MSO wine club - January 2015

The gang was all here minus Mark.
Alex cooked a special blend of burgers with Beecher's Cheese and some thick honking bacon. Started with an iceberg wedge with a buttermilk blue cheese dressing. Cheeses were out as well. And for dessert, cookies were made by Karen - quite delicious.
The wines were served blind with the exception of the Riesling. All were told that they were American, but that one was a ringer that was from the old world, but done in a modern way.

• 2013 Hofgut Falkenstein Krettnacher Euchariusberg Riesling Auslese

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  Delicious. Great balance of sweet fruit and tart lazer-like acidic finish. This went down fast.

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• 2010 Soter Pinot Noir Mineral Springs Ranch

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton

  splash decanted night before and then opened cork 2 hours prior to tasting. Still needed more air. Last glass was much improved than initial taste which had a bug spray, medicinal, plastic-like thing getting in the way. We wondered if bottle was off. It just needs a ton of air in a decanter.

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• 2011 Wind Gap Wines Old Vine Grenache Sceales Vineyard

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  Liked this a lot as did the group. Fleshy vibrant fruit. Not terribly complex but a pleasure to drink. What more do you want.

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• 2007 Rhys Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard

  USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

  splash decanted night before. Still needed more air. initially, it smelled sweet and the palate was showing ripe berries. With air, it became more complex and began to show some smoke and game elements, but next time will put this in a decanter and let it sit.

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• 2010 Halcon Vineyards Mourvèdre Esquisto

  USA, California, North Coast, Yorkville Highlands

  crushed candied violets. strong perfume. Not all loved this wine, but all seemed to appreciate the quality of it.

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• 1998 Bodegas y Viñedos San Roman Toro Viña San Román

  Spain, Castilla y León, Toro

  splash decanted night before. this showed wonderfully, nice orange zest and peel. some sweet savory spices, and some drying cherry notes. well integrated. larger profile. Age has helped this. Enjoyed by whole group unanimously.

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• 2010 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley

  large scale. big nose. some heat. dark, dark purple. this is a well made zin but unabashedly American and ripe. Some liked more than others. It really was about style of wine.

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• 2002 Sherwin Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Spring Mountain District

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  opened 2 hours prior and let air without cork. This is a big tasting, fully rounded cab. Some thought it is on the decline. Certainly drinking at or very close to the peak. Very Napa.

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As usual, we had a great night, ate like kings, drank like fishes and had great conversation and tunes.
The favorites were the San Roman Toro, the Wind Gap and the Rhys Syrah.