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Rhone Dinner at Frank Murray's with Jim & Gloria Mack
Tasted November 14, 2009 by blondon with 1,064 views
Introduction
This was a great event that I was fortunate enough to be part of. Jim & Gloria supplied all of the wines in a great comparison dinner of cool climate Bennett Valley and Northern Rhone varietals. Wonderful company, great food and wine.
Flight 1 - Jemrose Viognier; Condrieu (4 notes)
Pairing: Pan Seared Monkfish with Citrus Vegetable Salsa; Scallop Sashimi with Hot Soy Yuzu Drizzle; Fried Shrimp Cake
White
2007 Jemrose Viognier Egret Pond
Honeysuckle, tart apples. Nice citric acidity, great floral aromatics.
White
2008 Jemrose Viognier Egret Pond
Nose of white flowers. Richer mouthfeel than the 2007, oily. Tart lemon, granny smith apples, delicious food wine.
White
2006 André Perret Condrieu Chery
White peaches, stony minerality, meyer lemons, mandarin oranges. Very smooth, long finish. My WOTF.
White
2007 Rene Rostaing Condrieu La Bonnette
Very floral, asian pear, oily. Overly smooth, residual sugar, vanilla. Oak is prominent now, should integrate with more bottle time.
Flight 2 - Jemrose Grenache; Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape (5 notes)
Pairing: Roasted Chicken and Orzo Saffron Risotto with Wilted Baby Arugula and Organic Baby Brussel Sprouts
Red
2007 Jemrose Grenache Foggy Knoll
Rich, extremely peppery finish. 10% syrah. Dark red fruits dominate, thick mouthfeel.
Red
2008 Jemrose Grenache Foggy Knoll
Barrel sample #1 (5% syrah): great aromatics, strawberries, raspberries, baking spices. Wonderful varietal character on display, crisp, spicy, elegant. Very nice.
Red
2008 Jemrose Grenache Foggy Knoll
Barrel sample #2 (10% syrah): Rich, deep color. Richer mouthfeel than the first barrel sample, more fruit dominant, spiciness muted. I preferred barrel sample #1.
Red
2004 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve
Great funk on the nose. Red fruits, cinnamon, cloves. Healthy dose of dirt on the finish. Delicious.
Red
2005 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve
Seemed tight, closed up. Not as expressive as the 2004.
Flight 3 - 2006 Cardiac Hill Syrah Horizontal (4 notes)
Pairing: Ribeye Steak with Stilton Cheese Butter and Wild Mushrooms
Red
2006 Baldassari Syrah Cardiac Hill
Dark fruits, blackberries, coffee/espresso, roasted meats. Smooth and rich.
Red
2006 Shane Syrah Jemrose Vineyard
Meaty, roasted plum, tar, very peppery finish. More weight than the Carlisle, not as elegant.
Red
2006 Carlisle Syrah Cardiac Hill
Grilled meat, great salinity, blood & iron, midweight mouthfeel, peppery finish. Wonderful. WOTN for me.
Flight 4 - Jemrose Cardiac Hill Syrah; Clape Cornas (4 notes)
Pairing: Shiso Panko Crusted Lamb Chop with Sweet Potato Cake
Red
2007 Jemrose Syrah Cardiac Hill Bennett Valley
Maple syrup, blueberries, sausage and pancakes. Yes, it did smell like breakfast in the glass. Nice balance, good finish.
Red
2008 Jemrose Syrah Cardiac Hill Bennett Valley
Barrel sample. Osso bucco, roasted tomatoes, dark fruit. Short in the midpalate and finish at first, lengthened with air. I like where this wine is going.
Red
2003 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas
Green nose, roasted sweetness, raisin bran. Showed all of the nasty characteristics of this vintage.
Red
2005 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas
Smoky, earthy, dark fruits, blood sausage. Love the mouthfeel of this wine, great grip.
Flight 5 - Jemrose Late Harvest Viognier; Late Harvest Condrieu (2 notes)
Pairing: Dr. Jill's Homemade Organic Lemon Bars with a Tart Twist
White - Sweet/Dessert
2008 Jemrose Late Harvest Viognier Egret Pond
Apricots, honey, tons of citric acidity. After 30 minutes in glass, showed fresh comice pears, hint of sweetness that was nicely offset by the acidity. Not your typical overly sweet dessert wine, very nice.
White - Sweet/Dessert
2004 Domaine Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Ayguets
Caramel color, strange at such a young age. Toffee nose, tangerines, sweet stone fruits. A bit cloying.