NYE 2023 Blind Tasting: Four 100% Varietals

100% Varietals, no blends.
Decanted to identical bottles hours before tasting experience.
Participants informed of the four possible wines before them.
Empty unrinsed bottles and corks on table top for participants to examine.
Participants asked to match the four wines before them on their ballot.

Four wines are:
2021 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Franc
2020 Cháteau Thivin Brouilly Reverdon
2016 Once & Future Wine Merlot Sangiacomo Vineyard
2016 Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir Whistling Ridge Vineyard

• 2021 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Franc 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  14.0% ABV Dark in color, multi-layered dark fruit, pepper on finish.

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• 2020 Château Thivin Brouilly Reverdon 92 Points

  France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Brouilly

  13% ABV Floral, medium color. Cherry, cranberry.

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• 2016 Once & Future Wine Merlot Sangiacomo Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

  14% ABV Dark red color, slightly cloudy, small amount of sediment. Chocolate & vanilla.

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• 2016 Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir Whistling Ridge Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Ribbon Ridge

  12.8% ABV Light red in color, raspberry, hint of strawberry.

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Wines were more similar than expected. Color was a give away for the Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot, and Once & Future Merlot. The Cab Franc and Beaujolais were at first difficult to distinguish from each other. In the end I was able to identify all four wines correctly.