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A bunch of Cabs and a few others
Tasted December 17, 2012 by Loren Sonkin with 385 views
Introduction
Last Saturday, about five of us met at a local restaurant to enjoy some food and wine. One was visiting in town for the Redskins - Browns game, but that's the last I will mention of that. All wines were consumed non-blind over four hours with a ton of food.
Flight 1 (1 note)
White
2008 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard
93 points
Slightly cloudy. The nose has vanilla and marzipan. Some buttered pop corn. Smooth enough on the palate. This is about as good as it can be for my tastes for this style. I prefer something a bit crisper, but this is still damn good. I bet I like this more in about 5 years.
Flight 2 (1 note)
Red
2005 Favia Pinot Noir La Josefina
92 points
This is in a pretty nice spot right now. I thought it drinks older than it is, but that is not a bad thing. The nose is very nice with some funk, earth, and macerated cherries. On the palate, there is a nice complexity here. Not a lot of fruit, but still showing enough. Very nice.
Flight 3 (3 notes)
Red
2005 Lindstrom Wines Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
This was good, but not quite in the company as the other wines. Outstanding and an example of nitpicking at such dinners. It has good fruit, shows nice middle of the road styling. Good cassis and black raspberries on the nose. Some depth and complexity. Got better all night long so I doubt this is at peak yet.
Red
2005 Kelly Fleming Wines Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
My first time trying this winery. This was really good. Still youngish but in a very nice place. Shows more feminine side. I am told this was made by Celia Welch. Deep complex nose with some earthy funk, cassis, and graphite. Layered and complex and unwound nicely in the glass. Great texture. Lovely wine.
Red
2007 Futo OV
93 points
This is very nice. Not as good as the 07 Futo, but still outstanding. This is a more masculine style wine. Big and bold. Nose shows some toasted oak. Also plenty of cassis. Big, thick texture. Got better all night long.
Flight 4 (3 notes)
Red
2006 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium
96 points
Wow. Another great showing for Maybach. Not as good perhaps as the amazing 2007, but not far behind. The nose shows cassis, blueberries, charred wood and some kirsch. Luscious texture. Ripe fruit with lots of up front fruit. Over the evening the depth became more apparent. Long finish. Still improving.
Red
2003 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
94 points
Classic cal Cab. 50/50 blend of Napa and Sonoma fruit. The nose has cassis, graphite, some smoke. On the palate, this has a nice back bone of acidity. Nice complexity. No hurry but i doubt it gets better from here.
Red
2004 Ovid Experiment E0.4
My first time trying this one wine although I have had other Ovids. Cassis and some blueberries on the nose. On the palate, this is still drinking young. Nice texture. Deep fruit. Long finish. I don't know much about this wine, but it appears to be a successful experiment.
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Comment
Flight 5 (1 note)
White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château Guiraud
93 points
Just love the 01 Sauternes. Not in a league with the big boys, but this has plenty going for it. Nice nose of honey and apricot. Viscous. If i had to quibble it lacks the acidity of some of the best wines of 01. Still drinking like a baby though. This has years to go.
Closing
In additon, we had a 2010 SonkinCellars Persona which I will not post about (but please check out the Rhone Range for a comprehensive review).