Important Update From the Founder

Wine Flock Intro-Retro Blind Tasting

Gary's home outside on the porch, Chicago IL

Tasted June 10, 2016 by jlgnml with 476 views

Introduction

Gary's turn to host a tasting and as generous as he was with the wine he could not turn down people so we had 24-26 people. Chicago weather cooperated and dining on his porch was the venue. Blind tasting and after a few hints we soon discovered over the course of the evening these were older Cali Cabs with the youngest...1975 to the oldest...1935. Many of these wines hit my sweet spot and I scored higher than most in attendance. There was btl variation and I felt I was lucky enough to get the better btl.

Flight 1 (4 notes)

White - Sparkling

N.V. Bellavista Franciacorta Cuvée Brut Italy, Lombardia, Franciacorta DOCG

I was arriving late so I had 2 glasses trusted at me and I was happy after being in the car for 1 1/2 hrs. Nice taste to a nice start of the evening.

Comment

White

2009 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru

90 points

Magnum. Good color, aromatic nose, youthful especially from magnum.

Comment

Red

1970 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Mountain USA, California

93 points

Served out of magnum, pop and pour, side by side with the '69, blind. Initial nose was Bordeaux like yet with some sweetness, so Cali Cab, some damp cellar nose, I thought at least 30+ old.

Comment

Red

1969 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon California Mountain USA, California

88 points

Out of magnum pop and pour served blind, musty smell, developed in the glass and then a slow decline. Good showing of an older Cab.

Comment

Flight 2 (4 notes)

There was a fourth btl which was a 1973 Inglenook Cask (?) that was for our end of the tables, toxic and DQ.

Red

1973 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon USA, California, Napa Valley

95 points

Pop and pour, '73 blind in a flight of 4. My table liked this a lot with 3 votes #1 and 1-#2. Outstanding color, strong nose and savory taste. With many of these wines their was btl variation.

Comment

Red

1973 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

92 points

Pop and pour, served blind my #2. Good color, nice nose, eucalyptus, good finish.

Comment

Red

1973 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve USA, California, Napa Valley

90 points

Pop and pour, blind, darker color, initially off putting, damp diaper smell, developed with time in the glass, for me this was quite enjoyable.

Comment

Red

1973 Inglenook Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Cask A-5 USA, California, Napa Valley

DQ and toxic.

Comment

Flight 3 (3 notes)

Red

1975 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve USA, California, Napa Valley

90 points

Good color, less complex, good mouth feel, nice finish, my#3 of 3.

Comment

Red

1975 Spring Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon USA, California, Napa Valley

92 points

Pop and pour, blind, deep cab color, because of its age it had a musty nose, that blew off and developed quite well.

Comment

Red

1975 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

96 points

Pop and pour, blind out of magnum (and they call me Magnum man), beautiful color, clean, abundant flavor, lasting.

Comment

Flight 4 (4 notes)

Red

1961 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve USA, California, Napa Valley

88 points

Great color to start, dicipated over time with a sour finish.

Comment

Red

1935 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

96 points

Pop and pour, blind and in a flight of 4 really older Cab's. What a treat, wonderful color, great feel on the palate, long sweet finish, lovely and 80+ years old. Those farmers just knew what were good grapes in those days. Historic. For me WOTN! Thank you Gary!!

Comment

Red

1970 Inglenook Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Cask F-31 USA, California

90 points

Darker color, good nose, nice and round finish. Deep, complex and elegant.

Comment

Red

1970 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve USA, California, Napa Valley

92 points

Outstanding color, good nose, from an age worthy year, have had this several times, end of a beautiful evening with wonderful friends and food.

1 person found this helpful Comment

Closing

Awesome, historical perspective of great California Cabernets. The evening did not stop there as many brought additional btls to share. I disappeared after tasting about 6 more wines but I did see photos the next day and it too look awesome. Thank you to our host Gary.

Wine Flock Intro-Retro Blind Tasting

Gary's home outside on the porch, Chicago IL

Introduction

Flight 1 (4 notes)

Flight 2 (4 notes)

Flight 3 (3 notes)

Flight 4 (4 notes)

Closing

Report a Problem

Your report has been submitted!