Omaha, NE
Tasted Thursday, January 18, 2024 by thesternowl with 113 views
One of the boys mentioned that he had a bunch of 1997 Napa Valley Cabernets that he wanted to open and thought it might be fun to do a retrospective on what was, at the time, heralded as one of the best vintages for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon of the decade. Naturally, we all thought it would be a fun thing to do and a few of us had some bottles of our own to contribute. We divided the wines into three flights; four if you count the champagne flight at the beginning. The format would be single-blind.
Well...that was fun! We only had two flawed bottles (the BV GdL III and the Beringer Private Reserve) and all of the others showed really quite well while some, were stunning. The Monte Bello was probably everyone's favorite though there was a lot of love for the Staglin, Insignia and even the humble W. Hogue Vintners "Terraces". P.S. most of the drinking windows on CT for these wines are waaaaaaaaaay off.
2002 Henri Goutorbe Champagne Grand Cru Special Club 93 Points
France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
Popped and poured; no formal notes. Just old enough to drink itself, this Special Club from Goutorbe is vinous and firing on all cylinders right now. There is such a compelling mix of primary and secondary characteristics with structure and fruit in perfect balance. A lovely opening glass of bubbles for what was certain to be a memorable night. Drink now through 2032.
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2016 Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Champagne Grand Cru Special Club Oger 91 Points
France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
Popped and poured; no formal notes. While the Goutorbe was ready for the business, this 2016 from Gimonnet was more of a discussion about its potential. This Special Club bottling showcases Oger and naturally, is a 100% Chardonnay BdB. I like where it’s headed, it’s just so youthful and tightly coiled. Loads of minerals and acid. Needs time. Drink after 2026 and through 2046.
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