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Christmas Eve Dinner 2019
Tasted December 24, 2019 by Winning_Wines with 110 views
Flight 1 (7 notes)
Red
1979 Château Pavie
92 points
Christmas Eve Dinner: Wine #1 of the evening.
I was very surprised at how great the condition was of this bottle. The capsule had some damage, but the long cork was in great shape (1/2 saturated, but still strong). The nose right after opening was full of "funk" and cheese, which made me fear the worst. However, after about 20 mins of air, this started to come together. Very little to no fruit remained, but it was full of tertiary flavors and aromas that were flawlessly balanced by the remaining acidity. The tannins, however, were nearly completely gone. It stayed at this level for another 1.5 hours before falling off. Overall, this is probably a decade past its prime drinking window, but I would certainly drink another bottle now if I had one.
What a treat to enjoy the remaining life of this 40 year old beauty.
I was very surprised at how great the condition was of this bottle. The capsule had some damage, but the long cork was in great shape (1/2 saturated, but still strong). The nose right after opening was full of "funk" and cheese, which made me fear the worst. However, after about 20 mins of air, this started to come together. Very little to no fruit remained, but it was full of tertiary flavors and aromas that were flawlessly balanced by the remaining acidity. The tannins, however, were nearly completely gone. It stayed at this level for another 1.5 hours before falling off. Overall, this is probably a decade past its prime drinking window, but I would certainly drink another bottle now if I had one.
What a treat to enjoy the remaining life of this 40 year old beauty.
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Red
1989 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Caldwell Vineyard
93 points
Christmas Eve Dinner: Wine #2 of the evening.
This was singing right out of the bottle. I was surprised at how much ripe fruit remained, along with some cedar, oak, and pencil shavings. I would have guessed this to be a decade younger in a blind tasting. Anyway, this is still rocking, but I would not wait to enjoy any more if you have them.
This was singing right out of the bottle. I was surprised at how much ripe fruit remained, along with some cedar, oak, and pencil shavings. I would have guessed this to be a decade younger in a blind tasting. Anyway, this is still rocking, but I would not wait to enjoy any more if you have them.
Red
1999 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
96 points
Christmas Eve Dinner: Wine #3 of the evening.
Wow! This was hands down the WOTN!. I did not decant the wine, but let it evolve in the glass. From the very beginning, this was beautifully full of silky rich tannins and rich dark cherry, both of which were supported blissfully by hints of cedar, vanilla, pencil shavings, and baking spices. This was absolutely stunning. Man do I wish I had more.
Wow! This was hands down the WOTN!. I did not decant the wine, but let it evolve in the glass. From the very beginning, this was beautifully full of silky rich tannins and rich dark cherry, both of which were supported blissfully by hints of cedar, vanilla, pencil shavings, and baking spices. This was absolutely stunning. Man do I wish I had more.
Red
2009 Betz Family Syrah La Serenne
94 points
Christmas Eve Dinner: Wine #4 of the evening.
This was my first experience with a Betz wine that had some age on it and I was happily surprised. It was full of dark fruits, as well as earthy stone/mineral notes. It greatly reminded me of the infamous "Cayuse Funk," which I love. What a treat!
This was my first experience with a Betz wine that had some age on it and I was happily surprised. It was full of dark fruits, as well as earthy stone/mineral notes. It greatly reminded me of the infamous "Cayuse Funk," which I love. What a treat!
Red
1994 Château Lynch-Bages
flawed
Christmas Eve Dinner: Wine #5 of the evening.
Unfortunately, this had a funk that just wouldn't blow off, even at day-three. My previous bottle this last summer was stunning, so this was a big disappointment.
Unfortunately, this had a funk that just wouldn't blow off, even at day-three. My previous bottle this last summer was stunning, so this was a big disappointment.
Red
1992 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Dedication Series
90 points
Christmas Eve Dinner: Wine #6 of the evening.
This was a good wine, but nothing overly special. I find that most Woodward Canyon Dedication Cabs hold up exceptionally well in the cellar, but this one seems to have lost its muscle. Overall, still enjoyable, but I was hoping for more.
This was a good wine, but nothing overly special. I find that most Woodward Canyon Dedication Cabs hold up exceptionally well in the cellar, but this one seems to have lost its muscle. Overall, still enjoyable, but I was hoping for more.
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White - Sparkling
N.V. Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Champagne
88 points
Good bubbles, but nothing special, especially for the price.