Matriarch, Dunn, Insignia, Dominus, Shafer and My First WOTN!

Skinner's Loft, Jersey City, NJ
Tasted Thursday, October 23, 2008 by Cheryl with 557 views

Introduction

Yes, ladies and gentleman, it took two and a half years of OL's and wine tastings, but I finally got the elusive WOTN title. It feels so good! I can't wait to see if my ebob friend Mark Swenarton feels the same way about that!

Tonight's theme was Cali Cab from 1999, 2001 and 2002, with a Barolo thrown in for fun. The Matriarch/Insignia/Shafer and Dunn/Dominus should perhaps not been tasted at the same dinner. They are very different wines. (Put m in the M.I.S. camp, of course!) I'd never had Tokaji, and while not impressed, am always glad to taste something new. The Barolo was a surprise. Next to France, Italian wines are my least favorite, in general. Pleasant bottle, for sure.

Flight 1 (8 Notes)

  • 2002 Soñador Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    This was okay. I got nothing on the nose. It opened in the glass slightly, but no specifics. Just red wine. :| (Is there an emoticon for "meh"?) To be fair to the Sonador, I had some self-inflicted drama, which made me stressed out and late for the dinner. I still think it was okay on it's own merits, but worth another shot, just to be sure.

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  • 2001 BOND Matriarch

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Soft and some sweet fruit, but not at all "hit you over the head" big. Good right out of the bottle, but after an hour, there was some chocolate mixed in with the fruit. My first WOTN. Fantastic bottle.

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  • 1999 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    Opened 13 hours before the dinner (but not decanted, I presume). I didn't enjoy this. It's drinkable, of course, but that's about it. Eucalyptus right out of the bottle, not particularly full-bodied. After one hour, I've made my final determination - it's a bit green.

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  • 1999 Joseph Phelps Insignia

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Very nice. Balanced. Chocolate notes as it opened up in the glass. I gave it my vote for 2nd runner up.

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  • 2002 Dominus Estate

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Ridiculous amounts of alcohol that never blew off. More akin to the Dunn style than the Phelps/Bond style. Not for me.

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  • 2001 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

    This was nice and the group's runner up wine of the night. I thought it was slightly cherry syrup-y, and that's beginning to bother me lately. Never has before. Nice, though. But for the price, I'd stick to the Matriarch.

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  • 1997 Attilio Ghisolfi Barolo Bricco Visette

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

    Wow, I've only had a few Barolos and this is the first one I liked. Not to much Italian terrior to annoy me. Nice red fruits. Surprisingly nice.

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  • 1983 Monimpex Tokaji Aszú 3 Puttonyos

    Hungary, Tokaji

    Not for me. As thin as water. No viscosity at all. Burnt caramel, sweet, even a bit pruney. Not for me.

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Closing

Always good to get together with this group. And, it was my first WOTN!!

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