Important Update From the Founder

RJ reference point tasting

Chez himes

Tasted February 23, 2012 by ADwivedi with 591 views

Introduction

This was set up by RJ andHimes to give a reference point for a variety of wines to the aspiring wino.

Flight 1 - Whites (2 notes)

Reference point for American/ California whites in magnums
2009 Araujo Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyard
2008 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard:

White

2008 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

95 points

Semi dry sweeter than any other chardonnay I have ever had. Crisp, clean, little finish if any. Fruity nose.

Comment

White

2009 Araujo Estate Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyard USA, California, Napa Valley

95 points

Bright crisp clean. No finish to very little. Fresh is the best word ro describe it.

Comment

Flight 2 - Pinot Noir (2 notes)

Brought before food served. Open for a few hours in cellar.
2008 Aubert Pinot Noir UV vineyard magnum format
2008 Kosta Browne Russian River Valley

Red

2008 Aubert Pinot Noir UV Vineyard USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

92 points

Good nose, nice long legs. Needed to open up more, open for more than 3 hours.

Comment

Red

2008 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

91 points

Great nose, medium finish. This reminds me of the typical Oregon williamette valley pinot. Tart cherries, bright. More alcohol than expected. Not much on the berry side.:-)

Comment

Flight 3 - Cabernet Sauvignon (6 notes)

Bought out with food. Open in cellar in bottles for more than three hours. None decanted. Mainly magnums.

Red

2006 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

96 points

Comment

Red

2006 Peter Michael Les Pavots USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

95 points

Beautiful color. Great nose. Semi dry medium finish. Want a steak with it. What you want a cab to be.😃

Comment

Red

2004 Robert Foley Claret USA, California, Napa Valley

94 points

Good color. Excellent nose. No alcoholic taste. Medium finish. Really had it too late to give a better review.😊

Comment

Red

2004 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

95 points

Excellent nose. Not acidic at all. No alcohol in the nose. Beatifull long finish. Berries abound, but not like Hobbs, more subtle. 😃

Comment

Red

2002 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve USA, California, Napa Valley

94 points

Totally a cab. Exactly what I think of a cabernet. Dry heavy...want a slab of steak with it. :-)

Comment

Red

2005 Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard USA, California, Napa Valley

96 points

A total cab. Dry with a long finish. Would be great with a steak. 2-3 glass tasting. Not bright. More mild than wild. 😃

Comment

Flight 4 - Syrah (4 notes)

Brought out after food. Cheese chocolate fruits around. Magnums.

Red

2006 Saxum Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

97 points

Excellent wine. Earthy, berry with a nice long finish.

Comment

Red

2006 Lillian Winery Syrah USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

95 points

Excellent nose. Deep purple color. Very berry flavor. Medium to full finish. Big boy wine!!

Comment

Red

2005 Agharta Wines Black Label USA, California, North Coast

Do not remember this wine. Drank but did not take notes. My bad RP gave it a 95. Damn! Listed because it was in the Syrah flight.

Comment

Red

2000 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

93 points

Good nose. Beautiful color more maroon than purple, but very deep. Great mouth feel. Good berry notes. Full finish.

Comment

Closing

Went on late into the night.
Made my notes later from memory.
Probably the best reference event. Programs given out with RP or CT review and ratings. Five experts on board to give desciptions of each flight. Personal walk through with any of the experts. One on one with any expert. Discissions were guided by the nonexperts. Impressions from non experts taken and reviewed. Total of 15 people. Truly amazing event.

RJ reference point tasting

Chez himes

Introduction

Flight 1 - Whites (2 notes)

Flight 2 - Pinot Noir (2 notes)

Flight 3 - Cabernet Sauvignon (6 notes)

Flight 4 - Syrah (4 notes)

Closing

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