Good times with old friends.

JMF was in town, so we got together with DGH, his brother + girlfriend. I told them they could open anything. Here's what happened:

• 2005 Bodegas Volver Tempranillo La Mancha Single Vineyard 85 Points

  Spain, Castilla-La Mancha, La Mancha

  Drank with DGH, JMF, greg and ivana. This wine came highly recommended by joeG and others.
  Dark ruby in the glass.
  Nose of dark fruit, plum, light oak, savory cured meats. Fruit is a bit stewed. Reminds me of the 3rd Barroche at the Corkscrew tasting - a bit over-cooked fruit.
  Palate: med+ alcohol, med+ acid, low+ tannins, good fruit with some mid-palate baking spice.
  85-87 pts.

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• 2007 Chehalem Pinot Noir Three Vineyard Flawed

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  This was reduced on the nose. Damn.
  Nose: burnt rubber.
  Palate: the "empty feeling" I got in the CA pinot at Vias (and with other new world pinot). Med+ alcohol, med+ acid, light body.
  
  N: burnt rubber.
  
  P: that "empty" feeling. med+ alcohol, med+ acid, light body.
  No rating - FLAW.

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• 2006 Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Cuvée Marquis de Fesques Blanc 79 Points

  France, Provence, Cassis

  A Rosenthal selection. Laurent says that is the only wine of Rosenthal's that he brings in, because Dom. Du Bagnol is THE best producer in cassis. Apparently L respects N. Rosenthal, but his wines are too expensive.
  Light straw color.
  Nose: a tad stinky, some wood, some caramel apple skins, sodden forest logs.
  Palate: med+ acid, med body, somewhat bitter and tart on the finish (malic acid? - I've noticed this with a couple of Rosenthal's wines at the CoolVines tastings.).
  Not my cup of tea.

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All in all, it was a fun night, but I'm disappointed in the wines. I need to choose more wisely, especially at those price points!