Champers and Napa Cabs Blind - Fun Times!

This was the big day....a blind showdown of some high end 2019 Napa Cabernets! Of course, some treats before the main event, including a blind Champagne tasting and some tasty morsels before and after the main event!

Blind tastings are fun, often humbling, and although I enjoy them, I usually stink at them, There are a couple things to remember when doing a blind tasting: (1) It is capturing a moment in time, and many wines are forever changing. (2) You remove some of the bias that comes from knowing the producer. (3) Not all wines require the same amount of preparation nor are built the same way (for immediate consumption or for aging). Nevertheless, it is still a fun exercise and some valuable information can be garnered from it! Ideally, all wines would be properly prepped to show their absolute best, but in reality, this is difficult to accomplish.

My biggest takeaways from this tasting? (1) I love crisp, clean Champagnes when drinking them by themselves, but the more oxidative styles go much better with salty foods! (I need to remember that!) (2) MacDonald Cabernets are not only the best value out there (if you are lucky enough to be on their list), but also one of the best wines period at any price. And (3) I really need to take the advice of Aaron Burr in the play Hamilton and listen more and talk less! (Especially when drinking!)

Let me start with a shoutout to Kamran, who provided caviar for this flight! Thank you Kamran, your generosity is amazing! This was an eye opener for me....not because a particular Champagne surprised me, but because I learned my palate prefers a more focused, non-oxidative wine when drinking Champagne without food, but a more oxidative style when pairing with the caviar (i.e., salty food). For me, the Cristal and Winston Churchill stood out when drinking without food, then the Ulysse and two Selosse Champagnes stood out with the food! Many of you probably already knew that, but it was an "ah ha"moment for me!

• NV Ulysse Collin Champagne Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut (2015) Les Enfers 96 Points

  France, Champagne

  This was presented in a blind tasting of some high-end Champagnes:
  
  1. NV Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blanc Enfers (Extra Brut)
  2. 2015 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill
  3. 2015 Cristal
  4. 2012 Leclerc Briant Château d'Avize, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Zéro
  5. NV Selosse Lieux-dits Extra Brut Ay La Côte Faron
  6. 2007 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth
  7. NV Selosse V.O.
  
  NV Ulysse Collin Les Enfers - This was a very nice Champagne, very slightly oxidative with lots of lime, sea breeze and crisp green apple. A very nice Champagne! Easy 96 for me and a bridge between non-oxidative and oxidative styles. I can see this being a great Champagne that will drink quite well on its own or with food!
  
  Note: I typically love a non-oxidative style more than the oxidative style when drinking them without food, but with salty foods (think caviar), I actually preferred the oxidative style which went remarkably well with the food!

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• 2015 Pol Roger Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 96 Points

  France, Champagne

  This was presented in a blind tasting of some high-end Champagnes:
  
  1. NV Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blanc Enfers (Extra Brut)
  2. 2015 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill
  3. 2015 Cristal
  4. 2012 Leclerc Briant Château d'Avize, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Zéro
  5. NV Selosse Lieux-dits Extra Brut Ay La Côte Faron
  6. 2007 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth
  7. NV Selosse V.O.
  
  2015 Winston Churchill - This was pretty easy to identify because of the rich, creamy mousse and high acidity. It was between this and the 2015 Cristal, but the dark bottle immediately told me which one this was. Palate showed tart green apple, loads of minerality (chalk and saline). This is in a great window right now for those who love crisp Champagnes with nice balance and acidity, and of course loads of fine bubbles! Easily 96+ and may still improve.
  
  Note: I typically love this style more than the oxidative style when drinking them without food, but with salty foods (think caviar), I actually preferred the oxidative style which went remarkably well with the food!

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• 2015 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut 97 Points

  France, Champagne

  This was presented in a blind tasting of some high-end Champagnes:
  
  1. NV Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blanc Enfers (Extra Brut)
  2. 2015 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill
  3. 2015 Cristal
  4. 2012 Leclerc Briant Château d'Avize, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Zéro
  5. NV Selosse Lieux-dits Extra Brut Ay La Côte Faron
  6. 2007 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth
  7. NV Selosse V.O.
  
  2015 Cristal - Love Cristal! This was easily narrowed down to this or the Winston Churchill....how ever the crystal (Cristal) clear bottle top above the bag gave it away! Honestly, totally blind it would have been a coin flip. Similar profile, creamy mousse, tart apple and pear and loaded with minerality. This wine was more Yuzu than lime and slightly more minerality and slightly more rounded (less acidity) than Winnie. 96+ to 97. Also slightly behind the 08 and 13....similar to the '07.
  
  Note: I typically love this style more than the oxidative style when drinking them without food, but with salty foods (think caviar), I actually preferred the oxidative style which went remarkably well with the food!

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• 2012 Leclerc Briant Champagne Grand Cru Château d'Avize, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Zéro 95 Points

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  This was part of a blind Champagne tasting that featured:
  
  1. NV Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blanc Enfers (Extra Brut)
  2. 2015 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill
  3. 2015 Cristal
  4. 2012 Leclerc Briant Château d'Avize, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Zéro
  5. NV Selosse Lieux-dits Extra Brut Ay La Côte Faron
  6. 2007 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth
  7. NV Selosse V.O.
  
  2012 Leclerc Briant Chateau d'Avize Brut Zero - This is on the oxidative side of the spectrum. Loads of citrus, tart apple and minerality. Blind I thought maybe one of the Selosse Champagnes. First time tasting and I was pleasantly surprised on the reveal. 94+ to 95 and very enjoyable!
  
  Note: I typically love a non-oxidative style more than the oxidative style when drinking them without food, but with salty foods (think caviar), I actually preferred the oxidative style which went remarkably well with the food!

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• NV Jacques Selosse Champagne Grand Cru Lieux-dits Extra Brut Ay La Côte Faron 96 Points

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  This was presented in a blind tasting of some high-end Champagnes:
  
  1. NV Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blanc Enfers (Extra Brut)
  2. 2015 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill
  3. 2015 Cristal
  4. 2012 Leclerc Briant Château d'Avize, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Zéro
  5. NV Selosse Lieux-dits Extra Brut Ay La Côte Faron
  6. 2007 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth
  7. NV Selosse V.O.
  
  NV Selosse Ay La Cote Faron - Oxidative style that screamed Selosse. Very dark in color though that gave me pause. This wine was very interesting and kept gaining complexity. Went remarkably well with the caviar! The reveal showed Blanc de Noir, which explained a lot! Delicious! 96-96+
  
  Note: I typically love a non-oxidative style more than the oxidative style when drinking them without food, but with salty foods (think caviar), I actually preferred the oxidative style which went remarkably well with the food!

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• 2007 Billecart-Salmon Champagne Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon 95 Points

  France, Champagne

  This was presented in a blind tasting of some high-end Champagnes:
  
  1. NV Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blanc Enfers (Extra Brut)
  2. 2015 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill
  3. 2015 Cristal
  4. 2012 Leclerc Briant Château d'Avize, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Zéro
  5. NV Selosse Lieux-dits Extra Brut Ay La Côte Faron
  6. 2007 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth
  7. NV Selosse V.O.
  
  2007 Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth - This was served double blind, and all I could tell is that it was a world class rose! I typically like Blanc de Blancs more than roses, but this was up to the task, even in this elite company. In retrospect, I should have guessed this from the classic salmon color of the rose, but alas, I did not! This was delicious though, with classic subtle red fruit (strawberry and raspberry) and loaded with chalky minerality. This kept getting better as it warmed in the glass. A classy rose that I wish I could have tasted against other rose, such as Krug, Dom, Cristal and Tat. 94+ to 95.
  
  Note: I typically love a non-oxidative style more than the oxidative style when drinking them without food, but with salty foods (think caviar), I actually preferred the oxidative style which went remarkably well with the food!

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• NV Jacques Selosse V.O. Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 96 Points

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  This was presented in a blind tasting of some high-end Champagnes:
  
  1. NV Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blanc Enfers (Extra Brut)
  2. 2015 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill
  3. 2015 Cristal
  4. 2012 Leclerc Briant Château d'Avize, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Zéro
  5. NV Selosse Lieux-dits Extra Brut Ay La Côte Faron
  6. 2007 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth
  7. NV Selosse V.O.
  
  NV Selosse V.O. - This was disgorged in 2009. Oxidative in style, but remarkably fresh for a Champagne disgorged in 2009. I found this Champagne not as good as the Winston Churchill or the Cristal when tasting without food, but when tasting with caviar, this Champagne surpassed everything. It really was an amazing experience! I have had wines that taste better with food, but not this kind of a metamorphosis! 95 without caviar....97 with caviar...thus my 96. As a side note, would love to taste a more recent disgorgement.
  
  Note: I typically love this style more than the oxidative style when drinking them without food, but with salty foods (think caviar), I actually preferred the oxidative style which went remarkably well with the food!

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Both of these were a surprise! I only had a small pour of the 86 Mouton, which was a shame because the wine was probably the best Mouton I have tasted. Also, I was extremely psyched to get to taste the 21 MacDonald, which exceeded even my lofty expectations! It did make me go back to thinking how fortunate I am to get do these tastings! I think the 21 MacDonald is even better than the 19....and the 19 was absolutely delicious!

• 2021 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon 97 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  The wine received ~20 hours of slo-O.
  
  This wine is stellar! One of the best reds I've had, and definitely the best Cabernet. One sip, and you can see why the MacDonalds are producing a wine that cannot meet demand. If you are fortunate enough to be on their list, consider yourself lucky. Not only is the wine one of the best wines in Napa Valley, but their wine is probably the best value in the world!
  
  The 2021 MacDonald is already singing, and no doubt will be flirting with perfection with some age. WARNING: This will be hard to keep your hands off of it as it ages. The nose is perfumed with lilac, cherry blossom, blackberry jam, licorice, tar and cedar notes. The palate was remarkable with plenty of red and black fruit coupled with layers of flavors that just keep smacking you in the face like ocean waves. The tannins are silky and the finish is long and wonderful. I would love to have a case of this in my cellar and follow its evolution! 97 out of 98 already! Thank you for sharing Alex!

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• 1986 Château Mouton Rothschild 97 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  This was an unexpected treat. The wine reinforced the adage that there no good old vintages, just good bottles.....and this was a good bottle! I have had this wine a couple times, and this was the best bottle yet. A nice blend of dark fruit and tertiary goodness. The color was still remarkably dark with a slight reddish hue on the rim. The nose showed some florals, earth, and old leather, and the palate followed suit with cassis and stewed plums coupled with some earthiness, old leather, graphite and sweet tobacco. Tannins were well rounded and smooth and shades of acidity kept the fruit alive. Definitely leaning toward the tertiary side of the scale, but still had plenty of discernible fruit. Loved it! 97+

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I thoroughly enjoyed this tasting! There were many wines I had never tasted, and a few I really wanted to try! I went into the tasting without any intention of identifying the wines, but with the intention of identifying the wines I enjoyed most and letting the chips fall where they may. However, after I picked my top three wines, I did try to identify them, and I think I did pretty well! I was pretty certain about MacDonald (having tasted the 21 not long before), and I was pretty sure about Harlan (that was 2 of my top three) and the other top 3 wine turned out to be Kinsman Anjea, which I was dying to taste after all the accolades on CT from people whose palates I respect. Kudos to MacDonald, Kinsman and Harlan! I will say, although it doesn't need to be said, all the wines were stellar and I would be happy to sit with a bottle of any of them!

• 2019 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon 97 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  Prep: ~20 hours of slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 MacDonald - Let me say I usually stink at blind tastings, but this one was pretty easy to peg. The purity of the dark and red fruit really stood out, along with the silky tannins, the long decant allowed some earth notes, some tobacco, some forest floor and some cocoa. Not sure I understand all the 100 point scores because this undoubtedly will get even better. I score it 97 out of 98 (my benchmark). There were a lot of great wines, and three immediately stood out for me, this was one of them! The other 2 wines were the KE Anjea (shout out to Jennifer....you were right!) and the 2019 Harlan. I will also note the 2019 Scarecrow did not hit this note immediately, but I thought it got there (or at least close) with some additional air. MacDonald wines certainly deserve all the accolades they receive....this blind tasting sure drove that point home! Congrats to the MacDonald brothers...well done!

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• 2019 Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon La Voleuse Du Chagrin Geeslin Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

  I believe this wine had about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin - The wine showed lots of potential. This wine was tight, but showed great structure. I thought this was the Scarecrow, with dark fruit but brooding tannins. What the wine lacked on the palate (which wasn't much) it made up for on the nose. Very nice perfumed aromatics! No doubt this will be a beauty in another 5 years! I was wrong about it being Scarecrow, but not surprised when it was revealed. 95+ to 96 today, possible perfection down the road.

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• 2019 Kinsman Eades Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard 97 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

  I believe this wine received about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 KE Anjea - I was very happy this wine showed so well! After reading everyone's notes praising this wine, I finally had an opportunity to taste it, and it did not disappoint! I wasn't sure what wine this was, but I rated it at the top along with the MacDonald and Harlan. This wine was remarkably well structured, showed silky tannins and exquisite fruit. It was absolutely delicious! Loved it! (Yes, Jennifer and Mark, you guys were right!) 97 out of 98 because I believe it will drink even better with more time. I do think I could sit with this wine by myself or share with one other to follow it over a longer period of time. I did come back to this wine, and it did keep getting better (I know....hard to believe!) I think Nigel outdid himself with this wine!

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• 2016 Colgin Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  I believe this wine received about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill - I believe this wine benefitted from the additional three years of bottle age. My notes were the wine was elegant, silky and easy to drink. It was fruit forward (red and dark) and balanced. Seemed slightly angular at this stage and will definitely benefit from some additional age. Solid 96 today (out of 98) but should gain points with more age.

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• 2019 Realm Cellars The Absurd 97 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  I believe this wine received about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 Realm Absurd - Aptly named for its absurd price, but also absurdly good! The wine was surprising perfumed and silky and totally in my wheelhouse! The nose and palate were both singing immediately. Violets, molasses, dark fruit, some wet rock and forest floor....This wine stood out....96+ 97....not quite the top 3, but darn close! I mean seriously, this was a "Who's Who" of top CA producers that I could sit and enjoy any of these wines!

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• 2019 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon 97 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  I believe this wine received about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 Scarecrow - This was slightly disappointing during the blind (but not really because it needed more air). My original notes were that this was a bit tight, but still had a silky texture and some rich fruit. This was another of my guesses for Scarecrow (I had three...every tight wine...so I should have pegged one!) This kept getting better and better with more air...I let me last glass sit for an additional hour (about 4 hours of air total) and it was by far the best. If wanting to try now, I would recommend opening at least 12 hours in advance. Personally, I will likely wait another 5-7 years before re-tasting. Started out around 95+ during the blind and ended up at 96+ to 97, but still with loads of potential.

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• 2019 Harlan Estate 97 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  I believe this wine received about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 Harlan - My first of two tastes on this trip (the other was two days later at Harlan). First, I am happy to say I nailed this one (the only two wines I felt confident of were the MacDonald and this wine). The Harlan was drinking quite nicely, but also needs more time. Rich fruit, silky tannins (but lacking in the plushness this wine will attain with more time, in addition to gorgeous tertiary flavors) So good now though, will be hard to keep my hands off these....luckily I have a few older bottles to keep me occupied when I get the itch while waiting on these! 97 (out of 98) now, but could definitely reach perfection with additional age. If drinking now, I would recommend about a 10 hour decant.

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• 2019 Myriad Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Elysian Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

  I believe this wine received about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 Myriad Elysian - I guess I am an outlier here as I liked this wine! Yes, it was slightly sweeter than most of the other wines, but not too sweet! The richness of the fruit (Beckstoffer...go figure) and the smooth tannins stood out. A very nice wine and quite quaffable. Would be good with a steak or by itself. The wine definitely suffered slightly due to its company. Did have a Caymus SS quality to it (as others have alluded to), but the difference is I like Caymus SS! Like that wine, this would definitely be a crowd pleaser, but at the price, a rather spendy one! 95 to 96.

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• 2019 La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  I believe this wine received about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 La Pelle Reserve - Another example of varying palates. Others thought this a little sweet. I found it quite tight still and not showing much. Tannins were still grippy and while there was a nice dark fruit core and dark cocoa, this wine seemed like it needs a lot more time. Solid 95. I recommend holding for 5-7 years or giving a long decant (6 hours minimum).

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• 2019 Vice Versa Cabernet Sauvignon The Magnificent Seven 97 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  I believe this wine received about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 Vice Versa Magnificent 7 - I can see why Brian (bsumoba) likes comparing the Realm Absurd to this wine. My first note on tasting this blind was that this wine was similar to wine 4 (Absurd). Elegant style, easy drinking and delicious! Glad I have a couple of these! 96+ to 97 and will still improve! But, so good now! Not quite up to par with the top 3, but like the Absurd, very close!

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• 2019 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon SongBook 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  I believe this wine received about a 2 hour Slo-O.
  
  This was in a blind line up of some very prestigious 2019 Napa reds (and one 2016 thrown in), specifically:
  
  2019 MacDonald
  2019 Kinsman Eades La Voleuse Du Chagrin
  2019 Kinsman Eades Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard
  2019 Colgin Tychson Hill
  2019 Realm Absurd
  2019 Scarecrow
  2019 Harlan
  2019 Myriad Elysian
  2019 La Pelle Res
  2019 Magnificent 7
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook
  2016 Colgin Tychson Hill
  
  2019 Cliff Lede Songbook - This wine may have suffered slightly from being last in the line up and also from following the Mag 7. The wine is nice and I did like it...one of the best values in the tasting for sure! My take on this was that it is too young and didn't stand out....which is a double edge sword, right? It didn't stand out as anything special amongst some unbelievable wines, but it also didn't stand out as though it didn't belong! If I was younger and starting a cellar, or drank much more wine than I do, I would definitely add this to my cellar! 95+ and will definitely rate higher with time in the cellar....I believe this wine needs at least 10 years to really reward drinkers.

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Of course, there is always an "after party" and this was no exception! Two gorgeous wines! What a day and what a weekend!

• 2010 Château Trotanoy 96 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

  PnP - A slight disservice, but caught up in the moment!
  
  This drank quite a bit younger than the 2009 we had a couple nights earlier, but was still a quite captivating Pomerol. I was glad I tasted both wines as I had recently been purchasing more Right Bank wines because I believe most are much more approachable at an earlier age (hoping around 10 years, as I am not getting any younger!)
  
  This wine showed excellent fruit and great acidity coupled with smooth tannins. Like the 2009, it is squarely in my wheelhouse, but unlike the 2009, the tertiary flavors were not on full display (although definitely lurking in the background. At the moment, and on a PnP, this wine emphasized the purity of fruit that seamlessly flowed over the tongue and left you with a nice finish that lasted about 40 seconds. Very enjoyable now, but will undoubtably improve. If opening now, I would recommend a 3-4 hour decant, or better yet, another 3-5 years in the cellar (minimum). 96 today, but much more potential....still, pretty tasty even now!

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• 2015 Sine Qua Non Syrah "M" Eleven Confessions Vineyard 97 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast

  PnP - This was another bottle that was a last minute decision, and thus did not receive the proper preparation.
  
  Everyone who knows me, knows I love SQN! Even though this wine could have used some air before serving, it was still drinking quite well on the PnP! I think 9 years is a good barometer for SQN as this seemed to just be entering its prime drinking window. For those who like some tertiary flavors, they are just starting to emerge. For those who love hedonistic fruit, it is there in spades (for those who don't, well...you shouldn't be drinking SQN to begin with!)
  
  The wine showed plenty of layered dark fruit (blackberry, currant, cassis, mountain pepper berries) along with some dark red cherry and huckleberry. The fruit was followed by waves of forest floor, tar and some cocoa, mixed with smoked meat and bacon fat. Of course, the wine had the plush tannins SQN is known for, along with a medium-long finish. Absolutely delicious! 96+ to 97 and a great way to end the evening!
  
  Note: I would give this at least an hour decant to coax out more of the tertiary goodness....no jeopardy of losing the fruit!

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This was an awesome tasting weekend and I would like to thank all who contributed such stellar wines to make this possible! Special thanks to Alex who allowed me to taste two vintages of MacDonald (that was a huge treat!) and to Chris and Melissa who so graciously hosted and put up with all my shenanigans! Of course, thank you for reading this story...hope you enjoyed it....until next time....Cheers!