Christmas Eve with Family

Great to celebrate the season with family and share some nice wines.

• NV Roederer Estate Brut Rosé Anderson Valley 89 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  Light Salmon Color. Citrus, Orange Peel, light strawberry, mineral. Palate tart acidity, citrus, strawberry, mineral, medium slgihtly astringent finish. Very good N/V Sparkling Rose. This bottle was a couple of years old too.

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• 2007 Mumm Napa Pinot Noir The Gallery Collection 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Deep Ruby Color. This particular bottle had a lovely smokey quality on the nose, along with spice, oak, cherry, and the floral elements. Palate is consistent with good acidity and a medium finish. Aeration and a one hour decant proved very beneficial again.

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• 2006 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Very Dark Red Color. Sweet black fruits, cassis, cedar, spice nose. Black fruits, spice, vanilla, full bodied, concentrated, round well integrated tannins, medium finish. Well structured, mountain fruit, a real winner, and a very good QPR wine.

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• 1999 Smothers Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon Remick Ridge Ranch 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley

  Dark Red Color. Nose shows earth, a bit of old world funk, red and black fruits, oak, a touch of mocha. The palate is consistent with nose, is medium body, good acidity, soft tannins, medium plus finish. This was decanted, but didn't get much time before the hoards attacked it. I suspect this would have evolved more given an opportunity. My next bottle will get a little more attention to detail when there are fewer mouths to please! This was 91-92pts as approached and was WOTN.

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• 2008 Thorn-Clarke Shiraz Terra Barossa Vintner's Selection 90 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

  Dark Red/Purple Color. Nose of Blackberry, Coffee, pepper, herbs, and just a hint of eucalyptus. Palate is soft and round in the mouth, full bodied, well concentrated, nicely balanced with the black fruit, pepper, and coffee showing on the finish. This is a crowd pleaser, and a great value for parties. 1 liter bottles typically at $12-13.

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I was quite pleased with the 1999 Remick Ridge. My expectations were very high after having the outstanding 2001. It was not quite as good as the 2001, but I hope that under a different setting that it will show even better. Still, both were a wonderful surprise wine for the year!