2016 Berserkerfest

About 60 people took n an equal number of bottles on a humid day in Jay's backyard in which temps approached 90 degrees. Difficult tasting conditions. About a third of the wines were of interest to me and I tasted most of them - albeit small tastes and usually sans food.

Menu included pulled pork sandwiches with slaw, smoked brisket and lamb sliders.

• 1977 Darting Dürkheimer Spielberg Riesling Spätlese

  Germany, Pfalz

  Difficult tasting conditions, but this seemed like a very good example of a mature Riesling - subdued sweetness and a touch of fruit and a slight oxidative note. The color turned sherry-like after a while.

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

• 1994 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Difficult tasting conditions, But this bottle was significantly more impressive than the one earlier this year. Cleaner, more fruit and more balance. I tried to revisit this but the hostess was so taken by that she was offering it to everyone.

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

• 1998 Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Marie Beurrier

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

  Difficult tasting conditions. Some fine elements but tough structure and tannins dominated. Maybe the conditions or perhaps not a great bottle - I expected more even though I liked it.

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

• 1997 Paolo Scavino Barolo

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Difficult tasting conditions but seemed good if young.

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

• 2012 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

  Not my thing, tasted like messy New world fruit.

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

• 2000 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Tondonia

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Difficult tasting conditions but this underwhelmed. Initially this magnum seemed subdued and later the oak protruded. Likely just too early.

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

• 1978 Château Palmer

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Pruned on the nose and dilute on the palate.

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