Socially distanced wine tasting and pizza

My place in San Francisco
Tasted Saturday, August 15, 2020 by AaronMaxwell with 98 views

Introduction

Decided to pull together some like-minded friends for some good drinks and pizza from Zero Zero!

We didn't stick with a particular theme, but given the unusual heat of San Francisco, we opened quite a few white wines. We only cracked more red later in the evening as the temperature cooled down considerably.

Flight 1 (8 Notes)

  • 2019 Cardinale Sauvignon Blanc Intrada 94 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Incredibly light and with nuanced fruit. One of the palest sauv blancs I've ever had.

    Medium acid, creamy, strong grapefruit, and medium finish.

    Easy drinking.

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  • 2017 Evening Land Vineyards Chardonnay Summum Seven Springs Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

    Too gentle for my tastes. Nicely balanced wine, but didn't stand out in any particular way, especially next to the other wines this night.

    Pale yellow in color. Nose of earth and soft stone/tropical fruits.

    The fruit wasn't showing strong, the oak was just barely noticeable, and the low ABV didn't help with structure.

    More seasoned wine drinkers said it was almost Burgundian.

    Nice wine, but I prefer other chardonnay at this price, e.g. William Cole.

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  • 2014 Aubert Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons 96 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    sfwinelover1's contribution last night.

    WOTN from the whites. My first Aubert!

    Holy f#$k this is a dense chardonnay. Honey, almond, and tart fruit balanced so well with medium, creamy oak. Can all chardonnay taste like this?

    I believe it was decanted for 2 hours before being rebottled and chilled.

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  • NV Herbert Beaufort Champagne Grand Cru Carte d'Or Tradition Brut 91 Points

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    Great toasty, dry champagne! Thanks to our friends who brought it over in magnum format.

    This is pretty good :)

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  • 2014 Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake 97 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    Wow! Luckily picked two of these up at auction for just over $100.

    Deep ruby color.

    When I poured into the decanter and had a sip, I was blown away at how good it was straight out of the bottle at 55 degrees.

    Then, tasted after an hour of air...

    The nose is fresh blueberries, jammy, and classic Barnett perfume (similar to their merlot I recently had).

    This wine was a crowd pleaser. Absolutely delicious, structured, and bold. Great acid, not overly hot, and finely integrated tannins. Punches way above its cost.

    To me, this is like if Quilceda Creek and Spottswoode had a baby.

    Drink now.

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  • 2016 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

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

    A friend's contribution to our wine night.

    Changed dramatically in the first 30 minutes of decanting (improving wildly).

    More floral vs. fruity on the nose than I prefer. Peppery and earthy. Tangy.

    Must drink again when not following so many other wines for a fair rating. Maybe 91-93 last night.

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  • 1986 Château Gruaud Larose 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    PnP after dinner. Didn't get nearly enough breathing time.

    The cork had the most musk I've ever experienced on a bottle that wasn't corked.

    Gorgeous garnet color.

    Once the wine settled into the glass and breathed for a moment, it began to sing. But all in the front end with Bordeaux funk and sweet fruit. The backend fell away mostly, weightless.

    But the last '80's Bordeaux I had needed much more air before it composed itself. Oops.

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  • 2009 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 94 Points

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

    Second time I've had this wine. While not overly complex, I am a huge fan of everything going on in this.

    The brett is lovely. Medium-full bodied.

    Cherries, plums, and that quintessential meaty grenache.

    Drinking fine now, but no signs that it's at peak.

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