Sammy D'Lush
User #285,127 signed up 2/15/2013
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2000 Vicomte de Castellane Champagne Cuvée Commodore
2/15/2013 - Sammy D'Lush wrote: 98 Points
One of our favorites.
The tasting room is in the old Esperney train station - a stark contrast to the HIGH END Champagne houses that line the boulevard out front. The building is painted in bold horizontal stripes - none of that French arrogance here (like the la-tee-da neighbors). This little known up & comer will soon be big news!
What they save in fancy buildings and expensive marketing, they put into their wines. As it should be!
I have many vintages of the Castellane Commodore in our cellar. The unique long neck bottle makes it stand out form the other Champagnes from the region.
The 2000 vintage is awesome. Light & bubbly (of course), perfect for sipping in the claw tub with that favorite french woman in french silk lingerie by candlelight.
The taste of fruit, pineapple, flowers and silk. It is lively yet not ambitious. The floral aroma is perfect and not over whelming.
Though priced in the 50 euro range ($70), it rivals many Champagnes in the $200 range.
Chandon, Jouet, Perignon are close neighbors. Their tasting rooms have weird hours and seasons, but we always find Castellane open. Got to love Esperney !
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2007 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
2/15/2013 - Sammy D'Lush Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not as good as some other Silver Oak.
The sharp bitey tannins grabbed my taste buds with a vengeance. They mellowed with aeration, but they were still very prevalent throughout the glass. Strong berry and bold oak flavor saved this from dropping into the 80's.
Overall, not as good as some of their varietals blended from multiple vineyards., that take advantage of the various soil and weather conditions.
Look for one of Silver Oaks other higher rated vintages.
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2007 Teague Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon San Benito County
2/15/2013 - Sammy D'Lush Likes this wine: 95 Points
A bold yet complex Cab that opened up after it was aerated.
Soft tannins, yet big, bold and velvety.
The subtle flavor of blackberries. The tannins did not grab my taste buds at the first sip, like many Cabs do. It became smoother & velvety as the glass progressed. Going back to get a whole case. I think that this one will definitely mature well with time.
Much better than many of the heavy weights vintners in the Cab & Meritage market. Watch these guys....
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