Second Sunday Group: 2010 Bordeaux (aka Bal Masqué)
R&D's
Tasted Sunday, October 11, 2020 by AllRed with 217 views
Introduction
We gathered for just our second Sunday group tasting since the pandemic began, and this is likely to be the last gathering until next spring so it was especially good to see those in attendance.
As usual we began with warm ups followed by the main double blind flight. The themed flight is tasted and evaluated for 30-45 minutes. We rank the wines 1-8 (1 being our favorite) and then attempt to identify the hosts' theme. Following the themed flight we enjoy a casual meal with nonblind bottles contributed by the group.
For this tasting we were a modest group of eight and the cost was $45.
Flight 1 - Warm ups (3 Notes)
The Champagne was nonblind. The group went back and forth about the origin of the double blind whites, though most thought both were Bordeaux. The Spottswoode was likely not a good example, at least based on my experiences with previous vintages of that wine.
Flight 2 - Themed flight (8 Notes)
So for the most part these wines were a dark inky crimson color. Wines E and G (the Confession and Clarendelle) were just a shade lighter. These, for the most part, still showed some youthful tannin but had good fruit to balance things out. There were no earthy elements, and others detected chocolate qualities- I got mocha on one or two- so all hallmarks of Napa cab sauv. We all immediately thought Napa cabernets. One taster thought G was more Merlot-ish, or at least had some in the blend, but otherwise we were all dead set on Napa cabs. Usually there are other guesses, "what about <insert other region here>", but that simply wasn't the case tonight. We just set out to try and determine the vintage. I settled on 2013 as they seemed relatively youthful and from a good vintage. When the Clarendelle was revealed we couldn't believe it. Sitting here three days later I am still convinced that our host decanted Napa cabs into Bordeaux bottles.
Bordeaux masquerading as Napa!
If these eight wines are truly representative of the vintage as a whole, then the 2010s are Bordeaux for fans of Napa cabs (looking at you TLV). Personally I would hold these at least another five years and hope they begin to show more of their true heritage. They have plenty of good, nicely ripe fruit and should be able to pull off another five without batting an eye. However, if you like youthful fruit and don't mind moderate tannin, a two to three hour decant should be all you need to enjoy these.
Our host double decanted the wines about two hours before the flight was poured so they were initially a bit tight but began opening after 15-20 minutes in the glass.
Flight 3 - Dinner/dessert wines (7 Notes)
With beef stew.
Closing
Many thanks to R&D for another fun/humbling tasting.
NV Jean Laurent Champagne Blanc de Noirs Brut 88 Points
France, Champagne
April 2012 disgorgement. Bruised apple on the nose and palate. Hints of roasted almond as well. Getting a bit long in the tooth.
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2018 Lewis Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Double blind. Pale color. The bouquet is a bit grassy at first, along with a perfume quality. The palate shows citrus and lemongrass and bright acidity. My initial thought was domestic sauv blanc, but this showed some petrol and earthy elelments as it warmed so I guessed Bordeaux. A nice vintage for this wine. (R&D)
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2018 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc 88 Points
USA, California, North Coast
Double blind. Pale straw yellow color. Opens with a dominant dirty note that never blows off. Citrus underneath. Better on the palate, showing citrus and apple. Guessed Bordeaux on this one as well. (R&D)
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