PHMG WAG: Cabs of Hall

What do you do when you have a few too many of something you don't drink much of? Throw a tasting of course. The Cabs were double decanted over 3 hours before the event and served around 60 degrees.

With Iberico chorizo?! Weird, but not bad.

• 2014 Château Guiraud 'G' Sec 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux

  This was served as an opener for a Cab Sauv tasting since the Sauvignon Blanc (50% here) is a parent grape AND there was a bit of symmetry with dessert. White citrus, green apple, unripe pear, mango, chalk, and flint notes on a nice texture. Juicy acidity finishes things off.

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I wanted a progression of years and a variety of appellations.

• 2010 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Ellie's 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Nice start to the tasting with ripe blackberry, cassis, black plum, a little loam and oak. Soft and lush, the structure is subtle / integrated. Fell off on day 2, 88pts. Now-2020.

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• 2011 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

  Clearly more structured than the Ellie's before it, this had similar black fruit, some stone / mineral notes and the finish is quite juicy. I loved the depth and muscle. 93 on day 2. Now-2026.

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• 2011 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain

  Another excellent wine, this was unique for its flip from black fruit to red fruit in the mid palate. Cranberry becoming obvious at the end, suggesting slightly unripe fruit but adds to the interest. There are some savory notes as well. Good structure and held its own on day 2: 91pts. Now-2023.

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• 2012 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

  Back to smooth and lush in this tasting! Liqueur cabinet nose and a glycerin laden, black fruit palate. Some earth, pencil, and mocha notes add complexity. Tannins are there but only going for "Best Supporting Actor". Really a 94+ on day one and 94 on day 2. Now-2027.

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• 2013 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall Napa Valley 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  My WOTN, this bottle had some spice notes overlying the "blackberry jam on toast", black cherry, cocoa, mint, and loam. Layers and layers to find your way through. New World extremism that I wouldn't want often but when the mood hits, hit back and tilt a glass! Now-2028.

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• 2013 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

  Coming back to earth in this tasting, literally. Most loam of the night award. Nice mix of red and black fruit that is well supported and long. 90 on day 2. Now-2023.

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• 2014 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Terra Secca 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Black and red cherry, plum, mocha, and oak on a tannic frame. Some stone and mineral notes dot the finish with an exclamation mark. 91 on day 2. Decant or wait. Best 2019-2025.

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• 2015 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon The North End 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  A burly finish to this Cab tasting, it features blackberry liqueur, cassis, stone, pencil, coffee and mint notes. Long and deep with tannins that get your attention on the finish. 94 on day 2! Best 2020-2030.

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Stilton or Roquefort?

• 2015 Château Guiraud Petit Guiraud 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Fun to try the sweet version at the end of this tasting. This wine has a very pale yellow, light green color. Stone fruit, honeydew, and light citrus dominate. Moderate sweetness and modest acidity on the finish. Minimal rot, but still very nice and excellent QPR ($12 at Costco!).

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Notes to self:
1. Too much!
2. Need more variety
3. Hedonism is ok sometimes