Nano and Claudia's BBQ Blow Out

Nano and Claudia threw a terrific barbeque yesterday and had some of us over to enjoy their pool, meet old and new friends and eat some really good food. Oh! And, there was wine there, too! Thanks for opening your home to me.

I believe there were at least 20 wines there but between the as the conversation and the wines flowed, I didn't capture everything. Here are a few notes.

• 2006 Dry Stack Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Rosemary's Block Dry Stack Vineyard

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

  I was disappointed by this. I've been raving about the 2007 all summer long because of the sweet red grapefruit I find in it. The 2006 doesn't have the sweetness of the 07. It is a more traditional SB with grassy notes and acidic fruits.

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• 2004 Albert Boxler Riesling Reserve

  France, Alsace

  This didn't do it for me. I prefer riesling with a bit more sweetness. I was in the minority on this.

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• 2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Rosé

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  I brought this but got caught up in the reds and never tried it.

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• 1997 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

  USA, Washington

  Paul served this to us blind and I would've bet money this was French. Lots of earth and a little, but not much funk. There was a tiny bit of fruit here, but very little. Not enjoyable to me.

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• 1997 Behrens & Hitchcock Cabernet Sauvignon "Ink Grade"

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Jammy and sweet. It was surprising sweet and fruitforward for 11 years old.

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• 1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  This was pop and pour. At first, there was alcohol on the nose that blew off quickly. This remains one of my preferred California Cabs. Sweet and fruity, but not too much. Lots of balance.

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• 1997 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  This was my wine of the night. Gorgeous bottle of wine. My notes are lacking, but my memory says it was fantastic.

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• 1997 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Bella Oaks

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  I didn't take notes on this, but I liked it well enough.

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• 2002 Kuleto Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Gorgeous nose on this wine. Lots of fruit on the nose and in the mouth. Sweet. This is pretty straightforward juice. Not too complex.

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• 2005 Domaine Jamet Côte-Rôtie

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie

  Not as good as the 2003, which I loved, but one of the better wines I had last night. Some fruit, very little (if any) earthy-funkiness. I wish I'd had it earlier in the evening while my palate was sharper. I liked it.

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