Dinner @ Phil & Ena's (guess the wine)

Dinner with Phil & Ena is always an event I look foward to. Excellent food and wine and stimulating conversation. Blind tastings are a great way to exersize the palate.

• 2005 Cellers Can Blau Montsant Mas de Can Blau 91 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Tarragona, Montsant

  Popped and poured, licorice, earth, someone mention aspault in the nose. Red plum, minerals earth on the palate. Long spicey finish, room for improvment. 91+

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• 2001 Reininger Cima 89 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

  Popped and poured, somewhat closed in the nose, with just a hint of smoke peeking through. Subtle on the palate, elegant and reserved, with some very smooth black fruit showing on the soft smooth moderate finish. Based on this bottle I don't believe their is much room for improvment, still quite nice.

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• 2001 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Decanted 2hrs. Served double blind, old world aromas of earth, tar, leather and smoke in the nose. Still old world on the palate with some nice red fruits and cedar undertones. No mint or eucalyptus, that I find in so many Mondavi reserve cabs, however there was a touch of spice on the long finish. Based on this bottle, plenty of room for improvment. I guessed super tuscan due to its old world charm. My 2nd favorite and the groups 2nd favorite. 92+

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• 2001 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 93 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

  Decanted for 2hrs, floral nose of violets, red fruits and cedar. Tons of sweet red fruits, spice and cedar on the palate. Very long smooth finish, that lasted a full 30+ seconds. Maybe not as complex as the others tasted, but perfectly balance and more aproachable. Drink soon!

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• 2000 Château Léoville Barton 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

  Decanted for 2hrs, serve double blind. Old world aromas of earth, leather, tar, someone at the table mentioned it was like walking into a barn, certainly manure comes to mind. Old world continues on the palate that was rich and concentrated, with tar, coffee, tea, terroir, with undertones of blackberry, currants and cassis, very backward at this stage. Needs time for all these components to intergrate, maybe 5-10 years. But everything is in place. My #3 and groups #3. 91++

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• 2001 Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Simply outstanding sauterne, apricots, pineapple, orange blossom and hints of botrytis. Very long and only sligtly sweet, that is all in perfect blalanced. Went great with the prune and almond tart. What a great way to end a fine dinner with wonderfull company, thanks Phill and Ena.

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Thanks Phil & Ena for a lovely evening of amazing food and wine.