Thanksgiving 2007

Anchorage
Tasted Thursday, November 22, 2007 by jjclips2 with 490 views

Introduction

Wasn't too sure what to go with as far as wine is concerned, so we just went with it and mixed it up a bit.

Flight 1 - Whites and Bubbles (3 Notes)

  • NV A. Margaine Champagne Premier Cru Le Brut 87 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru

    Disgorgement date: Sept 2006. I think other Champagnes in Theise's portfolio shine better than this one, however it was very nice. I've also found that many of the grower NV Blanc de Blancs benefit from a few years in the bottle, as the acidity is somewhat overwhelming and the wines are rather simple. Crisp and clean, very refreshing acidity with steely minerality. Loads of lemon zest characteristics, not all that chalky or yeasty either. I'm a little jealous that I'm seeing purchases at $20 or under for this bottling by other users, as mine was over $40. Oh well, I would drink/buy again.

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  • 2006 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 92 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Roero

    Hands down one of the best, if not THE best Italian white I've had. Similar to the '05 in intensity and complexity, yet with not as much richness and an overall better balance. Loads of tropical fruits on the nose with a vanilla, slightly floral tone. The palate is explosive with fruit, nice medium body with refreshing acidity and hints of minerality on the finish. Does this guy make anything less than stunning??

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  • 2005 Nickel & Nickel Chardonnay Searby Vineyard 82 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    What a bummer. Nothing wrong with this one by any means, but just your typical Cali chard. Over oaked, flabby acidity, and not balance whatsoever. Fruit components were good, the toast levels were high with a vanilla spice thing going on. I expected a little richer Chard maybe? Not my style, nor anyone else that tasted this, but I'm sure others will enjoy.

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Flight 2 - Reds (4 Notes)

  • 1992 Lupé-Cholet Savigny-lès-Beaune 50 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Savigny-lès-Beaune

    Not defective, just well past its prime. Took on a medicinal, cough syrup heat with no fruit. OH well, thats what ya get for waiting too long!!

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  • 2005 WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 87 Points

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

    Very happy with this wine, and even happier after opening the previous bottle. Beautiful sweet fruit nose, maraschino cherries, slight warm spiced vanilla, and very little oak. Medium bodied, nice acidity up front with bright red cherries. Very simple and quaffable, yet enjoyable and not crazy expensive either. I would definitely buy again.

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  • 1995 Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvée 83 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

    Unique. Not too sure I've had many older Zins or Zin blends. The fruit comonent was still there, just not as jammy or bright. Also still had a clumsy tannin structure towards the finish, which was undesirable. Good spice, black pepper, and held a menthol quality too. This might appeal to some, but not necessarily myself. A good experience though.

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  • 1985 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve 94 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    I think I loved this one more than the others attending, which is fine, more for me!! Not even brick in colour anymore, more of a light brown with hints of burnt orange. The aromatics are great with dirt, fresh black truffles, baking spices, and a subtle bitter chocolate tone with hints of coffee. Palate is just as complex as nose with rosehips, dried cranberries (the only fruit component left in the wine), tea leaves, and cinnamon. I also found the acidity to be beautifully balanced with superfine tannins, in which were a bit dusty. Wish I had more!

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Flight 3 - Dessert (1 Note)

  • 2004 Ferrante Vidal Ice Wine 84 Points

    USA, Ohio, Grand River Valley

    This one was hard to determine if I liked it or not. The nose was wretched, unfortunately. Lots of canned corn and sweet cream, which I don't find appealing to smell. The palate, however, was stunning. Richly extracted and layered apricot, dried golden raisins, almost a slight botrytis spice with wonderfully balanced acidity. Overall I enjoyed this wine, once getting past the nose.

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Closing

Had a great time with good people, food, and most importantly wine. (Note to self, don't ever make a turducken again!!)

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