RJ reference point tasting

This was set up by RJ andHimes to give a reference point for a variety of wines to the aspiring wino.

Reference point for American/ California whites in magnums
2009 Araujo Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyard
2008 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard:

• 2008 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard 95 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  Semi dry sweeter than any other chardonnay I have ever had. Crisp, clean, little finish if any. Fruity nose.

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• 2009 Araujo Estate Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyard 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Bright crisp clean. No finish to very little. Fresh is the best word ro describe it.

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Brought before food served. Open for a few hours in cellar.
2008 Aubert Pinot Noir UV vineyard magnum format
2008 Kosta Browne Russian River Valley

• 2008 Aubert Pinot Noir UV Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  Good nose, nice long legs. Needed to open up more, open for more than 3 hours.

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• 2008 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Great nose, medium finish. This reminds me of the typical Oregon williamette valley pinot. Tart cherries, bright. More alcohol than expected. Not much on the berry side.:-)

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Bought out with food. Open in cellar in bottles for more than three hours. None decanted. Mainly magnums.

• 2006 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

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• 2006 Peter Michael Les Pavots 95 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

  Beautiful color. Great nose. Semi dry medium finish. Want a steak with it. What you want a cab to be.😃

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• 2004 Robert Foley Claret 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Good color. Excellent nose. No alcoholic taste. Medium finish. Really had it too late to give a better review.😊

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• 2004 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

  Excellent nose. Not acidic at all. No alcohol in the nose. Beatifull long finish. Berries abound, but not like Hobbs, more subtle. 😃

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• 2002 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Totally a cab. Exactly what I think of a cabernet. Dry heavy...want a slab of steak with it. :-)

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• 2005 Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  A total cab. Dry with a long finish. Would be great with a steak. 2-3 glass tasting. Not bright. More mild than wild. 😃

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Brought out after food. Cheese chocolate fruits around. Magnums.

• 2006 Saxum Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard 97 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Excellent wine. Earthy, berry with a nice long finish.

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• 2006 Lillian Winery Syrah 95 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

  Excellent nose. Deep purple color. Very berry flavor. Medium to full finish. Big boy wine!!

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• 2005 Agharta Wines Black Label

  USA, California, North Coast

  Do not remember this wine. Drank but did not take notes. My bad RP gave it a 95. Damn! Listed because it was in the Syrah flight.

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• 2000 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 93 Points

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

  Good nose. Beautiful color more maroon than purple, but very deep. Great mouth feel. Good berry notes. Full finish.

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Went on late into the night.
Made my notes later from memory.
Probably the best reference event. Programs given out with RP or CT review and ratings. Five experts on board to give desciptions of each flight. Personal walk through with any of the experts. One on one with any expert. Discissions were guided by the nonexperts. Impressions from non experts taken and reviewed. Total of 15 people. Truly amazing event.