The Palace, Somerset, NJ
Tasted Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by RajivAyyangar with 725 views
A weird clash of crass and class. Example: string quartet playing arrangements of pop songs. Food pretty good, but there was no neutral bread! Whites were all iced, which really, really pissed me off (again, can't blame the pourers). This was a rush job - about 45 minutes total - but I think we identified some good candidates.
Some interesting things... not feeling it that much though.
A branding venture by the makers of HB. Claim that the winemaking team at HB makes this. Not as impressed as I'd hoped, given that the story would make for a good sell.
It's Ridge! Paul Draper is legendary, and these wines didn't disappoint. The quality was superb - these easily outclassed the other stuff I tasted, and I don't feel justified in reviewing these wines, as I'm sure I missed a world of nuance in each.
Not impressed.
Some good things, especially the Beerenauslese. But a disturbing amount of frizzante. Sure it's nice, but was it intentional or just carelessness? Why does it matter? Because intent matters, and because it interfered with my perception of the flavors/structure. It got quite annoying.
Not impressed.
Overall:
The Clarence Dillon Rose (think about it for next summer) and maybe the graves blanc.
Several of Dr. Loosen's stuff - The Wolf Wachenheimer Riesling Kabinett, and the Dr. Loosen Spatlese. The beerenauslese of course.
Ridge- it's a great brand to have. It's a Lauber brand.
Honig: Rutherford Sauv Blanc, maybe the bartolucci cab.
Some of the Flowers stuff.
2006 Turnbull Old Bull Red 75 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Heavy hand with the oak, but there's a little integration. Full, rich, and a bit hot/sweet.
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2005 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label 76 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Some light olive on the nose showing incomplete flavor ripening. Based on the nose, I was expecting a certain restraint on the palate for this Bdx blend, but it was rich and sweet. This might be some people's cup of tea, but I think you can get this sweetness and oakiness at much lower price points.
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