherry on the nose. More cherries on the palate but very hot overall and fairly tannic. Hold this one for another year or so.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2006 Dutton-Goldfield Pinot Noir Devil's Gulch 89 Points

    USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Marin County

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. I didn't take detailed notes on this one other than a rating and a comment that it seemed a bit disjointed and was too acidic. Perhaps it will sort itself out in a year or so.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2008 Dacalier De La Terre 90 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Lake County

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind from a magnum at a large wine dinner. Nose of red fruit, spice and a hint of smoke. More of the same on the palate with a nice earthy component. Medium long finish with some rubber at the end. Could benefit from a few more years of bottle aging but perfectly drinkable now. Very consistent with my previous tastings.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2005 Radio-Coteau Syrah Cherry Camp 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Spice, red berries and cherries on the nose. More of the same on the palate but I perceived a lot of oak treatment that I didn't like very much at this stage. I would hold for a few more years. My rating assumes the oak with integrate better down the road.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1971 Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Barolo Riserva

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. I won't give you my honest analogy of the color and appearance but it was not pleasant. To be fair, this bottle had traveled 1,000 miles the day before so it had no time to settle so not only was it basically brown, but it was very cloudy. For me this one was way past its prime and was one dimensional with mostly a band aid adhesive smell and taste. I; however, have very little experience with mature Barolos and others found the wine to be very enjoyable. Not qualified to rate this one in any way.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1976 R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia Flawed

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Bottle was corked. It also had an interesting nose of crickets.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1970 Château Cos d'Estournel

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. A nice treat to taste this one but wasn't a very enjoyable wine for me. The nose was very weak and the palate was dominated by a lot of sour, green notes and quite a bit of tannin. Almost no fruit left and not much on the finish. No rating. If you have any of these, open now.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1985 Château Cos d'Estournel 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Very strong briar patch on the nose and a faint hint of some blackberries. Similar tastes and finish. Probably not a lot of improvement left.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1986 Château Cos d'Estournel 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. A good bit of briar patch on the nose with some cigar box notes. On the palate, it seemed very tannic and much hotter than the previous wine (Cos 1985). Some nice fruit though and a bit spicy. Fairly long finish. Drink now and over the next few to several years.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2005 Château Cos d'Estournel

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. So hopefully no one will flame me in the Tasting Notes to Note forum for this but this note will apply to the Cos 2005, Pape Clement 2005 and Las Cases 2005 all tasted together. I tasted all three in quick succession initially and each stood out in different ways. The Cos had a lot of briar patch, the Las Cases had some nice cedar and cigar box and the Pape Clement basically tasted just like the Las Cases (at around half the price). All were tannic as all ever, as expected. Then I retasted in 10 minutes, these bottles had been double decanted and open for 7 hours or so by this point so what difference would 10 minutes in a glass make, well they were now totally different. The Las Cases now had more briar patch than the Cos, the fruit in the Pape Clement was taking on a sour element and the Cos was becoming more tannic by the second. Same thing after another 15 minutes or so, they were all three completely different. I even got into an argument (and lost) with jar1 at one point over which one was which (he was doing the same thing as I) as they had changed so much. In summary these all should evolve to be stellar wines but are evil temptresses for now. Unless you buy by the truckload, don't let anyone talk you into opening these for another 5-10 years at least. (And thank you, Jose, for treating us). Rating is 90-100 for each of them (except for the Las Cases, which I officially rate 91-100).

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2005 Château Léoville Las Cases

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. So hopefully no one will flame me in the Tasting Notes to Note forum for this but this note will apply to the Cos 2005, Pape Clement 2005 and Las Cases 2005 all tasted together. I tasted all three in quick succession initially and each stood out in different ways. The Cos had a lot of briar patch, the Las Cases had some nice cedar and cigar box and the Pape Clement basically tasted just like the Las Cases (at around half the price). All were tannic as all ever, as expected. Then I retasted in 10 minutes, these bottles had been double decanted and open for 7 hours or so by this point so what difference would 10 minutes in a glass make, well they were now totally different. The Las Cases now had more briar patch than the Cos, the fruit in the Pape Clement was taking on a sour element and the Cos was becoming more tannic by the second. Same thing after another 15 minutes or so, they were all three completely different. I even got into an argument (and lost) with jar1 at one point over which one was which (he was doing the same thing as I) as they had changed so much. In summary these all should evolve to be stellar wines but are evil temptresses for now. Unless you buy by the truckload, don't let anyone talk you into opening these for another 5-10 years at least. (And thank you, Jose, for treating us). Rating is 90-100 for each of them (except for the Las Cases, which I officially rate 91-100).

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2005 Château Pape Clément

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. So hopefully no one will flame me in the Tasting Notes to Note forum for this but this note will apply to the Cos 2005, Pape Clement 2005 and Las Cases 2005 all tasted together. I tasted all three in quick succession initially and each stood out in different ways. The Cos had a lot of briar patch, the Las Cases had some nice cedar and cigar box and the Pape Clement basically tasted just like the Las Cases (at around half the price). All were tannic as all ever, as expected. Then I retasted in 10 minutes, these bottles had been double decanted and open for 7 hours or so by this point so what difference would 10 minutes in a glass make, well they were now totally different. The Las Cases now had more briar patch than the Cos, the fruit in the Pape Clement was taking on a sour element and the Cos was becoming more tannic by the second. Same thing after another 15 minutes or so, they were all three completely different. I even got into an argument (and lost) with jar1 at one point over which one was which (he was doing the same thing as I) as they had changed so much. In summary these all should evolve to be stellar wines but are evil temptresses for now. Unless you buy by the truckload, don't let anyone talk you into opening these for another 5-10 years at least. (And thank you, Jose, for treating us). Rating is 90-100 for each of them (except for the Las Cases, which I officially rate 91-100).

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2005 Fattoria Petrolo Galatrona 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Very interesting nose of spicy red fruit. No spice on the palate but plenty of fruit and tobacco. Modern styled to be sure but could evolve into something very interesting. Very tannic at this stage. Let it rest for 3 more years or so.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2007 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Spice and fruit on the nose, cassis and a hint of a floral component. Similar palate but more cassis than floral or spice. Fairly short finsih and somewhat tannic. Hold for a bit longer. No rating.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2003 David Arthur Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Nose of cassis, mocha and a bit of cigar box. Similar palate with a touch of sweetness. Medium long finish. Very enjoyable wine,especially after tasting dozens of very complex and world class wines. This was the first wine of the evening that I could just sit back and enjoy. A well made but somewhat simple cab. Interestingly, another taster and I disagreed significantly on pretty much every wine for the entire evening (every wine I raved about he was spitting on the floor and vice versa) but this was the one that we both agreed on and both enjoyed very much. Drink now and over the next year or so.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1999 Penfolds Grange Flawed

    Australia, South Australia

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. The nose was definitely Grange in the beginning but very weak but with some wet cardboard in the background. Did not taste. This is my 3rd flawed or off Grange in a row!!!

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1999 Torbreck RunRig 92 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Thank god this wine was slotted toward the end of what was a very long tasting. Big nose of cassis, blueberries and cedar. Similar palate with a lot of spice. Long finish but tannic and hot. Drink now with a good bit of air or hold.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1955 Quinta do Noval Porto Vintage 93 Points

    Portugal, Douro, Porto

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Agree with the taster below that thought it had a tawny profile on the nose. I got lots of caramel, nuts and some cherry on the palate. Very nice and long finish but a little bit hot (but not a problem). Drink now but seems to have plenty of life left.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 1994 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Heimbourg Vendange Tardive 92 Points

    France, Alsace

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a wine dinner. Very nice nose of peach, orange and a bit of honey. More of the same on the palate with the addtion of some spice. Very nice finish and quite enjoyable overall. Drink now.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2001 Château Rieussec 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

    (6/25/2011)

    Tasted non blind at a large wine dinner. Honey and nuts on the nose and palate. Tremendous finish, nice acidity. Very young still but enjoyable. Drink/Hold/Gargle? On a side note, this was the last bottle of the evening (I think) and was also enjoyed by myself and a few others with cigars. It held up beautifully although I wouldn't recommend killing a Sauternes in this manner.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Closing

Tremendous event. petitblanc went completely over the top in planning the event and both restaurants also went well out of their way to accomodate us. Thank you to everyone for sharing your passion and your wine for a weekend.

×
×