Dinner with friends (an eclectic mix)

Last night, my wife and I were joined by one other couple as were invited to a mutual friend couple's condo along the Cuyahoga river. We sat outside with gorgeous views of the Lake Erie sunset watching sailboats, trains and wildlife from out perch atop the building. They made dinner for us while we brought the wine. It was a very casual night of conversation, food and wine. As for the wines:

• 2009 Agharta Wines Cataclysm 90 Points

  USA, California, North Coast

  This one surprised me. Its a Rhone white blend but I would not have guessed it. There is a good amount of fruit left at 6 years from vintage. The nose has melons and a bit of white floral tones. On the palate, medium bodied. Refreshing. Its all about apple juice at this point but not in a bad or oxidative way. Refreshing when served cold. Nice finish. Seems to be in a good place. While I didn't drink young, it seems like it has a few more years, at least, in it.

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• 2010 Bergström Chardonnay Old Stones 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  A nice refreshing wine. The nose has some nice grapefruit. Medium bodied. On the palate, there is a nice refreshing texture. Some fruit. Easy to drink. Just a very pleasant and enjoyable wine.

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• 2013 Liquid Farm Chardonnay Golden Slope 88 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

  From a sample pack I bought, I have had little experience with this winery. I have very much enjoyed the White Hill Chardonnay before. This bottle did not perform as well as those had. Perhaps it needed some air as it was cumbersome and seemed to have more oak that I would have liked. I thought I recalled these being low in alcohol with only a bit of new oak, but this bottle showed hot and oak, especially on the nose. Compared to the Agharta and Bergstrom, this seemed very rich and lush. Fresh cut oak, vanilla, and lemon curd on the nose. Full bodied. Perhaps I just expected more and certainly different. It is a very nice bottle of wine and I am sure if there were not more wines, we would have finished this. Sitting outside (12 floors up) on a nice summer evening, the other bottles were drained and half the bottle remained.

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• 2005 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano 94 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco

  Light ruby in color. Pop and pour, this showed well although it did evolve and improve thru the night. Ruby red and clear. The nose has great cherries, slight dried cherries with a bit of tar and spice. Medium bodied. On the palate, nice spice and cherries. Tight layers of complexity. A bit drying on the finish. Probably not at peak but entering adulthood at this point it would seem. Wet great with vegetable lasagna.

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• 2008 Kamen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Kashmir Cuvee 95 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Moon Mountain District

  My first time trying this vintage IIRC. Purple/ruby in color. This is a big wine, but certainly not a monster. Constantly changing. The nose shows cassis, cherries, spice, charred wood, and licorice. On the palate, this is accessible but very deep and nice layered complexity. Medium tannins at this point, so I suspect there is more evolution ahead. This has a long life ahead, but is drinking great right now. Worked well on its own or with food.

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• 2006 Saxum Syrah Booker Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Pop and pour, this took 30 minutes to open and settle down. At that point, this was rocking. The nose is gorgeous with black raspberries, leather, roasted meats, and black pepper. Slight earthiness. Lovely supple texture. A big wine that is incredibly light on its feet. Smooth and perfectly balanced. Went great with vegetable lasagna or on its own and even with peach pie. For me, this is just getting to peak and will be there for a decade. Love this wine.

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• 2010 Di Majo Norante Molise Apianae 92 Points

  Italy, Molise

  This is from Molise, Italy and can be very difficult to find. Our hosts love it and get it thru restaurant connections. Light gold in color. The nose shows apricots, citrus and floral notes. On the palate, this is lightly sweet. Not ponderous or cloying. It is mate from Moscato I believe. Worked well with peach pie or on its own. Wakes up the palate and is very enjoyable. Come in a cool shaped bottle. A very nice treat. Thanks.

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Thanks very much to Chris and Scott for opening your home to us. We had a lovely time.