3 1995 Chateauneufs w the Gelbs + Rivers Marie, Kistler and More
Andrew Gelbs House
Tasted September 1, 2008 by tonyvelebil with 363 views
Introduction
Yesterday Traci and trekked over to Andrew G's pad for a little dinner with Andrew & Xiaopei and Marshall & Dianna. We ate a perfectly cooked and super tasty grilled tri tip, Xiaopei's terrific tomato tart plus a great dessert by Traci and other assorted goodies throughout the day. Watched Fresno State beat Rutgers, talked, laughed and generally had a great time. A couple of bears got into the car and had to be forceably removed to the side yard. Once there, the remained silent throughout the rest of the day and into the evening. We also had a very nice 02 Zind Humbrecht, an 04 White Burg that was crisp, nutty and very good plus some other wines. Didn't take notes just had a great time. Always great hanging with both Gelbs and this time I didn't have to see Marshall's hideous SF Giants shirt!
Flight 1 (5 notes)
Red
2004 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Out of Magnum. Initially very tight but opened up to show much more complexity than the Kistler. Dark fruits, earth, spice with a little orange peel. Tannins providing some grip but they smoothed out with a little air. Nice acidity. A terrific wine that should age very well.
Red
2000 Kistler Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Andrew served this blind to us. Traci was the only person to stay in CA and guess Pinot---Marshall thought CA Rhone or was it "not Pinot". I guessed 03 Red Burgundy. We all agreed it was ripe and young. Richly textured with just a hint of spice, lush fruit. Not super complex and when it was revealed, we were all stunned that it was a 2000. Doesn't seem very evolved...tasty drink though.
Red
1995 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Upon opening this needed to be decanted. Still pretty tight with more acidity cloaking the fruit underneath. More structured than the Cailloux. "Purple" fruits, smoke and more earthy than the Les Cailloux. I preferred the Les Cailloux for its unctiousness but you can't complain about this beauty.
Red
1995 Clos du Mont-Olivet Châteauneuf-du-Pape
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
This was opened at the dinner table b/c we could and we needed to draw down Andrew's cellar. Kirschy, plum/berry fruit, less earthy than the Donjon and very nice drink but not quite up to the level of the Donjon and Cailloux, plus it was getting late.
Closing
Andrew, Marshall et al, thank you for a terrific evening
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