Cousin's Night 3 Pinots and a Merlot

We have been getting together with our first cousins (no kids, no aunts and uncles) for years and while my cousins are not big wine drinkers sometimes they are in a mood to actually appreciate the wines that I am serving. In that case I don't mind heading to the cellar and pulling up some bottles as the night gets more and more fun.

The first bottle of the night on a pop'n pour served a warmed Brie cheese and this was the WOTN for most of us.

• 2007 Arcadian Pinot Noir Sleepy Hollow Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

  It was singing right out of the gate with our guests swirling, sniffing and smiling with a Wow this is good stuff. Suddenly everyone had their glasses out to make sure the got a sip.
  
  Typical translucent ruby color with an earthy funky smell and Luden's cherry cough drops mixed in. Long finish with a complexity that makes you take notice and savor.

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

This was the 2nd wine served with Crab cake appetizers and after seeing how the guests really liked the Arcadian Sleepy Hollow Pinot I decided to go with my KB from the cellar.

• 2009 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Well maybe it was the lack of a decant but this did not have the magic of the 2007 Arcadian Sleepy Hollow Pinot that preceded it. A bit more oaky but was enjoyed by all none the less. The color was noticeably darker and hard to see though but I have been noticing a bit more restraint in the KB wines lately.

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

Rolling along with a Pinot theme this was served with crab-meat stuffed filet of sole, green beans and farro pilaf that my wife so excellently prepared.

• 2009 Beaux Frères Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 90 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  I wanted to grab something from Oregon and had been holding this for a while. Again this was un-planned but seeing my guests enjoy the wines tonight I wanted another good bottle.
  As another taster noted this was good but lacked the complexity I was hoping for.

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

Now we are getting to the fun part of the evening and I grabbed something different from the 3 Pinot's that preceded this and it was very recognizable in the differences. Paired with a killer chocolate cake made from scratch by Sheila.

• 2007 Etude Grace Benoist Ranch 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

  A really good wine with classic Merlot notes of chocolate this paired well with a killer chocolate cake. Very interesting to taste this deeper wine after the prior Pinots.

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

Port and Limoncello was served as we started winding down the evening.

• 1997 Fonseca Porto Vintage 91 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  Did a bit of spash decanting as the cork broke while removing it so I had to strain the wine to remove cork from the bottle.
  Great nose and it was drinking smoothly.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

Overall another memorable night with our cousins and it really reinforces the notion that good wine is turned into excellent wine in the company of friends and family that you have the privilege to share it with.