Hans Krueger Selections Part Deux

The Jug
Tasted Sunday, October 1, 2006 by jjclips2 with 587 views

Introduction

Another Hans tasting.

Flight 1 - Whites (5 Notes)

  • 2005 White Oak Vineyards & Winery Sauvignon Blanc "25th Anniversary" 88 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    Crisp nose of green apple and lemon zest with a hint of grass. The palate shows more citrus of grapefruit. Slightly herbal too on the finish. Lovely. Nice acidity and a bright finish that keeps ya going back for more. Enjoyed about a year later as well at the White Oak estate where we stayed.

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  • 2004 White Oak Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay 85 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    Not quite at the quality level as the SB, but still not bad by any means. The oak is dominant, particularly on the nose, however offers a nice vanilla spice streak. Pear, butter, and yellow apples follow through on the palate. Soft acidity with some spiciness on the finish. Not bad, but not my style either.

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  • 2005 Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    First time trying the hyped up Rombauer Chard. The nose is heady and rich. Tropical fruits of pineapple, dried papaya, and buttered popcorn. The palate is rich and viscous. The buttered popcorn element shows right away, but soon transitions into dried pear, caramel apple, and a slight spicy note. I'm guessing there's residual sugar in this one, but this is a new experience for me considering Chardonnays. 90+

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  • 2003 Ramey Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 80 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    After experiencing Ramey's single vineyard Chards, this doesn't come close. A bit floral on the nose, but finishing with a whaff of alcohol. Spicy nose too. The palate is of raw oak that dominates some pear with vanilla. Soft, flabby acidity.

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  • 2003 Ramey Chardonnay Carneros 85 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    Better than the '03 Sonoma Coast, but again doesn't come close to the single vineyards. Not all that cheap either. Rich aromatics of butter, toasted vanilla, and oak spice. The palate is very nice. Creamy pear, yellow apple, and a better integration of oak with just a bit of spice and vanilla. Acidity is still a bit soft, but finishes cleaner than the Sonoma Coast.

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Flight 2 - Pinots (2 Notes)

  • 2004 Domaine Coteau Pinot Noir 88 Points

    USA, Oregon, Yamhill County

    Complex nose of ripe black raspberries, toasty oak, and forest floor with a touch of floral aromatics. Very soft on the palate with ripe raspberries, vanilla, and burnt toast. The acidity is rather soft and the mouthfeel is velvety. Very nice. Sidenote: Two years later, I now poor the '06 by the glass.

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  • 2002 Landmark Pinot Noir Grand Detour 80 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    A bit on the tired side. Green, stemmy, herbal nose. The palate shows some asian spices and ripe raspberries with a very high acidity content. Finishes thin with high acid. A bit past its prime for me, but I guess it's what you like.

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Flight 3 - Rest of Reds (4 Notes)

  • 2002 Robert Keenan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Spring Mountain District 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    Thisi s a big boy. Caramel, coffee, chocolate, and black currants explode on the nose. A little bit of smoke on the palate at first, with obvious use of oak. The rich palate is full of creme de cassis and chocolate. It's a bit tight, but not as tight as anticipated. The tannins are in check, they exist, but not overwhelming. Soft acid. Overall very impressed.

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  • 1999 Rombauer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Selection 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    A total different style than the '02 Keenan Res. This shows more Bordeaux characteristics, particularly on the nose. Coffee, black cherry, currant, smoke, and black olives. The palate is also a bit old world with a nice earthiness up front with smoke, currants, vanilla, and a mineral note. Nicely balanced and definitely a different style for me, and enjoyable.

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  • 2003 Robert Keenan Winery Cabernet Franc Spring Mountain District 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    First experience with Cab Franc bottle as a single varietal that is enjoyable, let alone outstanding! The nose shows a bit of funk at first along with black plum and blackberries. Also a tobacco note shows through when the earthy funk disipates. The palate is full throttle. Rich and extracted, somewhat creamy black fruits, spice, and huge tannins that for some reason aren't obtrusive. Bought a few of these to see what happens 10 years down the road. Well done CabFranc Keenan!

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  • 2004 Dutton-Goldfield Zinfandel 88 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    Do these guys make any mediocre wine? After having their Pinots, Syrah, and Chards, and being completely WOWed, this Zin is quite nice as well. Bright blackberries, rhubarb, and plum on the nose. Jammy black fruits and berries with some sweet tannin. Great acidity and balance, with the alc. being in check. Great winery that is consistent.

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Flight 4 - The Ringer (1 Note)

It's hard to taste this after a few blockbuster Napa Cabs, but it was enjoyable and interesting to say the least.

  • 1994 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands-Echezeaux 80 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru

    2nd experience with DRC. Not the best vintage, but we'll give it a whirl. Nose of rust, mud, mushrooms, and soy sauce. I think I smelled a bit of dried cherries at one point, blinked, and then lost it. Very intriguing nose though, and one that I will never forget. It wasn't offensive, just not anyting that I've smelled before. The palate is a bit old with tart cranberry, fresh dirt, and tight, dusty tannin. Weird, but I'm glad I was able to try such a wine.

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Closing

The Keenans showed the best. Altogether a great tasting with a nice little ringer.

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