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

Richmond, VA

Tasted December 19, 2009 by wineshaman with 594 views

Introduction

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.

Flight 1 - Seerve assorted cheese and pate (2 notes)

Red
2005 Cellers Can Blau Montsant Mas de Can Blau Spain, Catalunya, Tarragona, Montsant
91 points
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+
Red
2001 Reininger Cima USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
89 points
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.

Flight 2 - All wines serve double blind, with an incredible beef roast, scalloped potatoes, roasted carrots and brocolli. (4 notes)

Red
2001 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve USA, California, Napa Valley
92 points
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+
Red
2001 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
93 points
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!
Red
2000 Château Léoville Barton France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
91 points
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++
White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
93 points
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.

Closing

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

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