SQN, Mollydooker, Saxum, Spotteswood

This weekend, i got together with my winery partners to taste thru the barrel samples of 2010 and 2011. Of course, we had plenty of wine before and after (especially after).

• 2001 Sine Qua Non Albino 92 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast

  Its been a long time since I had this one. Deep golden in color. The nose is waxy, slightly oxidized at first and not much fruit. The longer it was opened (it was decanted as the cork fell apart), it got younger and younger. Waxy, lemons and orange rind notes. Viscous, but bone dry. On the palate, this is complex and interesting. Nice balance. Nice finish. This is really nice. An amazing wine at this age and the way it revived with air.

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• 2005 Mollydooker Enchanted Path 91 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  Its been a long time since I have had this one as well. My first sip was tough to take. Is it what it is, to-wit: sweet, bombastic, yet well crafted wine. It drinks more like a "port" at this stage. Juicy, velvety texture. A good amount of acidity if perhaps not quite enough to balance out the fruit and sweetness. I am assuming some residual sugar. Once my palate adjusted, I found this interesting and a small pour was enjoyable. Lots of kirsch, creme de cassis and chambord notes. It might be hard for me to drink more than a glass, but I know many who would have no issue finishing the bottle. It really has not changed a whole lot since release IIRC.

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• 2003 Saxum Cuvée Rocket Block James Berry Vineyard Flawed

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles Willow Creek District

  Corked badly. What a shame. This is one of my most iconic wines in my cellar. I remember drinking this with Justin before it was released and realizing how much he had stepped up his game (and I was a huge fan before this).

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• 2005 Saxum Cuvée Rocket Block James Berry Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles Willow Creek District

  I really liked this wine. The nose is explosive with raspberries, black raspberries, smoke and day old campfire. Great juicy texture. On the palate, delicious, young and full of vigor. Easy to drink. Red and mostly purple fruits. Great balance. Long finish. Great.

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• 2008 Spottswoode Field Book Terra Bella 91 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Pretty much outclassed at this table, but certainly respectable. This was a back up bottle. Nice nose of black raspberries, some black pepper and a dark cherry note. On the palate, it drinks easily. Shows some depth and development. A very nice wine.

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• 1997 Sine Qua Non Impostor McCoy 95 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast

  Always a real treat to drink an aged SQN. The nose on this was still young although the palate shows some maturity. The nose has black raspberry pie notes, smoke, black pepper and dark chocolate covered cherries. On the palate, this has a nice streak of acidity which worked well with dinner. Lots of raspberries and black raspberries. Not as huge a wine as some of the newer releases, there is still a lot of stuffing here. I would drink these as I don't know if they improve but still no hurry.

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We also had some Lillian that had been open for a day. I did not note the vintage, but I was surprised how sweet that tasted as well. It was very nice, but I thought closer to the Enchanted Path than the Saxum or SQN.