Dinner with Jonathan Livny

Seattle, WA, USA
Tasted Tuesday, December 14, 2004 by Eric with 804 views

Introduction

Jonathan Livny was in town for a speaking engagement, and as a wind-down for him the Barry put together a small dinner with myself and Steve Loeb. We met at Kaspar's and enjoyed 8 or 9 courses while sipping on three wines.

Flight 1 (3 Notes)

  • 2000 Goose Ridge Vineyards Vireo 87 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Syrah, and 31% Merlot. 13.7% alcohol, aged 22 months in French oak. At first this shows a bit of heat and a touch too much spicy barrel with clove and hints of black pepper. However, the wood integrates quickly, and while tight at first this shows bright acidity with red fruit, blackberry a hint of licorice and some rising plummy notes. With time this softens considerably and becomes quite approachable. Unlike so much from Washington, both the alcohol and wood are in good control here, a refreshing little wine.

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  • 1997 Castello Banfi Summus 88 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Sant' Antimo

    Sangiovese (Banfi Clonal Selection), Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. At first this shows a very nice 'horsey' note that moves toward a huge whack of mineral. The palate shows ash and cherry with some delicious smokey notes, bacon, and then a hugely dominant note of cedar that takes over the wine. There was a lot here, but I was disappointed in how lean and tight this was, as it really seemed to dry out with time as the cedar took over. Perhaps it is just very closed?

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  • 1997 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 94 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Superiore

    Ok, this is the real deal. The nose was very expressive and far more complex than I can depict in simple words. A Bordelaise nose of knockout minerals, iron, oregano, cedar, soil and earth. With more air this keeps getting more interesting and complex. The palate on this powerful and masculine wine is young and very tightly wound, but there is a lot of depth here. The finish is long and poignant with loads of dusty cassis. Yummy! 94+ with a lot of upward potential with more time to mature.

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