Friday Night Brown Bagger

Our small group of eight gathered for our regular third Friday brown bag tasting. Wines are brought in paper bags and arranged randomly but we attempt to go somewhat light to heavy by placing wines towards one end of the table or the other, and then we mix them a bit from there. Each flight is tasted and unveiled prior to moving on to the next flight.

• 2008 Paul Bara Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé 93 Points

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  A nonblind starter before the warm ups. Light straw yellow color with a medium mousse and fine, persistent bead. Lemon, almond and dried yeast. Red fruit tones on the palate owed to the dominance of pinot noir (90%). Excellent now and with plenty of life ahead.

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• 2014 Arnot-Roberts Chardonnay Trout Gulch Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

  Our final of seven bottles served double blind to the group an hour after being decanted into an unassuming cabernet bottle. Pale color- one might guess current release based upon appearance alone. An initial smoky note gives way to lemon, basil and lime. Orchard fruit, lemon and melon with a lingering finish.

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• 2013 Sine Qua Non Résisté 89 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast

  Served double blind to the group. Deep color. Notes of lemon, clementine and florals. Rich texture; shows its abv as well.

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• 2005 Montevetrano Montevetrano Colli di Salerno IGT 92 Points

  Italy, Campania, Colli di Salerno IGT

  Blind. Garnet core with a good amount of bricking. Complex bouquet featuring leather and red fruit, becoming darker and plummy as it sits in the glass. Medium-bodied and plush, with soft tannin and flavors of plum and dark fruit. Picks up a coffee quality with air. Lingering finish. Has a Bordeauxish quality about it.
  
  This was our final bottle, double decanted off its sediment an hour before the tasting.

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• 2002 Portfolio Limited Edition 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Double blind. Good bit of bricking - has some age. Hints of bouillon with black fruit and raisin as well. Better on the palate with ripe fruit and softened tannin. Decent, though maybe not representative? (J&J)

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• 2019 Desparada Soothsayer 92 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Double blind. Deep color with a purplish hue. Aromas of black raspberry, blueberry and spice. Juicy and ripe- in a good way. Full-bodied, with spice, raspberry and briary fruit flavors. Lingering finish. Guessed zinfandel. (R&R)

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• 2003 Frédéric Magnien Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands Épenots 93 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard 1er Cru

  Double blind. Light color. Intoxicating bouquet featuring black cherry, game, forest floor and iron. Medium-bodied. Cherry, mineral and meaty flavors with good acidity and a long finish. Balanced. There’s some bricking here as well so this has a bit of age. Guessed 2002 Burgundy and was then shocked to see the vintage as there were no signs of the vintage’s heat. An absolutely delightful bottle of Burgundy. (R&D)

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• 2003 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barolo Vürsù Vigneto Campè

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Blind. Light color with hints of raisin, bouillon and red fruit. Better on the palate, with red fruit, soft acidity and hints of raisin in the finish.
  
  This had been double decanted off its sediment a couple of hours before the flight was poured.

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• 2008 Chateau Musar

  Lebanon, Bekaa Valley

  Double blind. Leather, earth, and mixed fruit notes. Red fruit on the palate. Balanced. (J&J)

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• 2020 Tres Sabores ¿Por qué no?

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Double blind. Deep inky color. Abundant blackberry and black fruit elements, with a tannic bite. Lush, exuberant fruit. Guessed petite. Very enjoyable.

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• 2018 Ferren Wines Pinot Noir 93 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  Double blind. Light color. Aromas of cherry, spice, white currants and orange rind. Cherry and red berry fruit on the palate. Medium-bodied, with balancing acidity. Excellent.

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• 2009 Soliste Cellars Syrah Out of the Shadows 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

  Blind. Deep color. Black fruit, plum and spice notes with a meaty undertone. The palate follows the bouquet. Very nice.

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• 2010 Morlet Family Vineyards Billet Doux 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  Half bottle. Light amber color. Nice mix of tropical and stone fruit. Rich texture with balancing acidity. Excellent.

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