PUC Elementary Fundraiser Dinner

The timing of our honeymoon allowed us the chance to finally attend this event, which we had heard so much about. We arrived at Neal Family Vineyards, situated in a beautiful location on Howell Mountain, and started the evening sampling the winery's Sauvignon Blanc. The evening commenced with a tasting of two vintages of the single vineyard cabernets.

We then moved outside to the large patio for grilled oysters, pizzas followed by the auction and dinner.

Mark Neal provided each table with a bottle of Kistler Chardonnay and the Zinfandel. Individuals at each table bid on open bottles to have at the table for the evening. For having only three couple at the table, I thought our selection of wines was fantastic. Thanks to Alder Yarrow for the Heitz, and Dave for the Matriarch and Maiden.

• 2003 Kistler Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain

  This was one of the wines the Neals provided to the tables. Pale gold color, with baked apple and pear notes, along with a nutty aroma. Apple and caramel flavors on the palate, with a floral component and a bit of vanilla.

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• 2006 Neal Family Vineyards Zinfandel Rutherford Dust 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  Another bottle provided for the table by the Neals, this showed aromas of jammy blue fruit and raspberry, along with subtle spice notes. Nice acidity, with spice, white pepper, raspberry and black cherry flavors.

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• 1997 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  Garnet color, bricking toward the rim. Aromas of mint, dark fruit, plum and eucalyptus. Absolutely gorgeous on the palate. Seamless...perfectly integrated. A mix of red and dark fruit flavors, with a savory herbal undertone that lingers on the finish. Based on this bottle, I'd say this wine has plenty of life left. Thanks to Alder, one of our table mates, for getting a winning bid on this beauty. 94-96 pts.

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• 1995 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  One of my successful bids for a bottle for the table. Deep garnet color. Notes of herbs, red fruit and licorice, with subtle floral undertones - violets maybe. Rich dark fruit and licorice flavors, bolstered by Asian spices and plum. Has a really long finish, full of lovely mature fruit. Just a gorgeous bottle. 95-96 pts.

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• 1999 BOND Matriarch 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  A bottle won by another of our table mates, Dave. Aromas of blackberry, plum, spice and soy. Still showing a lot of structure, with loads of dark fruit and a bit of spice on the palate. Has a long finish dominated by blackberry and spice qualities.

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• 1995 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Another bottle I bid on and won for the table. Deep garnet color, with meaty dark fruit, leather and Asian spice notes. Beautiful integration, with dark fruit, blackberry, cassis and plum flavors leading to a long finish with a bit of spice. Really great fruit, and still has a long life ahead.

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• 1998 Harlan Estate The Maiden 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  If I recall correctly, one of our table mates pilfered this bottle from another table. Dark garnet color with aromas of cassis, blackberry and soy aromas. Soy, plum and dark fruit flavors on the palate, with a slightly distracting reductive quality. 89-91 pts.

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