Birthday Party

River Bend Golf and Country Club
Tasted Saturday, January 24, 2015 by cab blends with 414 views

Flight 1 (1 Note)

Flight 2 (1 Note)

  • 1997 Hartenberg Merlot 90 Points

    South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

    The nose was old fashioned SA barnyard and a little off putting. Without the nose this would have come through as a 94 rating. Underneath the nose, the wine was mellow and smooth. Tannins have softened to 6/10 and this was a enjoyable merlot to start the evening with.

    Unfortunately, it was my only magnum and I will probably never taste again.

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Flight 3 (2 Notes)

  • 2012 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary 95 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    This is a powerbomb. The only way to say it. Dark chocolate and heavy blueberry and cassis on the nose. This was decanted for 6 hours and next bottle I will try at least 12 hours. Folks loved this and we went through 3 or 4 bottles.

    By itself it is almost too overpowering, with strong food it clearly holds its own and is complimentary. I would love to see what this is like in 10 years. I hope I can not drink the entire case. Historically, I have been a Special Selection fan and not the standard Caymus. For me this year's Caymus is closer towards the Special Selection in fruitness. It just needs to mellow and integrate to remove its youthful brashness. It may then even see and increase in score of 2 or 3 points for me if it can do that?

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  • 2005 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 96 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

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Flight 4 (2 Notes)

  • 2003 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select 99 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

    I am not totally sure what the difference is between 100 points and 99. This was clearly my WOTN straight from the bottle even before decanting. Ultimately it was decanted for 6 hours.

    Light cassis fruit on the nose and a totally balanced wine on the palate. Smooth yet not a thick velvet. Still powerfully bodied with a number of years to go. I may go for a 12 hour decanting next time. Tannins are still 7/10 without overpowering (after the decanting)

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  • 2004 Harlan Estate The Maiden 94 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    This wine disappointed initially. It improved with the decanting. I think I must decant for at least 12 hours next time. The wine appeared to be in a little bit of a dead zone. Maybe also leave it for a year.

    Very light fruit and dry on the palate.

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Flight 5 (2 Notes)

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