Single-Blind Cabernet Dinner

Single blind tasting with the DC crew.

Quick white wine as everyone was arriving.

• 2006 Matassa Côtes Catalanes Cuvée Nougé 88 Points

  France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes Catalanes

  Lots of sweaty socks and raw shellfish. Really nice mouthfeel despite the funky nose.

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Only rule was bring a cabernet with over 55% cabernet sauvignon.

• 2004 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard 87 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Rich nose of blackberry and ripe cherry. Has a very dense and rich palate that was a bit hot for me. Towards the end, there was some spiciness that was nice and the acidity was good.

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• 2001 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cougar Ridge 86 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  Chocolate, purple paint, and black cherry. Nice dash of asian spices, with sweet tannis. Very rich with an intense palate....

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• 2000 Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Superiore 87 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Superiore

  The oak came through a fair amount on this wine. Dense chocolate, dark cherry and an absolutely inky color.

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• 2004 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series 90 Points

  Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River

  Meaty, smokey, with strawberry reduction sauce. Sweet, dusty cocoa with a nice creaminess. Very nice acidity on the back. Great wine.

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• 2007 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 83 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

  Very young wine that's intensely hot. Backbone of this wine is apparent, with really nice baked pie crust tart cherry and beef jerky.

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• 1997 Betz Family Cabernet Sauvignon Alpha 86 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

  Seemed relatively simple on the nose. Some blackberry and blueberries. Good mid-palate and finish...wondering whether this wine is getting a bit over the hill.

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• 2006 Rulo Cabernet Sauvignon 85 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain

  A much too young wine. Super tight on the backend with bitter tannis. Nose had some nice chocolate and cherry, but found this wine to be awkward.

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• 2000 Gaja Langhe Darmagi 92 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC

  Tobacco, roasted eggplant, and smoky cloves. Spicy mushrooms, with a velvety mouthfeel...strong backbone with a pronounced elegance.

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• 2002 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series 93 Points

  Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River

  Dusty blackberry with an ashtray. Great balance, sweet tannis, peppers and roasted brussell sprouts. This was my WOTN.

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• 1998 Andrew Will Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain

  Sour cherry with spicy coffee and some pine needles. There was also a nice bitter chocolate component.

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• 2007 Crushpad Vayniac Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Mulberries, cracked white pepper, with strong cranberries and sour cherry. A slight mintiness as well. Nice.

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• 2003 Château Pape Clément 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  A very elegant Bordeaux. Very nice mushroom flavors with pipe tobacco, and a distinct roasted clove and spice box flavor. Seductive red berries in addition to some blackberry.

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Overall wine ranking (average score by all 12 tasters):

2002 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series 92.5
2004 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series 92.3
2003 Château Pape Clément 91.5
2000 Gaja Langhe Darmagi 90.6
2001 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cougar Ridge 89.8
2000 Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Superiore 89.7
1997 Betz Family Cabernet Sauvignon Alpha 89.6
2007 Crushpad Vayniac Cabernet Sauvignon 89.2
1998 Andrew Will Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard 89.2
2007 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 88.3
2003 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard 87.7
2006 Rulo Cabernet Sauvignon 87.6