Offline with Xhoser

Xhoser came into town from California and some of the CWM got together at a West Suburban restaurant for an offline. He has been coming into town regularly for work. This was the first time I had a chance to meet up with him though. At the offline were Xhoser, Allred and wife, Lostverse and wife, Billhike, TrekkerDan, Jcubed and myself. No theme for the wine. Here are my notes:

• 2006 Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Rosé 90 Points

  USA, California, North Coast

  From Allred. Very light pink. Cotton candy and gun flint notes with a hint of cigarette. Good bead. 90 points.

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• 2002 Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre Cuvée Spéciale La Grande Côte 92 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre

  3rd time I have had this wine with consistently fine notes. 2002 was a spectacular year in the Loire Valley and Pascal Cotat is among the best producers in Sancerre. Waxy texture. Lemongrass and apple notes with an interesting tartness. Solid acidity. Going strong at 9 years old. 92 points.

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• 2001 M. Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  From Bill Hike. Golden yellow color. Creamy. Some sweetness to this wine but not much. Vanilla and lemon meringue notes. Nice depth. This was the favorite white of most at the dinner but I preferred the Cotat Sancerre. 91 points.

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• 2001 d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings 90 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  From Allred. Full bodied. Black fruit notes. Firm tannins. Going strong. Dark crimson color. The equal of the 1999 vintage of this wine. 90 points.

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• 2003 Brancaia Tre Toscana IGT 91 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  From xhoser. Opaque black red color. Dry lipsmacking tannins. Notes of grape skins, violets and dark cherry. 50% Sangiovese, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in this supertuscan. 91 points.

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• 2001 Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 93 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Napa / Sonoma

  From Allred. Crimson red. Little alcohol on the nose. Full bodied. Always one of my favorite wines. This was better than the 2002 vintage of this wine and the equal of or perhaps just below the 2005. Pepper, cassis and blackberry notes. Concentrated. 92-93 points.

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• 2000 Clos Apalta 92 Points

  Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley, Apalta

  From Jcubed. Black red color. Another standout from our dinner. Big wine. Firm tannins. Currant and cranberry notes. Consistently fine wine. Just as good or perhaps slightly better than the 2002 vintage that I had 6 years ago. 92 points.

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• 2005 Carlisle Syrah Pelkan Ranch 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

  From lostverse. Dark red color. Berry nose. A fruity wine which reminded me of a Zinfandel only more rounded. Bristly texture. Notes of currant and black pepper. Bitter finish. 89-90 points.

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• 2005 Pax Syrah Obsidian Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

  From Dan Trekker. One of the top wines of the night for me. Notes of fried pancetta and grape skins with cocoa on the finish. Medium to full bodied. 92 points..

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• 2003 Neal Family Vineyards Petite Syrah 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  From lostverse. Blackish red color. Medium bodied. Cherry and currant notes. Biting tannins. The 2003 Neal PS Fifteen-Forty that I had 2 years ago was superior to this wine. 88 points.

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VM