Tammy's birthday

Jordyn's home, Lexington, KY
Tasted Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Giggs with 377 views

Introduction

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In honor of Tammy's birthday, five wines from four different continents were served. Jordyn provided her home, along with some cheese, appetizers, cookies, and freshly-blown-out candles. As is now customary, Chance provided pizza.

Flight 1 (1 Note)

This Chardonnay will be appearing at a couple upcoming weddings. Tammy provided Chance with a generous initial pour.

  • 2008 William Hill Winery Chardonnay Napa Valley 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Nice lemon yellow color. Oak treatment gives subtle creaminess to the nose, but not overdone. Fresh palate, with tropical and citrus fruit, not too acidic. Mid to 3/4 palate is a touch green, but transitions to a sweet and elegant finish.

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Flight 2 (1 Note)

A Malbec was selected in honor of Chance's familiarity with Argentina. Alta Vista is a big producer but also one of the better values in Mendoza.

  • 2007 Alta Vista Malbec Premium 91 Points

    Argentina, Mendoza

    Spicy, toasted wood, mocha, wild black raspberry nose. Loamy palate leads with black currants, continuing to a juicy, ripe raspberry midpalate. Drinking well at the moment.

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Flight 3 (1 Note)

Probably due to its strong Cabernet character (as opposed to Shiraz), this proved a difficult wine to place blind. The blend is 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 18% Malbec, 8% Petite Verdot, and 4% Shiraz.

  • 2006 Thorn-Clarke Barossa Cuvée Shotfire (Ridge) 91 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

    Pours opaque purple, nearly black. A smooth, well-integrated nose with delineated aromas of mocha, plum, barbecued meat, toasted wood, graphite, and a strong underpinning of dried herbs and spices. With air, the graphite/pencil lead component starts to dominate the nose. Palate has cassis, blue- and blackberry, good concentration, slightly monolithic on finish, with purple fruits and subtle, bitter tannins. Very good left bank Bordeaux style. 91+

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Flight 4 (1 Note)

Set up to be the big thrill, this Syrah definitely needed much more decanting. Still, it's quality was obvious. Next time it should be decanted in the morning.

  • 2007 Tyrus Evan Syrah Walla Walla Valley 94 Points

    USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    Decanted only 3 hours; needed much longer. Concentrated nose of black plum, blackberry, black licorice, spearmint, and picking up acetone character which began to blow off with time in the glass. Palate is redder than the nose, with black cherry and sweet dark berries, and blue/purple fruit from midpalate onward. Long, broad finish.

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Flight 5 (1 Note)

An unassuming South African Muscadel was the big surprise. Two other bottles at the store had hideous fill levels, but this one looked immaculate. It proved to be phenomenal in the bottle as well. Great performance from the 15-year-old Sauternes-imitator.

Closing

Looking forward to the next wine night. If Chance is available, we'll anticipate some nice pizza.

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