4th Saturday Group

In a divergence from the normal Saturday group format, our hosts went "Sunday group" style and provided all of the double blind reds for the tasting as they had a theme planned. The rest of us chipped in and contributed a bottle to their cellar as our entry fee. All of the reds are WS Top 100 selections. This was a fun and well-planned tasting, thanks, R&S!

• 2019 Dry Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc Dry Clarksburg 88 Points

  USA, California, Central Valley, Clarksburg

  Double blind. Pale color with notes of citrus and mineral to start. Thre’s also a cottony note (which should have been my clue). Citrus on the palate with heightened acidity.

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• 2018 A to Z Wineworks Chardonnay Oregon 88 Points

  USA, Oregon

  Double blind. Notes of citrus and apple. Full-bodied with flavors of pear and apple, again with heightened acidity. Nice. Thought this might have been an entry-level Chablis.

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• 2017 Aubert Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Double blind, opening with a terrific smoky/toasty note. Pear and orchard fruit with citrus blossom elements as well. Full-bodied. Orchard fruit and toast flavors carry the finish. Guessed Sonoma chard. 92+ pts.
  
  Young; needs a couple of years at least.

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• 2017 Marchesi di Barolo Barbera del Monferrato Maràia 89 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Monferrato, Barbera del Monferrato

  Double blind. Deep ruby red color with notes of blackberry liqueur, spice and raspberry. Soft tannin. Grapey, with a sweet berry quality. Spice notes in the finish. (R&S)

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• 2015 Haras de Pirque Cabernet Sauvignon Hussonet Gran Reserva 87 Points

  Chile, Maipo Valley

  Double blind. Darkest color of the flight. Black fruit, spice and black raspberry qualities. Adds a peppery spice tone along with blue fruit and black cherry. Guessed malbec. (R&S)

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• 2016 Bodegas Mas Alta Priorat Black Slate La Vilella Alta 89 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Priorat

  Double blind. Opens with notes of herbs, red and black fruit and even bouillon, showing just a touch hot as well. Lush dark fruit and raspberry on the palate. Very good. 89+ pts. (R&S)

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• 2017 Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel Heritage Vines 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  Double blind. Herb, raspberry, cherry and blackberry syrup aromas. Loads of ripe black fruit on the palate, along with a chocolate-covered graham cracker flavor as well. Guessed cab sauv. (R&S)

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• 2018 Loveblock Vintners Ltd Pinot Noir 90 Points

  New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago

  Double blind. Light color. Notes of cherry and cinnamon follow through on the palate as well, adding a rhubarb flavor as well. Good acidity; balanced. Medium+ finish. Guessed Sonoma pinot. (R&S)

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• 2017 Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 89 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

  Double blind. Dark color. Aromas of currants, plum and spice. Full-bodied with medium tannins and flavors of cherry, raspberry and chocolate; almost has a cherry cordial flavor to it. 89-90 pts. (R&S)

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• 2016 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

  Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

  Double blind. Dark fruit and spice notes in the bouquet. Heightened acidity on the palate. Clay, cedar, currant and red berry flavors. Guessed sangiovese. (R&S)

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• 2016 Sans Liege The Offering 90 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

  Double blind. Dark color. Notes of cherry, and red fruit, very bright and pure. Red fruit and herbs on the palate with hints of spice as well. Guessed syrah. 90-91 pts. (R&S)

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• 2015 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay 89 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Double blind. Aromas of black fruit, pepper, spice, vanilla and balsa wood. Firm tannins, with flavors of vanilla, and black fruit. Good.

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Enjoyed nonblind with lasagna, sausages, peppers and assorted pastries and sweets.

• 2015 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Stout Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Double decanted off its sediment approx 3.5 hrs before dinner. Youthful dark color with notes of chocolate and black fruit. Most of the tannin has integrated, leaving a plush full wine with black fruit, chocolate and cherry cordial flavors. Lingering finish. Excellent.

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• 2016 G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 92 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Notes of red berry fruit and cherry with underlying floral and spice elements. Abundant red fruit and balancing acidity on the palate. Incredibly friendly at the dinner table and very easy to like. 92-93 pts. (R&S)

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• NV Rozès Porto White Reserve Port

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  Notes of cashew, almond and melon. More fruit comes forward as it opens in the glass. Simple, but enjoyable. (R&S)

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