Mardi Gras 2008

Casa Jay & Teresa's
Tasted Sunday, February 10, 2008 by jjclips2 with 651 views

Introduction

Some close friends with rustic Creole food and hopefully great wine.

Flight 1 - Whites (4 Notes)

Served with a mix of apps, ranging from stuffed shrimp to andouille "corndogs" and fresh Alaskan oysters

Flight 2 - Reds (4 Notes)

Served with braised pork belly, smoked pork shoulder, and "pork 'n grits"

  • 2003 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

    Tried a taste about 3 hours before served. Offered nice black fruits, cassis, cherry, plum, with nice dusty tannins and a warm spice element. Not too heavy on the oak and had nice acidity towards the finish. When served, not decanted, it really fleshed out. The tannins were a little coarse and the acidity really kicked up. Tobacco and cedar also came forward. Very nice wine, and I'm sure it will hold for many years to come.

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

  • 2004 Bodegas Caro (Barons de Rothschild / Catena) Caro 92 Points

    Argentina, Mendoza

    Had immediately after trying the '03 Spottswoode and it held right in there. A bit more earth and game notes. The tannin structure was tighter and the aromatics weren't quite as nice, however the density and power of this wine was phenomenal. Loads of black fruits, vanilla, and cocoa. Some spiciness and dustiness as well, particularly on the finish. Very nice wine. As with the Spottswoode, I'm sure this will last 10+ years.

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

  • 2005 Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Consistently one of the better Napa Cabs, and consistenly underrated as far as I am concerned. Deeply concentrated and richly extracted, this exhibits textbook Napa floor Cabernet. Creme de cassis, smoke, melted chocolate, cedar, and vanilla. The tannins are youthful, but are in check with the rest of the wine. With the power of the fruit, the tannins don't overwhelm and allow for a great drinking experience now, but will get better in the future. Acidity is a bit soft for me, but that's my only complaint. I'd drink this any day of the week over Silver Joke or Caymus or any other "brand name" wine out there.

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

  • 1992 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 82 Points

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

    Served as a ringer with a lineup of new world Cabernet based wines. Hmmm. Interesting to say the least. I honestly didn't expect much. I guess even in weak vintages, great producers can put out drinkable wines. The nose is intriguing as it offers rust, minerals, damp earth, and dried cranberries. The palate is a bit more enjoyable than the palate. A nice spiciness up front with light berry fruits, cran, and sour cherry. Slightly herbal and had a tea leaf thing going on. Finished with medium-high acidity and a dusty mouthfeel. Interesting and very fortunate to have been able to try this wine. Thanks Justin!!

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

Flight 3 - Dessert (1 Note)

Served with a apple and pear tart with caramel sauce and ice cream

  • 2004 Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 86 Points

    France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru

    From half bottle. Granted nothing special of a vintage, but I expected more. The nose offers a slight botrytis effect, with dried fruits of mango, apricot, and papaya. The palate is flabby as can be, rich, and viscous. Nice concentration of fruit and all, but simple. Probably a bit young to be drinking, however with the lack of acidity, I'm not too sure how long this one will last. The botrytis did show better on the palate though. It also showed better with the apple/pear tart that it was served with. Something about the acidity in the tart really brought out the fruit in the wine.

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

Closing

Food was great and wine was even better. Can't believe how good the '05 Larkmead was. To me, it was WOTN.

×
×