Fall 2013 Wine Dinner

A great gathering of family and friends to celebrate birthdays and just a wonderful evening together

Menu:
First Course: Smoked Whitefish, Prosciutto wrapped asparagus, cheeses
2011 Herb Lamb, Sauvignon Blanc, Herb Lamb Vineyard, Napa Valley (600 cases)
2007 Kistler, Chardonnay, Durell Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
2011 Rivers Marie, Chardonnay, B. Thierot Vineyard, Sonoma Coast (185 cases)

Second Course: Pumpkin Soup
2007 Rivers Marie, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (225 cases)
2007 Walter Hansel, Pinot Noir, Family Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
2005 Sea Smoke, Pinot Noir, Southing Vineyard, Santa Barbara (3750 cases):

Third Course: Bacon Wrapped Filet, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Green Beans
2004 Pahlmeyer, Red Bordeaux Blend, Napa Valley
2006 Paradigm, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (4,100 Cases)
2010 Maybach – Matrium, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (488 cases)

Fourth Course: Dessert – German Chocolate Cake

• 2011 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay B. Thieriot Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  This wine was lush with nice ripe fruit. It had a slightly sweet component to it that was both interesting and delicious.

  Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2011 Herb Lamb Sauvignon Blanc Two Old Dogs 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Showing very will right now with lots of typical SB notes. The wine has filled out and has a very nice mouth feel and wonderful finish.

  Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2007 Kistler Chardonnay Durell Vineyard 87 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  The wine seemed flat on this night. It was consumed alongside a Herb Lamb SB and a Rivers Marie Chard and it was a distant 3rd to those two. What little flavor their seemed to be was dominated by oak and the normal lush, creamy fruit I find in Kistler was absent.

  Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2005 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing 93 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

  Decanted for 2 hours and this was in a really nice place. Lush fruit with a balanced acidity that helped the finish just linger. Really wonderful wine.

  Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2007 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  Bright red fruits with a lingering nose and a crisp finish that suggests this can continue to improve.

  Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2007 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir Hansel Family Vineyards 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  I love this producer, but this wine seemed a little subdued tonight. It has a wonderful nose, but the fruit seemed to fade on the palate and the finish was shorter than I would have hoped for. Still a solid wine and maybe just a little shutdown right now.

  Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2006 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  Lush, rich tannins and dark fruits. This wine still has room to age as I believe once the secondary notes show up it will be even better.

  Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2010 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  This was decanted for 3 hours and could have used more. The last tasting was at the 6 hour mark and it was still improving. Dark blue/black fruits with a hallmark Maybach nose.

  Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2004 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Nice notes of leather, tobacco, and dark coco. It's starting to roll over to where some secondary notes are showing up, with a light dusty component that I like in older cabs.

  2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

First Course:
Favorite: 2011 Rivers Marie
Runner-up: 2011 Herb Lamb

Second Course:
Favorite: 2005 Sea Smoke
Runner-up: 2007 Rivers Marie

Third Course:
Favorite: 2006 Paradigm
Runner-up: 2010 Maybach/2004 Pahlmeyer tie

These wines were all just fantastic and everyone really enjoyed each one.