Christmas Dinner

Wines consumed over the long day and night of Christmas fun with family.

Drank blind to see preference. Those in group with more experience in aged wines preferred the older wine, and vicea versa.

• 2010 Bougetz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Amaryllis 89 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  Holiday celebration at parents.
  Smooth, black fruited, integrated tannins, a bit acidic on opening but improved with time, lacked plushness. Better than the 2012 compared alongside.

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• 2012 Bougetz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Amaryllis 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  Holiday celebration at parents.
  Less smooth and more wild than the 2010. Black fruited.

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Wines tasted blind and ranked by preference. Varietal was also guessed. A clear last and first place wine emerged.

• 2013 Dr. Konstantin Frank Merlot 85 Points

  USA, New York, Finger Lakes

  Holiday celebration at parents. Drank blind with 3 other wines. Unanimous last place - "no flavor" and bland.

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• 2008 Firriato Nero d'Avola Sicilia Harmonium 88 Points

  Italy, Sicily, Sicilia

  Holiday celebration at parents. Drank blind with 3 other wines.
  Showed more fruit than expected.
  One 1st place vote. Group #3 of 4.

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• 2005 DuMOL Syrah Jack Robert's Run 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  Holiday celebration at parents. Drank blind with 3 other wines.
  Group #1, received 4 of 6 first place votes.
  Meaty, smoky, slightly vegetal, very smooth, black cruiser.
  This wine set off the night's trend/theme of syrah.
  Me - 93, Wife - 91/92

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• 2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Ranch 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Holiday celebration at parents. Drank blind with 3 other wines.
  Red-fruited, spice, long somewhat simple finish. Slight ramble, smooth.
  1 (out of 6) first place votes. Group's #2.
  Disappointing - perhaps needs more air/time?

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Consumed after those listed above.

• 2010 Whetstone Wine Cellars Syrah Phoenix Ranch 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Holiday celebration at parents.
  Dark fruited, meaty, smooth. This disappeared quickly, especially loved by my dad.

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• 2011 John Duval Wines Plexus 90 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

  Holiday celebration at parents.
  Nice modern Rhone blend.

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• 2009 Fattoria Le Pupille (Elisabetta Geppetti) Riserva Poggio Valente 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Morellino di Scansano

  Holiday celebration at parents.
  Very good sangiovese - not too acidic.
  Me - 90, Wife - 91

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• 2007 Alioto Pier Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  Holiday celebration at parents.
  Very ripe Napa fruit, drinking well now for those who enjoy the style. Fine grained tannins, but Napa cab.

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A great time[