Christmas Dinner
Novi, MI
Tasted Monday, December 23, 2013 by GoBlue2002 with 328 views
Introduction
List of wines we drank over the course of the afternoon and evening, in order of opening. Hosted by Ray & Diane, and attended by Jeff & Marianne, Greg & Mo.
2006 Sant'Elena Cabernet Sauvignon 86 Points
Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Friuli Isonzo
From magnum.
Fairly well evolved, with minimal fruit and showing significant secondary characteristics of leather and tar.
The finish was short and this was not distinctive in any way. This was the 1st of 8 bottles opened, but it was not finished, representing the group's least favorite wine of the night. Still an ok value for Italian cab. Drink soon.
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2008 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 90 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG
Great value for a chianti riserva, and it doesn't show too much oak either. Ready to drink now for its primary fruit, but has the structure to continue to evolve for a few more years. Good length and grip on the finish, this keeps you coming back for another sip.
Fairly well liked by all, this bottle was drunk quickly.
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2009 Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella 89 Points
Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella
Very fruit-forward, almost zinfandel-like. This is definitely not a typical amarone, but seems to be an attempt to produce amarone in a more modern style. An interesting wine which I don't see evolving much over time.
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2009 Château Le Thil Comte Clary 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
This was better than expected, and shows the fruit forward side of both the 2009 vintage and the producer. I wouldn't consider this a long-term ager, but an excellent value in Pessac-Leognan for sure. Tannins are integrated enough to drink now, and the finish has enough length to hold your interest.
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2008 Cougar Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
An absolutely beautiful young cabernet, this wine represented a significant step up from all of the other wines consumed over the course of the evening. Easily the group's WOTY.
This cab sported a captivating and distinctive aroma of chocolate, blackberry, and dark fruit. The finish is somewhat clipped at the moment, but this should improve over time. Drink 2014/5-2020. I will have to see how long I can keep my hands off my remaining bottles!
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2011 Ca' Momi Cabernet Sauvignon 87 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Somewhat of a boring Napa valley cab, this suffered by being drunk after a stupendous WA cab... so much so that I can't even compose a decent tasting note the morning after!
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1978 Château Bel-Air Lagrave
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Moulis en Médoc
I figured we'd open up something with some age on it to compare to the young wines we had been drinking previously. Unfortunately this appeared slightly corked.
Cork was saturated through and could not easily be removed. We ended up just pushing the cork into the bottle and straining the wine out.
Overall this was an interesting wine, and seems to have aged ok, but it's not worth ordering again.
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