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Steve makes Brisket
Steve and Jennie's
Tasted September 9, 2018 - September 11, 2018 by galewskj with 182 views
Introduction
What a great night with good wines and even better friends. Or the reverse, take your pick. Friends and wine were in full supply, and Steve made an amazing brisket that knocked the socks off the last 3 briskets I've had that had blue ribbons attached to their establishments.
Flight 1 (8 notes)
Rosé - Sparkling
N.V. Cesarini Sforza Trento Brut Rosé Metodo Classico
89 points
I enjoyed this as much as an entry-level champagne rose. Good mousse, acidity, some crisp red fruit and deep yeast.
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Rosé
2017 Bodegas Los Bermejos Listan Negro Rosado
90 points
I'm not a rose fan, but this is one of the better Rose's that I've had. The fruit is rather deep, and yet crisp. There is fair complexity here, and the fruit pops.
White - Sparkling
2006 Champagne Le Mesnil Champagne Grand Cru Prestige Millésimé
91 points
I felt this champagne really delivers. There is a sense of power and depth, along with lemon oil and citrus.
Rosé
2011 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé
91 points
This was a real treat to try, as I've never had an older Tempier Bandol rose. The difference is evident. Some freshness has been lost, and there is a lot more depth. The fruit is rounder and richer. There is a touch of oxidation, but not much, and at this stage, it adds interest. The person who brought this wine believed that this was about as long as you want to keep this wine, and I could agree with that.
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White - Sparkling
N.V. Launois Pere et Fils Champagne Grand Cru Reserve
88 points
This seemed to be a fairly standard champagne. It didn't have much character, although no faults either.
White
2010 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
92 points
I thought this was completely in the zone. A perfect old-school Montelena chardonnay, and probably at peak.
White
1995 Kalin Cellars Chardonnay Cuvée LV
91 points
Pop and pour, this bottle was not completely oxidized like one we had a year ago. There is a lot of butterscotch, ample acidity along with lemon oil. The complexity level is quite high, but it is an odd wine. Others liked it better than me, although I am intrigued. This did not seem to be anything like a white burgundy, and yet it has aged very well (this bottle).
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White
2013 Evening Land Vineyards Chardonnay La Source Seven Springs Vineyard
90 points
From a magnum, this seemed quite good but nowhere in the league of a 2013 Summum we had a couple months ago. This seemed like a well made and typical chardonnay.
Flight 2 (6 notes)
Red
1989 Château Cantemerle
91 points
Pop and pour. This is kind of stunning for what it is. A classy elegant and completely resolved claret. Better than the last one? Maybe.
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Red
1993 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Trailside Vineyard
89 points
There was some good complexity here, but it also seemed tired. I expected this to be more alive than it was.
Red
2005 Cayuse Syrah Cailloux Vineyard
My 2nd Cayuse ever, and to me, it possessed the aspects of Northern Rhone that I am not crazy about. A little too green, almost vegetal, and I don't get the meatyness.
Red
2007 Domaine Durand Cornas Empreintes
91 points
I am not sure of the decant time. I found this to be an absolutely lovely cool climate syrah. 91+
Red
2007 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape
91 points
8 months since I've had this, and it gained a point. This seems to be gaining complexity. This really screams CDP, but not necessarily 2007, which has not been good to me so far. Slightly rustic, this seems more old school to me.
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Red
2008 Carlisle Syrah Cardiac Hill
93 points
This was not getting much love at our tasting, but I think that was due to the palate's of those present. For a Carlisle Syrah, this is right in my wheelhouse, and in a great place. You have rich ripe fruit, along with the savory characteristics of Syrah, without being over the top or cloying. I don't know what there is to disagree with.
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Flight 3 (2 notes)
White - Sweet/Dessert
2005 Domaine des Baumard Coteaux du Layon Clos de Sainte Catherine
93 points
This is one of those great dessert wines. The nose and palate are quite sweet, but not cloying in any way. There is rich ripe fruit and acidity, and it is so lively. This was a real treat, and I'm quite jaded when it comes to dessert wines. I love it when someone brings something from this producer, or if I see a bottle for a good price.
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White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château Guiraud
89 points
Consistent with previous notes. 2001 was amazing, but Guiraud totally punted on this vintage. Either that or they are not as good as I think they are. This falls into the category of good but not great. Even Sigalas Rabaud was better in 2001.
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Closing
This was less about the wine than about the strength of this group. Nonetheless, if you were to glance at the wines available, you might be shocked. Craig has been doing this for so long, and it is amazing that there are so many wonderful wine people in the twin cities.