CT Texas Offline #2 Oskiwawa Raises The Bar

The TX CellarTrackers gathered in McKinney to share great wines and great friendship made possible by CellarTracker. The wines were numerous, the food was wonderful, and the CT'ers were once again generous and gracious. Oskiwawa, thank you so much for putting the event together. WIML, thank you so much for arranging and serving.

Dinner with wines. The food was restaurant quality from the prep to the presentation and the flavor. A wonderful experience. The wines were great with the 64 Pio Cesare being the WOTN (even though others scored higher, I just loved the nuance of this old Barolo). The biggest surprise for me was the showing of the Windy Oaks, it spanked the Kosta Browne by a wide margin. The 05 Beau was also a great wine, drinking very well now although I suspect that in 10 years I will like the 04 more.

• 1988 de Venoge Champagne Louis d'Or Millésime Brut 93 Points

  France, Champagne

  (11/5/2010)

  Nice golden color, small bead. Great nose, toast, citrus, brioche, golden delicious apple. On the palate, brioche, golden delicious apple, spice, light hint of citrus. Nice crisp finish. Great with the scallop starter. 93+ Outstanding.

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• 1989 Philipponnat Champagne Brut Reserve Speciale 92 Points

  France, Champagne

  (11/5/2010)

  Really focused nose, bright citrus, apple, toast, biscuit dough, pear, on the palate, meyer lemon, golden delicious apple, toast, spice. Finishes with a laser beam of acidity. I might be underrating the two champers. They are both outstanding. (NOTE revist score)

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• 1964 Pio Cesare Barolo 92 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  (11/6/2010)

  Very pretty wine, pale garnet color. Nose of leather, truffle, earth, tea, and a hint of red fruit. On the palate, truffle, leather, red raspberry, some sort of nut (almond?). Finished with nice acidity, tannins seem completely resolved. Although not the highest scoring wine of the evening it was WOTN for me from an interest perspective. Would have like to spend more time with this one.

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• 2008 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 90 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  (11/6/2010)

  Nose of chalk, florals, honey, apple, lemon oil. On the palate, oily mouthfeel, apple, mineral, honey, citrus, spice. Finishes with nice fruit and honey notes. Very nice

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• 2005 Alban Vineyards Viognier Alban Estate Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley

  (11/5/2010)

  Big nose of peach pit, white florals, petrol, butterscotch, apricot. On the palate, peach, apricot, white pepper, citrus peel. Oily mouthfeel, Finishes with a great acidic zing. Outstanding wine

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• 2006 Ken Wright Pinot Noir McCrone Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton

  (11/6/2010)

  Nose of ripe black cherry, spice, tea, vanilla, cranberry. On the palate, ripe cherry, spice, vanilla. Finishes with decent acidity. Feels overdone and a little clumsy, might improve with time.

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• 2005 Windy Oaks Estate Pinot Noir Estate Cuvée Schultze Family Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

  (11/6/2010)

  Beautiful nose. Bing cherry, red raspberry, rhubarb, cranberry, mushroom, vanilla, asian spice, cola. On the palate, black cherry, black tea, spice, vanilla, black raspberry. Great transition in the mouth with wonderful sappiness. Great acidic kick on the finish. Drink or continue to hold. Tremendous value and outclassed the other Oregon and Cali Pinots.

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• 2004 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing Flawed

  USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

  (11/5/2010)

  Not corked or cooked, but definitely not there. Was leaking out the cork.

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• 2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  (11/5/2010)

  Nose of earth, plum, black raspberry, black cherry. On the palate nice mix of black cherry, black raspberry, spice. Finishes a little hot. Needs much more time and definitely outclassed by Windy Oaks.

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• 1974 Gaja Barbaresco 90 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco

  (11/5/2010)

  Nose of prunes, leather, earth, tea, gave the impress of being oxidized. On the palate, far different, mushroom, earth, tea, muted red fruit, tar. Finishes with decent acidity and nice grip. Would have like to have this with a little more air.

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• 1999 Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi Piano di Montevergine 92 Points

  Italy, Campania, Taurasi DOCG

  (11/6/2010)

  Decanted for two hours. Great nose, black fruits, tar, anise, earth. On the palate, very walled off fruit, blackberry, espresso, anise. Finishes with strong tannins. Hold this for quite a few years.

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• 2004 Antinori Tignanello

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  (11/5/2010)

  Nose of earth and black fruits with some vanilla and spice. On the palate, nice sweet black fruit, tobacco, leather, earth. Finished with substantial tannins that quickly overwhelmed the fruit. Great structure and mouthfeel. Not scored but this promises a great future.

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• 2004 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  (11/5/2010)

  Very similar to the one tasted last month. Tight nose Red and black fruits, leather, roasted meat, anise, pepper. On the palate, rich black fruit, raspberry, anise, pepper, vanilla. Finished crisp with smooth tannins. Hold for at least five years. Lots of potential, might be better than the 05 given enough time.

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• 2005 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 94 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  (11/5/2010)

  Explosive nose of red fruit, leather, roasted meats, black olive, and great florals. On the palate, sweet red fruit, olive, leather, smoked meats. Finishes with great acidity and tannins. Great showing for this wine.

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• 1988 Château Rieussec 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  (11/5/2010)

  Nose of apricot, lemon curd, honey, spice, peach. On the palate, apricot, lemon curd, spice, honey. Finishes with lifting acidity and great sweetness.

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• 1955 Croft Porto Vintage

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  (11/5/2010)

  This bottle had definitely seen better days. Tawny color, nose like a tawny port with raisin and hazelnut. On the palate, like a tawny the palate repeats the nose. Not scored.

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• 1976 Mayacamas Vineyards Late Harvest Zinfandel

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/5/2010)

  Offered as a late night cigar wine by oskiwawa. Still very much alive, nose of dark berry and pepper. On the palate sweet ripe blackberry. Not much of a finish but what can you expect? Great little conversation piece and a great end to a great night. If I were forced to score it would be in the 85-87 range.

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A great afternoon at bstump's with a great vertical of Mondavis. For me the 85 surprised the most, it was in a very good place and seems to have quite a bit of life left. The 94 seemed a little young and the 97 actually seem to be on the decline from my point of view. All in all, a great experience, thanks everyone for sharing and thanks to bstump and Mrs. bstump for their hospitality.

• 1985 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Great nose, cedar, red fruit, tobacco, slight hint of mentol. On the palate, red currant, tobacco, cedar, mint, hint of sour cherry. Finishes with fully resolved tannins. Very graceful wine that is still full of life. Oustanding and my personal WOTF.

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• 1987 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Another beautiful nose with tobacco, mint, red currant, cedar. On the palate, red currant, mint, tobacco, hint of spice. Finishes with the same grace as the 85. Beautiful bottle my #3 of the flight. Oustanding

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• 1992 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Nose of plums, cherries, mint, melted licorice. On the palate, red currant, blackberry, anise, mint, Finished with sturdy tannins seems to be in a tough spot right now, not quite mature, not drinking as well the older versions. Still a very good wine.

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• 1993 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Nose of plum, black fruits, tobacco, bell pepper, spice. On the palate, blackberry, bell pepper, spice, tobacco. Finishes nice and smooth. Feels older and more mature than the 92.

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• 1994 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Extremely youthful on the nose, big dose of black fruit, mint, spice, and a hint of graphite. On the palate, black currant, blackberry, mint, spice, mineral. Finishes with strudy tannins but nicely balance. Actually feel like this one should be held a few more years. Oustanding, drink with a short decant or hold.

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• 1995 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Nose of black fruits, hint of tobacco, anise, mint, and leather. On the palate, blackberry, red currant, mint, tobacco, spice. Finishes with sweet tannins. Drink or hold

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• 1996 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Earthiest nose of the Mondavis with red and black fruit, spice, and mushroom. On the palate, sour cherry, blackberry, black cherry, spice, anise, mineral. Finishes with decent tannins. Could go a few more years.

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• 1997 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Ripest nose of the Mondavis, black currants, blackberry, plum, vanilla, leather, melted licorice. On the palate, black currant, leather. anise. Finishes a little flabbier than expected. I would probably be drinking this sooner than later. Outstanding but actually my least favorite of the Mondavis.

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• 1999 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Very tight nose, showing the youth of this wine, sour cherry, spicy oak, mint, olive, vanilla. On the palate sour cherry, black fruit, vanilla, spice, mint. Finishes with nice balance but the fruit is walled off a bit by the tannin. Needs time. Hold for quite a while.

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• 2000 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut Millésimé 90 Points

  France, Champagne

  (11/6/2010)

  Nose of biscuit dough, toast, apple, gives the impression of ripeness. Very creamy on the palate with peach and citrus. Finishes soft. Drink over the shorter term.

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• 1999 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon 93 Points

  France, Champagne

  (11/6/2010)

  Wonderful nose on this, steely mineral driven by citrus with a bit of green apple and toast. On the palate, razor sharp and focused, mineral, meyer lemon, toast, spice. Finished racy with a lot of efferversent energy.

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• 2003 Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 91 Points

  USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

  (11/6/2010)

  Great golden color. Nose of butterscotch, baked apple, spice, fig, pears. On the palate, baked apple, toffee, spice, mineral. Finished with nice acidity to balance the sweetness. Very good with food.

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• 2004 Kistler Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Nose of tropical fruit, citrus, spice, fig. On the palate, very creamy, fig, spice, citrus, baked apple, butterscotch. Finished with a nice lift. Drink or hold.

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• 1989 Château Lynch-Bages 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  (11/6/2010)

  Very youthful on the nose. Classic Pauillac nose of cassis, tobacco, graphite, cedar, mint. On the palate, cassis, tobacco, graphite, cedar. Finishes with sturdy tannins but still very accessible. Great bottle. Outstanding. Drink or continue to hold.

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• 1991 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Incredibly youthful. Nose of cassis, graphite, sour cherry, anise. On the palate, black fruit, tobacco, sour cherry, anise. Finishes with strong tannins and great acidity. I missed the signature mint that this wine usually carries. Hold for the medium term.

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• 1994 Ridge Monte Bello 94 Points

  USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

  (11/6/2010)

  Great young nose, cassis, vanilla, spice, bell pepper, tobacco. On the palate, cassis, tobacco, bell pepper, spice, blackberry, mocha. Finished with a wall of tannin, became more vegetal as it got air (the good kind). Drink with a short decant or continue to hold

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• 2001 Château Léoville Barton 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Julien

  (11/6/2010)

  Nose of blackberry, tobacco, cedar, violet, espresso, spice. On the palate, cassis, tobacco, cedar, mocha, hint of spice, Finishes with smooth but present tannins. Drink or continue to hold. Very nice

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• 1998 E. Guigal Hermitage 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  (11/6/2010)

  This wine was in some very serious company. It may have shown better on its own. On the nose, roasted meats, black fruit, hints of leather and black olive. On the palate, black raspberry, gamey roasted meat, olive, leather. Finished with very nice tannins and acidity. Seems a little young. Hold over the medium term.

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• 2005 Cayuse Syrah Cailloux Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  Has that great Cayuse funk on the nose, albeit muted. Beef blood, olive, leather, black fruit, vanilla, black pepper. On the palate, roasted meat, black olive, black fruit, vanilla, pepper. Finishes with sturdy tannins. I think this needed more air to really show well. Still, I will drink one of these anytime I get the chance

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• 2006 Cayuse Syrah Bionic Frog 95 Points

  USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

  (11/6/2010)

  My first Frog and hopefully not my last. I would have like a little more time with air on this one. Huge nose, leather, plum, anise, roasted meats, black fruit, cherry, pom, olive. Major complexity on the palate, plum, dark berries, anise, roasted game, leather, black olive, pickle juice (really). Finished extremely long and bold. Definitely would have liked more air. Still a great great wine with a lot of promise for the future. WOTN in some very very serious company.

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• 2000 Alvear Montilla-Moriles Pedro Ximénez de Añada 92 Points

  Spain, Andalucía, Montilla-Moriles

  (11/6/2010)

  Over the top nose of molasses, raisin, hazelnut, maple syrup, spice (clove?). As expected, very heavy and viscous on the palate with great raisin, hazelnut, spice flavors. Finishes long with just a hint of lift. Great way to end a night of big wines.

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• NV Buller Premium Fine Tokay 90 Points

  Australia, Victoria

  (11/6/2010)

  Nose of raisin, sorghum, honey, and hazelnut. Palate repeats the nose. Finishes with a nice acidic kick that stops it from being cloying.

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To close, I cannot thank everyone enough, oskiwawa, wiml, bstump, jar1, floydtp, petitblanc, thank you so much for sharing some great wines. Oskiwawa, you have raised the bar for event planning. WIML, I appreciate your energy and service. I look forward to our next one in Austin or Houston. One final thing, if anyone needed to get a hold of TexasWineGeek, dial 1-800-NOSHOW (just kidding TWG, you know we love you).