Cruising the Oceans

I enjoyed these wines over a week on a Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately most were not decanted - except the Hillside Select that had 3 hours decanting.

• 2012 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (5/21/2015)

  Youthful fruity nose of multiple berries. Hint of dark cherry and dark chocolate. Alcohol on the nose indicates youth.
  
  Very dark red almost ruby. Could do with decanting.
  
  Not a complex dimension in the finish.

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• 2012 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Napa Valley 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (5/18/2015)

  Hint of forest floor, mushrooms and light oak nose. Lighter tannins 6/10.
  
  Nice light acidity in the finish. Clearly fruity Napa cab. Less fruity than the Spottswoode and the caymus special selection.

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• 2001 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Spottswoode Estate Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (5/18/2015)

  Popped and poured before dinner and I found it very fruity and sweet. The sweetness was too much and was not expected from spottswoode. Some air and time improved it. The tannins were 7/10 and the wine improved dramatically with steak.

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• 2012 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Napa Valley 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (5/19/2015)

  Very dark red. Classic Napa cab nose. Tobacco leather Cassis dry tannins 7/10. Still young and very dark chocolate in the finish.
  
  The day of air was valuable

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• 1999 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (5/20/2015)

  Dusty clean chalk nose. Very smooth and integrated. Fruity on the palate. Tannins 6/10. Fruitier than I had expected. Some nice dryness on the finish but not harsh

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• 2007 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  (5/19/2015)

  Chalk nose and less fruit forward than the Phelps 2012. Not decanted. Yet fruity immediately on the palate at the front. This gives way to a smooth balanced finish.

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• 2009 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (5/22/2015)

  Compared to the Hillside Select 2000 which I have just finished drinking this was like fruit juice. An absolute fruit bomb. I am sure if this were not after the Hillside Select then it would have got a 95+
  
  You need to be in the mood for fruit. Rich cassis berries. Still a powerhouse.

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• 2000 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

  (5/22/2015)

  Decanted for 2 hours but could have more. Vegetal with green pepper on the nose.
  
  Dark chocolate and rich body with a hint of heat. A finish of berries in the long finish

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• 2013 Errazuriz Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 93 Points

  Chile, Casablanca Valley

  (5/22/2015)

  Very light and delicate. Not as clying or rich as a Sauternes. I enjoyed is but possible better as an aperitif - a great deal at its pricepoint.
  
  Pears and apricots.
  
  Classic Chilean guava nose was a total country give away. Strong guava.

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