Pre-Christmas Cab/Rhone Dinner at JJL's

Decided to have a few folks over to test out the Alton Brown Rib Roast recipe which I was planning on using for Christmas Eve dinner. Figured it was a good time to drink some old school Cali Cabs and a few younger Rhones.

• 1999 Kistler Chardonnay Cuvée Cathleen Flawed

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  Like the last 3 CT user's experiences, this bottle was completely oxidized. Could not even get it past the nose to taste. This was probably the worst case of oxidation I have ever experienced. The color was like green tea and very cloudy. Not a touch of cork on the nose, just oxidation.

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• 1995 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut Flawed

  France, Champagne

  This was typical '95 Krug, except for the finish. It was a bit green and sour, and the second bottle in this 6-pack that was off.

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• 2003 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Lots of herbs and white pepper - more than I care for. It was really hot to start, but after about 3 hours things started to come together. Still too sweet and big for me, but one of the better '03's that I have tried. Definitely better with food.

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• 2003 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Deux Frères 89 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  This was similar to the last time I had this. A really big wine that probably needs a long time to come together. Preferred the Mon Aieul this night.

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• 1996 Opus One 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  From a new case - recent HDH purchase. This was the first really good bottle of Opus I have had in a long time. It was clearly the Bordeaux blend in the group with leather, currants, graphite and cedar. Good acidity, not flabby at all. While the other wines were better with food, this bottle drank well with or without food.

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• 1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  This was sweeter than other bottles of this that I have had. Still drank well especially with the rib roast.

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• 1997 Fisher Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Lamb Vineyard 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Had this next to '97 Insignia and '96 Opus and this held its own. Not as ripe as the Insignia, but better balanced with nice green spice and moderate cherry fruit. Long finish.

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• 1997 Château Doisy-Daëne L'Extravagant 96 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Another great bottle. - twice in one week. Drinks great now, but hope to let the rest sit for a few years. Now I know why they call it L'Etravagant - because it it expensive and tastes great.

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• 2004 Sine Qua Non The Rejuvenators 95 Points

  USA, California

  Drank this at the end of the meal and into dessert. Big, bold Rhone blend, oily, tropical, smokey, great acidity. I thought was on par with the '05 Chave, but not as good as the '06.

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