Rhone Dinner at Capella

No formal scoring - all tasted non-blind.

Unfortunately I lost all my tasting notes and thus these are simple based upon memory (which is dangerous!)

• 2012 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille 95 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

  Extremely buttery initially with a hint of oiliness and then smooth. I enjoyed this. Balanced and the acidity did not overpower.

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• 2010 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay Coup de Coeur 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  Not as rounded and balanced as the Peter Michael. More minerality and acidity.

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• 1996 Zevenwacht Private Reserve Bin 211 93 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  Probably the one and only bottle left in the US. I was worried as to how this would show given its 20 years of age and travel across many continents. However, it surprised graciously and with style. Not very dark yellow. Balanced yet the chenin comes through.

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• 1998 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc Le Méal 93 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  This was interesting - I have never had Le Meal before. The dark yellow brown color was confusing - almost a watered down tawny color. However, it tasted far better than it looked or smelt. Light almond nut with a hint of sweet fruit.

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• 1989 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 88 Points

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

  Clearly showing age - I thought showing more age than I would have expected. Strong prune nose comes through - this smooths to a delicate baked fruit which was balanced. Not my favorite.

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• 2006 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 95 Points

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

  This was only decanted for a short while (1 hour) - it is a powerhouse and given I have not spent too much time with Rhones this is one that works for me. Great tannins (7.5/10) with lots of backbone yet balanced. If you don't enjoy power, you won't like this. Light nose with dark black fruit.

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• 1980 Château d'Yquem 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  This bottle had tca unfortunately. I used the Saran wrap trick and it did a nice job. Not my best d'Yquem but still enjoyable, smooth and syrupy without being cloy'ey.

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