Mark & Rochelle Come to Visit

For the second time within a week former members of our Saturday group came back to town for a visit. Tonight it was Mark & Rochelle, who had moved to Florida three years ago. We casually worked our way through the wines while we spent a couple of hours catching up.

• 2013 Peter Michael Chardonnay Cuvée Indigene 94 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

  Popped and poured. Medium golden yellow color with motes of fig, pear and citrus curd. Full-bodied and rich, showing orchard fruit and tropical qualities on palate. Excellent.

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• 2021 Forgotten Union Wines Cabernet Franc Vidi Vitis Old Federal Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  Our first of three, decanted in advance of dinner with friends who have an affinity for Cab Franc. It’s throwing some chunky sediment so standing this up for a couple of weeks is recommended. The last 1.5 oz went into a tasting glass so I could check it and write this brief note on opening. Opaque youthful color with a bouquet of blue and black fruit with an intriguing mineral overtone. Subtle herbaceous undertones lurk in the background but come forward with just a little time in the glass. Full-bodied with fine tannins and flavors of black currants, licorice and rosemary. There’s power and elegance here; excellent - should be singing by dinner time. If all goes as planned this will be served about 4.5 hours after the cork was pulled with three hours in a decanter.
  ****
  Later with dinner, yes, the fruit is bright and center stage, with lovely herbaceous undertones. Plush, with a satiny mouthfeel and really pure fruit with a nice mineral spine that I find very appealing. Hints of sweet tobacco as well. Balanced, finishing with good length. 93+ pts.

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• 2017 Switchback Ridge Merlot Peterson Family Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Popped and poured. Deep youthful color, opaque at the core. Chocolate, black cherry, clay and mocha notes. Full-bodied with medium tannins and flavors of black and blue fruits, chocolate and spice. Very nice. (R&D)

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• 2020 Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Popped and poured. Deep color; smells like a blueberry mocha milkshake at first, adding spice and cassis notes with air. Full-bodied and firm, as Lewis tends to be, but balanced too, with plenty of fruit for the structure. Flavors of blackberry, plum, blueberry, licorice and vanilla. Dare I say, there's an elegance of sorts on the palate which I didn't expect. 92+ pts, with room for improvement as this matures. (R&D)

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