In Sonoma with Eric and Brian

Last week in Sonoma, my friend Tom Futey and I, met up with Eric Keating and Brian Tuite to have dinner and drink some wines. Tom and I ordered off the list while Eric and Brian opened some wines. It was a fun evening of conversation about wine, tools, sports and life. Nice to get a chance to get to know those guys in person.

• 2007 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 91 Points

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

  I was a bit suspect that this might be in an in between phase or worse, over the hill, but it showed quite well. Golden in color. The nose was slightly waxy with some floral tones, also some honey suckle and melon. On the palate, this is crisp and refreshing with some complexity. Layers of melon and tropical fruits. Clean finish. A pleasant way to start.

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• 2007 Jemrose Syrah Cardiac Hill Bennett Valley 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

  A delicious Syrah. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries with some black pepper. It is not a monster, and typical of norther cal Syrahs in that there is a lot of structure, but the fruit fills it out and there is an interesting complexity. Just the slightest note of roasted coffee beans. The juicy texture makes it easy to drink. Very nice.

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• 2008 Peay Vineyards Pinot Noir Scallop Shelf Estate 87 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  I have had some Peay's before and I am a fan, but this was not in my wheelhouse. I am sure there are some who might like it better than I based on style. I found it a bit thin and somewhat candied. Also, one dimensional. Perhaps this was at a bad time. It was fine enough to drink, but nothing special.

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• 2004 Cardinale 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Tom and I had been talking about this winery and when we saw it on the list, we bit. It was decanted for about an hour before we drank it. It was very good. Worth the money? Probably not, but we enjoyed it. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has cassis, some pencil shavings, spice and maybe some black olives. Complex and seemingly mature, there is plenty of time left, but I doubt it gets better from here. Its got some layering and a long finish. If this was half the price, I would be stocking up, but at this price, it was worth trying one time - with friends.

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We also shared a bottle of Eric's wine. I will republish my note from earlier in the day at his tasting room as this was only a few hours later.

• 2008 Keating Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford (8/16/2011)
  Keating Wines (Keating Tasting Room): My second time trying this wine and it is really a special wine. It is better than a sample I had last March and I wouldn't be surprised to see it get even better. I bought some, so obviously I think so. Nice pure cassis fruit with an underlying minerality that is interesting. Some oak showing, but enough fruit to last given some cellar time. The tannins are surprisingly soft/smooth but I think the bottle had been open for a day or two, so I am not worried. Really delicious wine. (93 pts.)