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Cruising the Oceans
Tasted May 17, 2015 - May 24, 2015 by cab blends with 447 views
Introduction
I enjoyed these wines over a week on a Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately most were not decanted - except the Hillside Select that had 3 hours decanting.
Flight 1 (1 note)
Red
2012 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary
92 points
Youthful fruity nose of multiple berries. Hint of dark cherry and dark chocolate. Alcohol on the nose indicates youth.
Very dark red almost ruby. Could do with decanting.
Not a complex dimension in the finish.
Very dark red almost ruby. Could do with decanting.
Not a complex dimension in the finish.
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Flight 2 (2 notes)
Red
2012 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Napa Valley
91 points
Hint of forest floor, mushrooms and light oak nose. Lighter tannins 6/10.
Nice light acidity in the finish. Clearly fruity Napa cab. Less fruity than the Spottswoode and the caymus special selection.
Nice light acidity in the finish. Clearly fruity Napa cab. Less fruity than the Spottswoode and the caymus special selection.
Red
2001 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Spottswoode Estate Vineyard
92 points
Popped and poured before dinner and I found it very fruity and sweet. The sweetness was too much and was not expected from spottswoode. Some air and time improved it. The tannins were 7/10 and the wine improved dramatically with steak.
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Flight 3 (2 notes)
Red
2012 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Napa Valley
94 points
Very dark red. Classic Napa cab nose. Tobacco leather Cassis dry tannins 7/10. Still young and very dark chocolate in the finish.
The day of air was valuable
The day of air was valuable
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Red
1999 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
93 points
Dusty clean chalk nose. Very smooth and integrated. Fruity on the palate. Tannins 6/10. Fruitier than I had expected. Some nice dryness on the finish but not harsh
Flight 4 (2 notes)
Red
2007 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
Chalk nose and less fruit forward than the Phelps 2012. Not decanted. Yet fruity immediately on the palate at the front. This gives way to a smooth balanced finish.
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Red
2009 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection
93 points
Compared to the Hillside Select 2000 which I have just finished drinking this was like fruit juice. An absolute fruit bomb. I am sure if this were not after the Hillside Select then it would have got a 95+
You need to be in the mood for fruit. Rich cassis berries. Still a powerhouse.
You need to be in the mood for fruit. Rich cassis berries. Still a powerhouse.
Flight 5 (1 note)
Red
2000 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select
94 points
Decanted for 2 hours but could have more. Vegetal with green pepper on the nose.
Dark chocolate and rich body with a hint of heat. A finish of berries in the long finish
Dark chocolate and rich body with a hint of heat. A finish of berries in the long finish
Flight 6 (1 note)
White - Sweet/Dessert
2013 Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest
93 points
Very light and delicate. Not as clying or rich as a Sauternes. I enjoyed is but possible better as an aperitif - a great deal at its pricepoint.
Pears and apricots.
Classic Chilean guava nose was a total country give away. Strong guava.
Pears and apricots.
Classic Chilean guava nose was a total country give away. Strong guava.