First Wine Dinner with Friends

Toscana
Tasted Saturday, May 5, 2012 by winopops3 with 468 views

Introduction

Well we've been talking about getting together for a long time. This was the night we finally all could make it. Everyone couple brought two bottles and we all agreed on which wines we would drink and in what order. The restaurant was incredibly accommodating. New stems for each wine. Even got us a big round table which worked to enhance the discussion. And now to the wines.....

Flight 1 (6 Notes)

  • 2009 Kistler Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley

    Medium yellow. Flowers, rocks on nose. Palate tart lemon, minerals, grass. Oak with a light touch. Really nice. ( to me this was fairly citrusy and mineral driven others got a buttery note though not intrusively so)

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  • 2008 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Éloge 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Nose of dark fruit, cigar. Alot going on in the mouth with blackberry, mocha, tobacco. Tannins dominate. Mouthfeel and finish medium. This wine really needs time to integrate and for the tannins to soften. It's going to be great in 5 years. Alot to ponder here.

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  • 2009 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium 97 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    Opened about an hour before drinking. Not decanted. Nose of violet, dark (not stewed) fruits, cedar. The palate begs to be described in terms of texture. The wine is like falling into enveloping softness. One's palate and senses are caressed by this wine with beautiful fruits, chocolate, mocha and hint of tobacco. Not sure this is built for the long haul. Others would need to weigh in on that. Right now however, it's stunning. Wine of the night for me and most others.

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  • 2004 Clarendon Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Brookman 90 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon

    Nose of black cherry. Palate leans to tart cherry, oak (more wood than vanilla), a hint of grapiness. Nice mouthfeel. Medium finish. Interesting contrast in the context of the other wines this evening.

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  • 2009 Gramercy Cellars Syrah John Lewis Reserve

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

    Had this after some heavy duty cabs. Palate somewhat fatigued so not rated. I would like to comment that I found this to have an incredible nose. A crazy mixture of flowers, meat (I think beef), pine. The palate was well rounded and soft with flavors of olive, dark berry, and hint of chocolate. Tough for me to give a number rating in this context, as it should have been consumed earlier in the evening.

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  • 2004 Pahlmeyer Merlot 94 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    This wine was a revelation for me. I don't seek out CA merlot as the ones I have had have never wow'd me. This had an intoxicating nose of dark fruit, tobacco, and earth. The palate had more of the same-very rustic in nature. Very plush mouthfeel. Long finish. Very well structured. Could easily go for another decade.

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Closing

An evening of good wine, food and great company. Thanks to all who attended.

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