Monthly Tasting Group: California and Washington Cabs/Syrah
Estelle, St. Paul, MN
Tasted Sunday, October 2, 2022 by rocknroller with 112 views
Introduction
This was the monthly big group with Matt B making the theme and organizing. We had a group of 8 out of the patio at Estelle for a lovely evening with with some very nice wines. JV/MV, CV, JG, jG, JP, KB, MB.
2012 José Michel & Fils Champagne Special Club 92 Points
France, Champagne
Light gold color. Drank a glass over 45 minutes. I'm often not fond of the NV bottlings, but the Special Club is generally a winner. I was pretty enamored with this tonight. Nice doughy notes on the nose, apple, citrus, yeasty. The palate is fuller bodied, good depth and energy, very crisp, apple, apple eel, yeasty, good length too.
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NV Pierre Moncuit Champagne Cuvée Hugues de Coulmet Blanc de Blancs Brut 89 Points
France, Champagne
Light plus gold color. Drank a glass over 45 minutes. Oxidative, lemon, nougat, lemon pith. Ok, but a little more oxidative and angular than I like.
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2019 Vincent Chardonnay Tardive 89 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Pale gold color. Drank a glass over 30 minutes. Stone fruit, fairly light bodied, a bit thin, a little buttery, some lemon color.
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2013 Kistler Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard 93 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Light-medium gold color. The nose is bold showing cedar shavings, honey, lemon, lemon zest, and white flowers. The palate is rich and full bodied, very creamy, pear custard, stone, white pepper, oak spice. Fairly big and bold yet still a level of restraint.
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2005 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Very dark red/purple, 2mm clear edge. PNP, drank a glass over 2 hours. Sweet cassis, creme de cassis, subtle menthol, espresso, earth on the nose. The palate is lovely and balanced; black and blue fruit, soft texture, creme de cassis, earthy, tar and dark chocolate. Very well presented. 93pts.
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2006 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 91 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
Very dark red/purple color, 3mm clear edge. Drank a glass over 90 minutes. Drank this next to a '05 Corison Kronos. This bottle started out with a little burst on the nose, earthy and some classic fruit, to where initially I thought I favored the Leonetti. But this seemed to change quickly and seemed more rustic and austere in comparison. It seemed like this was just tiring.
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2008 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard 88 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Very dark red/purple color. Slow-O'd for a short time. Drank a glass over 90 minutes. Very big, bold blackberry cobbler and Creme de cassis, full bodied, woody/oaky.
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2011 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford
Very dark red color. Double decanted for 45 minutes; drank a glass over 2 hours. I the vein of old school Napa cabs, elegant and balanced, with charm. Cassis, red currants, red berries, blood orange, dried earthiness, delicate spice and dust on the nose. The palate is medium full bodied, black cherry, red berries, cassis, mouth watering, dried wood, dusty tannins. Classy. 92+ to 93pts.
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2012 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
Very dark red/purple color. This got some air. Drank a glass over 2 hours. Another style and producer I love. Very good, juicy raspberry and cassis, wood, tobacco, long and balanced. 92+pts.
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2012 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
Very dark purple/red color. Splashed and slow-O'd for 2 hours. Lots of vanilla and sweet, ripe blackberry and creme de cassis on the nose and palate. The palate is extracted, ripe, heavy on the oak with the vanilla really coming on strong still at 10 years old. There's a good bit of volatility from the mid palate to the finish that is distracting. This may please others more that embrace the style.
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2010 Andrew Will Two Blondes Vineyard 92 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Very dark red color. PNP, drank a glass over an hour. M43, CS38, CF17, Mal2. Really similar to my note from 2 years ago. Love the funk, spice, and tobacco notes on this. Still holding up really well.
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2013 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah In the Hills 92 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
Very dark red/purple color. Drank a glass over an hour. I really liked the Cote Rotie styled nose with its juiciness, bacon fat, and bold aromatic up front, roasted game, red fruits, pepper and bold tobacco notes. The nose is the star here, though I found myself tiring of the strong Viognier character over time.
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