Matt's B-Day Bash

Some of us impertinently brought a few bottles to a party at a tasting room last night, and while themeless and random in how the wines were assembled, the evening came together beautifully -- cohesion by accident! Each wine seemed to dazzle beyond expectations, opened my eyes to something unexpected and/or showed tremendous promise for continued development and an ability to soar.

• 2006 Dominio Pingus Ribera del Duero Flor de Pingus 93 Points

  Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

  A veritable baby, this bottle showed extremely well from the moment opened. Deep ruby in the glass, the bouquet dazzled: dark berries, spice and toasted oak. On the palate, this was lush, intense and powerful yet stayed in balance. What I really liked was its rich texture and complex finish. Not for the oak averse though I found it well-integrated even at this young stage.

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• 2009 Keplinger Basilisk 94 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  My WOTN among a number of standouts, this baby has rewarded my patience and is really now open for business. An unmistakable Grenache spice array on the nose gives way to a complex and rich set of flavors on the palate and a silky texture that contributed to a killer finish. Rhubarb, mocha, herbs, toasted vanilla, black cherry -- I could go on and on. Total balance, a real treat. Could bet better with age, will try to spread out the consumption of my meager stock of two more of these, before dipping into the 2010's.

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• 2007 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  From a magnum, no decant: Nice barnyard funk on the nose. Full-bodied, with notes of pepper. Sweet tannins were very evident. Never rounded out, making me think the wine has shifted to its dumb phase and is shut down for the time being. I would think the score could improve dramatically in the future.

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• 2007 Arietta Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

  From a magnum generously shared at a birthday party, the wine was not decanted but was poured at a pleasing 66 degrees or so. What a powerhouse, with the Cab Franc most evident at this stage. So powerful on the palate, with currants, smoked meats and a licorice element. As the tannins resolve and the wine's components integrate, this should pick up 2-3 points easily, but please wait a few years.

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• 2000 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  I was shocked at how well this gem showed when popped and poured as a throwaway at a party. Beatiful bouquet of fennel and sea air, with fine depth on the palate and a nice, medium-length finish.

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Special thanks to Charles for his generosity, and of course Happy Birthday, Matt.