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Anniversbirthday Dinner
Chef Luis
Tasted November 13, 2009 - November 14, 2009 by gbm with 366 views
Introduction
We began with the David Arthur and finished it as the main courses were brought. The Sterling was opened with the appetizers and simply served as a contrast to the reds. The Pio had been decanted for almost an hour when we began to pour it with the entrees.
Flight 1 (3 notes)
Red
2002 David Arthur Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
Popped and poured despite the recommendations below. It did open up very nicely over a half hour or so, but it was very good straight out of the bottle, too. The wine was deep, dark ruby or purple and opaque. The nose was full of leather and black cherries or maybe blackberries. Hints of vanilla and oak appeared over time. On the palate it was a very rich wine. Fruit forward but not fruity. Just the right balance of acid and tannins with a long smooth finish. This was fantastic. Even the white wine drinkers in the group mentioned how much they enjoyed it. (4+13+18+8)
White
2008 Sterling Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented
89 points
Brought to dinner by Andrew. This bottle was a revelation to me, but I'm still trying to figure out what the hell it all means. The color was a pale yellow and very unimpressive. The nose was fruity, but there was no oak to be found. Apples, peaches, and some underlying sweetness that made me think of reisling, but a lottle closed. Well, there was no disappointment on the palate. It was rich, slightly tangy, very acidic, and a barely notable fizz. The finish was smooth and enjoyable, moderate in length. I have never had a wine like this before. It is everything I want in a riesling that I just can't seem to find - high acid, high alcohol (~14.5%), and low sugar. I would pick up a few more bottles of this if I came across it. (3+12+17+7)
(This was better than the 89 total score would indicate. It's only a shade of yellow away from a 90.)
(This was better than the 89 total score would indicate. It's only a shade of yellow away from a 90.)
Red
2004 Pio Cesare Barolo
92 points
This was infanticide, but that's why I bought two bottles! Even after an hour in the decanter, it was very tight. The color was a beautiful deep red and led me to expect more than I received on the nose. There was a mix of red and black fruit that I couldn't quite separate, spices, and some earthiness. The tannins hit my palate like a truck, but some of that is probably the result of the smoother, more supple wine that preceded this one (David Arthur). Regardless, the tannins were well balanced with the acid and the earth and fruit still shone through. A hint of licorice (or menthol?) as well. The finish was short and very very clean. I enjoyed the wine, but I will have to lose the other bottle for 5 or 10 years. (4+13+17+8)
Closing
David Arthur was WOTN, the Sterling was the surprise, and the Pio was great, but will certainly get better.