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Steve's Blind Tasting
Antonello Ristorante - Costa Mesa, CA
Tasted March 14, 2009 by Paul Lin with 562 views
Flight 1 - Flight 1 (4 notes)
White
2005 Kongsgaard Chardonnay
88 points
The initial rush of oak is a turn-off, but beyond that lies fragrant notes of orange blossoms, nectarines, and crushed sea shells. Nice acidity and a mineral-laced alcohol-tinged finish.
White
2005 Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Reserve
85 points
Notes of buttered popcorn, hazelnuts, unripe pineapples, and starfruit. A bit muddled on the palate. Finishes with an oily minerality.
White
2007 Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Reserve
93 points
Sprightly and airy notes of orange blossoms, tangerines, nectarines, mango, and sea spray. Refreshing on the palate, with amazing purity and elegance. Very impressive and tied for my WOTN. 93-94 points.
White
2002 Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Reserve
92 points
Unlike the others, this was not tasted blind and had been opened the day before. Spice-laden notes of nectarines, golden apples, and pie crust. Very nice minerality and acidity. 91-92 points.
Flight 2 - Flight 2 (3 notes)
Red
1999 Carlisle Mondeuse
91 points
I thought this might have been Sangiovese when I tasted it. Old world in character this wine exhibits earthy notes of dried cherries, anise, leather, and roses. Grippy on the palate with vibrant acidity. As a recently-converted Italophile, LB loved this wine. I enjoyed it too, but thought the tannins would outlive the fruit.
Red
2004 Carlisle Three Birds
91 points
The nose on this wine reminds me of a bakery with notes of fresh pastry, toast, blueberries, plums, and dark chocolate. Rich and ripe on the palate but balanced by a mouthwatering acidity. 91-92 points.
Red
2000 Arcadian Pinot Noir Francesca's Cuvée
88 points
Notes of cranberries, black cherries, incense, and dried herbs. Very high in acidity.
Flight 3 - Flight 3 (3 notes)
Red
2004 Pax Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard
88 points
Notes of green and black olives, creosote, grilled plums, and smoked meats.
Red
2005 Pax Syrah Cuvée Keltie
86 points
Notes of tar, anise, charcuterie, black pepper, iron and lava rock. This is an art film wine to me: I can appreciate it, but I do not love it. 86-87 points.
Red
2005 Pax Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch
88 points
This wine is a monster. Intense and concentrated with notes of lava rock, creosote, black pepper, green and black olives, and black plums. 88-89 points.
Flight 4 - Flight 4 (3 notes)
Red
2003 Blankiet Estate Merlot Paradise Hills Vineyard
93 points
This is a Suzie Wong wine: a hooker with a heart of gold. Opulent notes of black raspberries, cherries, mocha, and espresso. The palate is seductive and creamy, but the fruit is pure. Loved this wine and tied for my WOTN. 93-94 points.
Red
1997 Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
90 points
Savory notes of cassis, umami, dried herbs, and crushed minerals. Mouthwatering on the palate with a balance of fruit and tannin. This wine still has years of live ahead of it.
Red
2000 Arietta Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards
88 points
Notes of cassis, black cherries, incense, black tea and tree bark. A tad short on the finish.