2004 Frazier Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (USA, California, Napa Valley)

The nose has some wonderful cassis driven fruit, with a hint of blueberry. Interesting. The palate has a very elegant and lush feel. The black fruit is abundant and somewhat bright, but not too bright. Lovely black currant, black berries, some blueberry which is somewhat strange, but welcomed. There is a touch of cola, tar, and camphor. A fully resolved tannin level that adds structure and finesse. Acid is well in the background, but ever present. A very admirable finish that continues on and on. I have always been a fan Fraziers cabs. This one sure pleases. Super QPR at $27. (93 pts.)

2005 Two Hands Cabernet Sauvignon Charlie's Patch - USA, California, Napa Valley

5 hour single decant & needed it.
Nice dark amber and super viscous, clinging to the sides of the glass like honey & water. The nose give up some black cherry and blackberries. The palate has a super restrained mouthfeel. I feel the small berries from the mountain fruit, Spring Mountain most definitely. here is some graphite, black currant, black cherry cola, soy, leather and earth. A very intricate tannin weave with a great balance of acid and fruit. Elegant and regal, this begs for 2-3 years. A decent finish and the memory lingers on the tongue for minutes. Well done TRB, especially in being so versatile in your winemaking. (91 pts.)

Relic Wines with winemaker Mike Hirby.

Last month Mike Hirby, owner of Relic Wines and winemaker for none other than Realm Wines visited NYC with a dozen or so of his new releases.

Full report can be seen here. http://www.clonyc.com/

2008 Relic The Sage (44% Chardonnay, 22% Viognier, 22% Roussanne, and 12% Marsanne) - I really enjoyed the dimension and profile of this. I get the Euro influence Mike said he was seeking.. The nose was all citrus, apricots and tall grass. A deft balance with some extra character filled nuances coming toward the end. I take it the Roussanne and Marsanne were making themselves known. Beautiful.

All reds double decanted back into thier own bottle-- 2.5 hours early.

2008 Relic Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast- My short experienced self (on Sonoma Pinot) welcomed this one. The nose had loads of cherries & cola some wild flowers. Very interesting as it sat in the glass.. A very pretty wine that revealed the Bing cherry, cola, and a hint of earth. I loved the character and tight-rope balance this showed. One that Mike said only gets better in 2009. I only ask….how?

2007 Relic Artefact- (96% CS, 2% PV, 2% Syrah) what an amazing wine. The nose was singing of all good things to come. Black fruits rule the night and this is the opening act: Dense and plush with currant, black cherries, plums and vanilla. A deeply complex serious wine that changes moment to moment. What an interesting wine!

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Relic Rockledge Vineyard- I have been a fan of the Rockledge Vineyards stuff for a few years now. Mike now gets that fruit for his own label. This was dark and brooding. The nose was restrained. On the palate this is as serious as a heart attack. Dark, dense, cassis and black cherry driven, this is a bit tannic and unyielding. Plush and masculine, with a long black filled fruit finish. A fantastic wine that wears its name like a badge of honor. I love it.

2008 Relic Cabernet Sauvignon Rockledge Vineyard -barrel sample- Mikes’ term for picking some of these 08’s was ‘picking sweet’. I never heard the term myself until last night. This is a pure and clean expression of a super young un-bottled. The stuffing is all there, its just all covered with the baby fat. Sure, it’s a bit primary, but a red/black fruit profile is in there somewhere. I will love to sample this after it’s been under cork for 6 months.

2006 Audelssa Estate Winery Summit (USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley)

Pop and pour. This a a very serious wine. The color is the darkish brick shade of brick? The nose is all black cherry and pomegranate. Very intense. The mouthfeel is lush with some wonderful black fruits of black cherries, blackberries, currant, and plums. There is a very meticulous tannin weave woven here: an acid level that defies you to light the grill. All dark, all the way, this might benefit from an hour or so, but its so enjoyable now. Maybe just a tad short on the finish....maybe. Its unctuous and pure with class and brawn fighting for your attention. Lovely indeed. Will need to get me some more for the deck next summer. More cab like than many cabs I have had this year, and I do like my cabs.
Just do it. You know you want to. (93 pts.)

2002 Showket Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville)

Double decanted 3 hours early. From magnum. Medium dark ruby red color. Some age showing on the very edge. The nose has a very restrained quality. Some black cherries, some low level cassis, and black plums. The palate showed a very classy deft and pure wine of a medium weight, with some beautiful textures and depth. There was an impressive black and red fruit medley present: blackberry, cherries, cherry cola, crushed pomegranate with just a hint of cassis and sweet kirsch notes, all in restraint, all working together. The tannins are fully resolved & this has a long, elegant and finesse-ful finish. A perfectly balanced and lovely Cabernet that can easily be used as the poster child for what Napa can do, and do right. A symphony of love in C(ab) minor. (94 pts.)

2007 Realm Cellars full line-up.

All wines were double decanted back into thier own bottle-- 2.5 hours early

2007 Realm The Tempest- The tempest and I are like a bickering couple: sometimes we see eye to eye, but more times not. Strangely, the year it was cab heavy (2005?) was that one time we did. Medium weight and reddish black profile, there was great structure and finesse. It's just that damn Merlot that gets in the way…

2007 Realm ‘The Falstaff’- Cab Franc blend. This is a head spinner and eye popper! Super aromatics with loads of black and blue fruits. Some plums, some black cherries, and some camphor. I loved it. It is one you can sit with all night long and never get tired of. Elegance and pizzazz all in one. A no brainier buy.

2007 Realm ‘the Bard’- Usually not in my top group as well, this years is exceptional. A dark fruited currant/cassis/kirsch profile with a beautiful vanilla nose that is all joy. What a pretty and graceful wine. Wow!

2007 Realm Farella- These designates are always so great to taste alongside one another. This has all the Farella stuffing I am used to with a bit more elegance and style that I can remember, broaching toward the Crane territory. Great balance and length. Very nice indeed.

2007 Realm Beckstoffer Dr Crane- How do you spell WOW. This is all I ever remember it to be, but better. How the hell can this be so? Dark, brooding, intense, aromatic, elegant, muscular, balance, length, potential, love. This changed in 15 minutes to be even more of what I just said: more dark, more brooding……A cabernet drinker’s cabernet. Want to make someone happy? Buy them one of these. I…say….no….more.

2007 Realm Beckstoffer To Kalon- Always the crowd pleaser, this again brings it to new heights. Always vying neck and neck with the Crane for first place, you need a photo finish for this race. Dark and ominous, this has tons of character and structure, with gobs of the blackest fruits known to man. We need another word for ‘blackest fruits’—ok….we need 2 new words.

Bottom line: get your check books out.

2003 Harris Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon LTD Limited Reserve Jake's Creek Vineyard, USA, California, Napa Valley

Opened 2 hours early. Not decanted. Nice deep dark with a lively purple edge. The nose is sweet cassis and kirsch. The palate had a lush and pure feel with a deft & intricate tannin level. The alcohol was a bit noticeable early on but after about an hour this really began to sing. There were cassis, kirsch, black cherry cola, saddle leather & a hint of exotic tea leaf. Nice. I loved the way this just keep giving, never changing, just getting darker and plusher. Reminscent of another favorite Mark Herold wine, Merus. The family resemblance is uncanny. A very long ad smooth finish that lasts for more than 2 minutes. I have always loved this one, and I think it does not get the play it deserves. (92 pts.)

2006 Jones Family The Sisters - USA, California, Napa Valley

Decanted 2 hours. The color is darkish, a Falu red/carmine (for all you US stamp collectors out there) (an earthy toned red). The nose is a multi layer medley of black fruits, smokiness, black olives, and leather. The Palate has the blackest plums, purest currant, leathery softness, silkiness, and flowers. Wow. Such a pure, in your face wine that does not attack head on, but sneaks up with its elegance, structure, and purity. The black fruits hold the line for minutes beyond the finish. This BEGS for decanting. Two hour MINIMUM. Big chewy but well behaved tannins with a subdued but ever-present acid level. I have always been a fan of this and this year is surely a bit different, but not any less enjoyable. The PV and CF make themselves known adding the dimension. Great showing--once again. (93 pts.)

Est arrivé!! 2007 Congruence Cabernet, Maiden Voyage

On October 31, 2009, Halloween, we went to the Congruence release party to pick-up our long awaited 2007 Congruence Cabernet, The Maiden Voyage. I have discussed on this site the evolution of this wine.
It's always great seeing friends, and especially smiling friends pouring Cabernet. The few glasses I had there were dark and seamless with loads of fruits and legs like a Super Model.
I could not wait to open one in my home and actually dissect it. Last night, was that time.

This is a dark wine with reddish-purple tinged edges. swirling about it sticks to the side of the glass (what us old timers used to call legs). The nose is enticing & inviting with cherry cola, mocha, Crème de Cassis, black currant, and framboise. Very pretty and aromatic--worth the price of admission itself. The palate shows some black & red fruits of black cherries, currants, red plums, and a hint of Chinese apple. Some Kirsch, floral notes with some leather and earth. Its a medium weight wine with grace and structure. A slightly dry edge with a classy tannin/acid base. Some lushness shows its head, and some baby fat keeps it all covered snugly, but my overall impression is happiness and joy. What more does one seek? A long finish keeps the memory alive for more than 2 minutes. A Maiden Voyage I am glad to be a part of. 92/100

Congratulations to Steve Eisenhauer. He had an idea and made it into a reality: create great Napa Cabernet from amazing sites that don't break the bank. I am looking forward to nexts years offering, which is multi-site blend.

LINK

LINK

Contact Steve at http://www.congruencewines.com/ for information

2000 Marquis de Laguiche (Joseph Drouhin) Chassagne-Montrachet

This opened with a beautiful bouquet of Spring flowers after the rains. The nose was succulent and alluring. Great structure and finesse with a medium body mouthfeel. Wonderful freshness and vibrancy showed its class. Some exotic citrus notes, and a hint of sweetness, maybe a half a hint. A fine interweaving of silky tannins and lithe acid level carries this all the way through to a long lush finish. A very intoxicating and well balanced wine indeed. Brent got some oxidation on this. I did not. Thank you Eric for offering up such a great bottle. The first surprise of a 2 surprise night. (95 pts.)

2005 Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain)

The nose on this was all blackberry and blueberry, something akin to a Cali Syrah. The palate had some great fruits of pomegranate, blackberries, black cherries, red plums, and a hint of creme de kirsch. Some soy, scorched earth, fresh rubbed leather and forest. The mouth feel was pure, and plush. A medium weight wine with tons of goodness packed deep within. Some dryness on the mid palate, the tannins still need some resolving. A great bright 'acid bounce' is present. A very balanced Cabernet with tons of upside in the future. Not an in your face or flamboyant wine. A super long cherry filled finish. Would have scored higher had not it remind me of Syrah so much. (90 pts.)

2004 Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

Medium garnet in color. A beautiful nose of cherry cola, pencil shavings, and flower petals. The palate shows off a very showey and structured cab style I really appreciate. Lots of red/black fruits: currants, blackberries, black cherries, red and black plum. Amazing showing of some dimensional traits of leather, pencil shavings, and spring showers on river stones. The cherry-cola notes never really end. This really opened up after about 30 minutes in the glass revealing a deft backbone filled with meshy tannins and bounded acid. The cola note remains long on through. The finish is 90 plus seconds. I really love this one's showing tonight. If you love a plush chewy, but not unruly cab, this might be the ticket. (93 pts.)

1992 Penfolds Grange (Australia, South Australia)

Crumbly cork.

Still dark with nary a inkling of age. A nose of flower petals, lavender and calla-lilies which only got better as this sat in my glass for a hour plus. The palate had a wonderful depth of fruits: some black cherry, creme de cassis, and red plum. There was a lilty graphite note which was meshed beautifully with some lavender, tar, and earth, good earth that is. An extremely elegant, delicate and lovely wine with super balance and class. A minute plus on the back. This came out of the gate a winner and never fell behind. Wow. WOTF & WOTN 95pts

2007 Dain Wines Syrah The Smart Set White Hawk Vineyard

If there had been a single best $20 STEAL available ANYWHERE. I would like to try it. Until then, I say this is possibly the best deal I have made all year (And I made some good deals).

Medium garnet in color, the nose is all white pepper, forest floor, cranberries, cherries, and pomegranate, all intense. All in balance. The palate reveals a lush mouth feel of cranberry, pomegranate, Bing cherries, red plums, raspberries, fresh grated white pepper, wild lowers and wow. The balance is incredible. Perfect acidic conveyor belt whisping this forward to nirvana.
Unbef-inglievable. A super long finish and Dain's your uncle. (95 pts.)

2006 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon

From 375.

Initially decanted for 1 hour.

Dark as would be expected. The nose has some very low key notes of cassis, vanilla, cherry cola, and black cherries. The palate is very subdued with an almost 'hollow' feel. After 2.5 hours this opened slightly. When food hit the table, even more so. Admirable cassis filled with eucalyptus, lead pencil , tar and leather. This has a medium weight feel to it. A very lively acidic base with some great 'things' hiding out. That's right, things.

A nice finish of 1 minute plus. This will never be a 'showey wine', but will be sure to please in 3-5 years. 89 points

2004 Rockledge Cabernet Sauvignon The Rocks

USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

30 minutes decant. This is one of the darkest, densest wines I have had in months. Swirling coats the glass with a ruby tint. The nose has some cherry cola, creme de cassis and black currant jam. The palate shows a wonderful explosion of black fruits: Currant, black cherries, black berries, black plums. There is some soy and a hint of vanilla. All this is engulfed in a blanket of chewy textured tannins. Pure and clean, this is huge! A wonderful acid reminder-note toward the finish. A very powerful cabernet that begs for a grilled steak or chops. I think time will soften this, but its so enjoyable now with an extended decant (My third bottle). A super finish that I can still taste after 2 minutes while typing this. Wow.

Mike Hirby is one talented wine-maker. I am so excited he is visiting with my tasting group CLONYC next month to share some of his new releases. (93 pts.)

2005 Jones Family The Sisters - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/19/2009)

Super deep and dark as usual, this one needs a minimum of 1-2 hours to really show itself. Great creme de kirsch and cola on the nose. The palate has chewy black and dark red fruits of currant, blackberry and black plum pudding. The mouthfeel is plush and elegant. A wonderful balanced wine, this has all the hallmarks of a full-breed Napa cabernet, at half the price. The tannins are intricately weaved and spun to help create the great mouthfeel. The finish is a minute plus, and the fruit never quits. (93 pts.)

2005 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina

The nose was all exotic spices and black cherries. The palate reveals some silky and uber-ripened black cherries, black pepper, soy, cedar, vanilla and some crushed pebbles. That rich exotic quality is sure present through-out. A medium weight mouthfeel with some deftly balanced tannins, which were just slightly angular, and a moderate acid base. A long finish of 90+ seconds. This wine needs at least 5 more years to show itself as it was surely holding back about 50% of what I believe it could be: A wonderfully elegant but powerfully possessive character-filled Châteauneuf. It really has it all, it just needs to come together.

2006 Adele Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

The press on this says: One of the best Napa Cabernet's under $60 that we have tasted in the last three years. Produced by Kirk Venge maybe the hottest young winemaker in Ca. The wine itself comes from one of the Napa Valley's Super Premium wineries whose Cabernet retails for $125-$150. This is not a second label but actually the extra barrels of the 2006 vintage of this same wine. The wine is full bodied, yet elegant on the palate. It is wonderfully complex, loaded with fruit and posesses a distinct sense of minerality. An exceptionally balanced and totally seductive wine. My own scientific based research tells me it's the 2006 Igneous Cabernet Sauvignon. Additional info tells: Under the Adele Cellars label we bottle and sell a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Kirk Venge, one the hottest young winemakers in CA. We cannot reveal the source of the wine, however we can provide some details. The wine is purchased from a premium Napa Cabernet producer whose label sells for $600 per six-pack wholesale. This cuvee is not a second label made by X, rather it is extra barrels of the wine itself. The fruit for the Adele 2006 comes two vineyards, Thorevilos in St. Helena and Huckfeldt in Coombsville. Both vineyards are managed by David Abreu. The Thorevillos vineyard has produced 100 point wines (Robert Parker) under the Abreu label. Mr. Abreu sells fruit from this vineyard to only two people, Mr. Huckfeldt and David Bowler.

Then we taste it: Darkish red umber in color, the nose was all blackberries, blackcherry, cassis and underbrush. On the palate there was some great intergrated black fuits of plum, blackberries and creme de casis. A medium weighted wine with loads of extras: first and forefront are the notes of cedar, leather, and some wonderful underfbrush-brambly notes thats I really enjoy. The tannins are finely meshed and the lilty acid level kept in check. Very nicely balanced and quite a nice drink, this most definitely drinks above its station and price-point of $30. My one complaint is a clipped finish. Great deal and QPR status nontheless. (89 pts.)

2000 Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos (Hungary)

Beautiful deep and dark golden honey in color. The nose is pure honeyed apricots and honeydew. There is richness on the palate, which is full of gorgeous sweet apricots, lemongrass, melons, and joy. A super balanced style just bordering on a fine line between mid and heavyweight, this is a joy to experience. The finish goes on and on. Just stunning. 94 points.

2002 Gemstone (USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville)

76% cab, 12% merlot, 9% cab franc, 3% petite verdot.. Time treats these Gemstones well. The last time I had this it was nice, but surely not monumental. Today, 4 years later it has added weight and class, but more importantly, structure. A very deep and dark reddish black color, this was very fragrant on the nose: cassis, flowers, and black cherries. On the palate there is a very concentrated mouth feel that I don’t really remember this having previous time while sampling. Great structure with some great lushness. The black fruit profile is my playground. Great black currant, plums, blackberries with some kirsch notes, tar, and a hint of soy. A bit of leather and a hint of cedar box. The tannins are still noticeable but did not negatively affect his showing on ounce. It was decanted 4 hours (I believe), which surely was advantageous in this showing. A real elegant classy and uber balanced wine, with a long creamy smooth finish. (92 pts.)

2003 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

30 minute quadruple splash decant. Dark and brooding. The nose is fragrant with black cassis notes, black cherries, and crème de kirsch. The palate has a silky and pure mouthfeel that is lush and elegant. Totally open for business. There is the crème de kirsch with some cocoa, black currants, black cherries, super black plums and pomegranate. Amazing intricately weaved tannins with a lilthy acidic 'bounce'. A very long and poignant finish that goes minutes, not seconds. A fantastic showing indeed. No rush, but no need to postpone enjoyment either. 94 points

2004 Pax Cuvée Moriah (USA, California, Sonoma County)

No, not Moriah Carey. Better. Pax Cuvée Moriah!
Medium reddish ruby color. The nose is pure joy of red cherries, rose petals, with a touch of crushed pebbles and blueberries. The palate has a wonderful medium mouth feel with those red fruits of cherries, plums, red currant, and rose water. A slightly elevated acid level never really subsided, but never really felt negative. A deep and loud & mid-palate with some white crushed pepper, anise, soy and tar. This really had much going for it. The tannins were very low key. The finish went on for 1 plus minute. I can say this is probably one of the top 5 Grenache based wines I have truly enjoyed. I find no middle ground as its either love or hate, and this is pure unadulterated love. 93 points

Edgewood Road Cellars Cabernet Reserve bottled today!

And so the saga continues: Today we finally got to bottle our Cabernet Reserve. What makes it a Reserve you ask? Good question. It taste better than the other 3 gallons of Cabernet we had in glass. Very much better. In fact it surpasses some Napa bottlings I have had in the $12-$15 range. Nice fruit, good mouth feel, great balance. Nothing negative, and that's what we really were seeking, a wine that did not suck.
We were able to get 27 bottles under cork. We then put the other 3 gallons into the barrel and put it away for another month or so. It had a nail polishy/acetone note to it I did not like much. We'll see.
Next it's our Petite Sirah. Maybe tomorrow morning when it's cooler.

We completed the Petite Sirah on Sunday morning. pretty much what we did for the CS. There was more floating materials so we did a mesh filter. 25 bottles later, we moved the balance of the petite in the glass to the barrel and we will check it in a month. The petite is a deep purple in color with some violets on the nose. The palate shows a very subdued wine, especially after bottling the CS on Friday, but is a very 'varietally' correct wine. We took advice and shot the Argon into each bottle before corking.

By the way, that picture is Thomas Rivers Brown of the Napa Valley. A man who actually KNOWS how to make Cabernet. I know, a cheap shot on my part to tie in a real winemaker to my garage operation possibly seeking credibility.................... ok, you got me, most definitely seeking credibility. You can't fault a guy for trying.

2004 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

3 hour decant.
A quiet beauty. Deep and dark with nary a sign of demise. The nose is all camphor, cassis, creme de kirsch and framboise. The palate has the cassis with a soft but firm mouthfell. There is the kirsch and the creme, but there is also some tar, and leather. Some black plums with a hint of super black cherry, This has surely quieted down since my last taste. A decent acid level keeps this lively and fresh. A long and exact finish beckons more.......and I'm glad to have more in the cellar. (94 pts.)

2005 Lucia Syrah Susan's Hill - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

What an amazing bottle of Syrah from begininning to end. It has all the things I want in an American Syrah plus a whole lot more. Its purity is insane. The color is ultra brooding blood red. The nose is all steamed meats, cooked bacon and crush pebbles with violets, blackberries, black cherry cola and love. The palate reveals an amazing interweaved balance of black fruits with finely weaved tannins and a perfect acid level. The camphor is in the house with a smooth and plushy moutfeel. Some black pepper, boysenberries, pomegranate, blueberry pie, and leather. The finish is insane. I cornered the market in these and it's time I do it again. Love has arrived....again. (95 pts.)

2005 Go Figure Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 3 (USA, California, North Coast, Napa County)

Very pretty cranberry & crimson edges. Not very brooding. The nose has some dark currant, rose petal and black cherry. There is a medium body mouthfeel that is very rich and plush. Very plush. There is a tiny touch of heat that quickly dissapated with some air (I popped and poured). Then some chewy tannins with a clean and pure acid level (Steaks?). This has all the stuffing of a world class cabernet. A decent elegant finish completes this nicely.This is my favorite retailers (Gary's NJ) own label and he will tell you on his website that he is 'unable to tell you where it comes from'. I can tell you that the back label says Girard, and I'm thinking more Rudd. A great deal with tons of upside for the next 2-5 years drinking.

2005 Ruston Family Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley

A very admirable cabernet indeed. Medium light color. Great pure cassis on the nose with some cherry cola. There is a nice acid/tannin level that makes this a sure fire hit with food. (Roasted lamb chops). Black fruit profile with curant, black cherry, black plum and some tarry earthiness. A real nice plushy mouthfeel that belies its price point ($19.99). Medium weight on the tonque with some vanilla oaky notes that should flesh out in about a year. A clean and exact finish. This will be one of my house wines this summer as I just HAPPILY bought a bunch more. (good luck waiting the year). (91 pts.)

3 Champagnes, 2 vintage, 1 rose NV

1996 Henriot Brut Millésimé -Very dark straw color. The nose had some butterscotch and with a touch of underlying sulphur. The plate showed beautiful citrus notes with a touch of grassy knoll. Beautifully balanced with the most lilt amount of acidity and just a wee bit creamy, which I do appreciate. A very classy wine indeed. If the nose showed more fruitiness and less sulphur, which never blew off, it would have been just incredible. 90/100

2002 Taittinger Brut – What a contrast. Light yellow lemon shade of straw. Beautiful bright fruit profile with sun flowers, lemon zest and peach. An elegant wine in a light bodied style. Obviously showing its youth. 91/100

NV Camille Savès Brut Rosé -The most beautiful burnt umber / salmon color I can describe. The nose was all joy of strawberries. The fine delineated bubble path was incredible. Pure and elegant, but fun and easy, this was a revelation. Some beautiful creaminess and super balanced light mouthfeel, this was just a great rose champagne worthy of popping this summer on the deck. 94/100

2002 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Lone Canyon Vineyard

Super dark with the prettiest crimson edges. The nose has a sweet cherry note with some cola. The palate is plush with very beautiful black currant, crème de cassis, kirsch royal and black cherries. There is a plum and pomegranate quality I really appreciate. Some tobacco leaf and some exotic tea. A very nicely balanced mid palate with some sweetness evident. The Coca Cola notes return with some earthiness and elegance. Tannins are finely weaved and are really clean and pure. There is some acidity noticable PLUS a bit of oak. A 'fat' wine and a very 2002ish wine indeed. This is a very 'easy' to drink cabernet for sure. The finish is admirable and really rounds this one out nicely. A 'almost' classically made cabernet that screams Cali...in a good way. (91 pts.)

Realms 2006 Line-up, REDUX and then some......

I attended the Realm open house last night in NYC at an interesting venue, the Audi Forum on Park Avenue and 47th. Seeing old friends and making new is always the bonus to this open house and last night was no different. Wendell, Juan and Mike are just great unassuming guys who happen to make an excellent wine. The 2006 offerings have caught my attention again, and honestly I was slightly under whelmed with the ’05 cabernets and bought only the Tempest. (I am as fickle as a 12 year old school girl. Good luck changing me now). I know these wines go through many changes and phases as having witnessed at least 6 or 7 times myself in the last 18 months. Having the opportunity to taste some library wines last night just confirmed that once again. The 2004 Phoenix and 2002 To-Kalon were amazing.

2006 Realm Beckstoffer Dr Crane Cabernet Sauvignon
The most black & dark fruited is also the most aromatic and pleasing on the nose, right now. Super concentrated cassis filled with some black cherry and kirsch. A very complete and pleasing wine with a very long and elegant finish. The tannins are evident but the balance is so pure and precise, you get the feeling perfection personified from the neck up. 93/100

2006 Realm Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon
This has amazing structure and style. A bit four square right now, I know that time treats these well (read below). Black fruits of currant, black plums, and some cherry notes this is a bit restrained on the nose, right now. A beautiful one not to be ignored. 91/100

2006 Realm Farella Vineyard Cabernet sauvignon
The nose says red fruits. The palate solidifies those findings. Red cherries and red plums, this is beautifully structured and elegant with a nice mid weight mouthfeel. A few years in the bottle and this will make you smile. 90/100

2004 Realm Phoenix from magnum
This is a wonderful complex wine with much happening. Its currant with some pencil shavings, tar, a slight mushroom note with a beautiful mid weight mouthfeel. Wonderfully textured and precise, this has elegance and class. Anyone lucky enough to have this is surely just that, lucky. Anyone not having it should seek it out. Tasted from two magnums, the first had a bit of cork on the nose that blew off within 5 minutes and exposed just a beautiful wine. 93/100

2002 Realm Realm Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon from magnum
On my way to the exit after all my good nights, I heard my name. Looking around I caught Juan behind the bar with a big bottle in his hands, sure I will catch the later bus.
Such a beautiful and complete expression of To Kalon, this had everything. Pure cassis and dark black berries, the aromatics alone was mind boggling. Medium weight and fully resolved tannins, this is in such a perfect place from when I had it last about a year ago. If the above To Kalon turns to this in 4 or 5 years the owner will be blessed with a near perfect bottle of Cabernet. Wow 95/100

2007 Maybach Family Vineyards Chardonnay Eterium

Two barrel selection from the 2007 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay B. Thieriot Vineyard. Less than 500 bottles will be available. Maybe.....This was pale golden hued and glossy. The nose was lemon rind and tall grass. 100% new oak and it showed wonderfully. Similar in many ways to the RM but more minerality with the great lemon fruited notes. Intense and complicated this was great.

After 2 days (vacuvined): This really came together nicely. More structure and elegance with a beautiful delineated acid level and just a more focused wine in whole. Complicated and enjoyable. I really like this wine.

2006 Schraders Cabernet Sauvignon line-up

2006 Schrader Beckstoffer To-Kalon – Wow, this is the schnizzle all new world Cali cab drinkers seek. Dark and dense, with some wonderful notes of flower petals and violets on the nose. Darkish fruit profile with black-hole cassis, sassafras, black cherry, and black plums. Really impressive mouth fell and structure that brought joy to everyone on the tables face. Unbelievable. If you pass on any of the Schraders, don’t let it be this one, regardless of what got what points from whom……
2006 Schrader CCS- Like all of the other Schraders, the similarities are there. All wonderful wines with some great depth structure and finesse. Not to sound like a broken record as I am sure I do already, this is just beautiful and a must seek out for Napa cabernet aficionados.

2006 Schrader T6 Cabernet Sauvignon- Floral nose and ungiving upon opening. 4 hours plus this had some great black fruits with super structure. A tremendous mouth feel. Great cassis and cola with a slight touch of camphor. There was the slightest note of sulphur, but it dissipated in the glass quickly. Such a big brawny wine with tons of finesse. Great.

2006 Schrader Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon- All the Schrader’s had a similar profile save for a certain something: This had the super long finish and persistent cover on the tongue. Super plush with crème de cassis and leather, this was great. Check out this note.

2007 Charles Smith Syrah Boom Boom - USA, Washington

Vibrant crimson color with magenta edges. The nose has some blueberries, red cherries and crushed rocks. The palate reveals a mid-weight to light mouth feel with crisp red fruits of cherries and red plums with some pomegranate. Some blueberry and crush stones are in the mix with a great acid level. The tannins are non-opposing and the whole package really works. It's like a great little CdR, just from Washington State, and no funk. What a great bargain too. I will continue to state it, this guy Charles Smith (who I met for the about the 5th time this week over his full line-up) is either a genius or madman, but I like to think he's a mix of both and this is truly not a 'tastng note' wine, but a wine to just enjoy so I will end it there...... (91 pts.) ($16.99)

Home Made Wine- UPDATE

Last October we left off with my neighbor Mike and me making our own wines.
Sunday we reconvened to do the first ‘racking’. We chose to do it in my driveway. It was a beautiful sunny day in the low 50s so we both agreed there was no better time.

We have not done anything to these since except refill the vodka in the air chamber and taste the wine. We recently have been pretty happy with the results.

The first barrel out was the Cabernet. We poured it off through three strainers. The color was amazing. Seep dark purple with some pretty purple tinged edges. We got to about 85% of it and decided to filter the balance with cheese cloth. We put that aside.
Tasting the wine we were both amazed at the quality. It had a vibrant mouth feel with some primary dark fruits. Some chewyness and glossiness on the back of the toque. We were surely smiling. We rinsed the barrel with some cab from the glass 5 gallon jar and poured the main wine back in. We then topped off the barrel with some from the middle of the 5 gallon jug. It had a similar profile, but maybe a bit more primary. Corked it and away it went. Next we did the same with the Petite Sirah. It was redder and dense without the clarity the cab had. On the palate we got some real nice PS profiled fruits with some soft tannins and plushness. Again we cleaned the barrel and refilled it. This time when we tasted the 5 gallon jar of the PS we both sensed some rotten eggs on the nose and finish. Maybe a dirty jar? We decided not to use it in our main petite Sirah, so we topped it with about 10% cabernet sauvignon/petite sirah blend we had in a 1 gallon jug. This was from the second pressing of all the skins and pips. It’s dark and deep with some nice cabernet fruits with the color of the PS. We cleaned up and opened a bottle of something to celebrate.

We have agreed to bottle this in 1 month. I want to capture the freshness and vibrancy while it’s still fruity and joyous. I will update then.

2006 Schrader Georges III with a 50 hour decant!!

So I sit here with a few tastes more from Monday nights TRB dinner and just poured the Schrader Georges III, of which I might have had 3 ounces or so.Let me say this. Holy friggin crap! It’s awesome!Sexy, lush and still vibrant. Not a bit of age or sign of too much air in sight. Keep in mind this has now been open for 50 hours. Wow.Dark and complex with notes of camphor, crème de cassis, black cherry cola, sassafras, amazing.Tar, slight soy notes, multi dimensional and incredibly deep and full. A super long finish of 2 plus minutes. Its velvety and plush. I would love to taste this one in 3/5 years.
wow. 95/100

Polaner Spring '09

2005 Davis Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa- An interesting 2 site cabernet that is very atypical in style. Some sweet aromas of black and currant filled fruits. A soft and easy going style with some dustiness and earthiness, there is a character not often found in the wines I regular and certainly merits further investigation….91/100

2006 Larkmead Firebelle Meritage Napa- Lush and full bodied, this had a light color with some sour cherry notes. All red fruits. With a hint of black cherry on the finish. Some leather and a decent finish. 91/100

2006 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon – all oak and a little messy, there was some black fruits but finding them was a chore. Time will tell. n/a

2006 Outpost Petite Sirah Howell Mountain – medium dark color, this was very generous on the palate with some black fruits and pomegranate. A touch of red cherry, this had a great mouthfeel with just a little burliness busting out of the edges. This will be phased out and the grafted to cab soon. A very nice Petite. 91/100

2006 Outpost Petite Sirah ‘The Other’ Howell Mountain- wow. Softer in style but more elegant than the regular above, this had smooth complex tannins and a lively acidity base. Lots of red fruits with some tar and earth. This is a winner. Makes me want to drink more Petite Sirah, and I will, this one… 93/100

2006 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain- This had a very admirable sweet fruit profile with some spiciness. A very nice balanced Zin with tons of character that does not bruise the palate or the senses. Very nice. 90/100

2006 Gemstone Facets- Slightly brutish and austere in style, this had a very nice delineated fruit profile that was pure and crisp. Some black cherries with a hint of currant. There was lots of class and structure. In the past I have liked this better than the Gemstone, but the austerity keeps me from doing so right now.

2005 Gemstone- This is lush, pure, clean and elegant with tons of structure that push and pull you towards joy. A very intense wine that has some crushed stones, crème de cassis, and notes of kirsch. A big and complete mouth feel that grips you. Back on track. 92/100

2006 Realm The Tempest- Back to heavy Merlot recipe, this is a lovely and complex wine with some deep crimson color. Some tar and leather. The acid level is nicely balanced with some sweet tannins. I love this this year. I did last year as well when it had a higher % of Cab). 91/100

2006 Realm The Bard- Big and chewy, this had some angular edginess with pure black fruits. A bit austere, there is some undercurrents of great ness. Will be great in time. 90/100

2006 Realm Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon- This seemed a bit closed, but from its track record should be a late comer star. I like what’s in here, and there is much. Some great black leaning fruits with some dustiness and soy, tar and leather. Lots to love. I will look deeper next week at the open house. 91/100

2006 Realm Farella- Very close (and closed) to what I found in the To Kalon with just a bit more red fruits. I will wait and look deeper after I let it sit in my glass a bit next week at the open house. Beauty under mask. 91/100

2006 Realm Beckstoffer Dr Crane Cabernet Sauvignon- Wow. This is incredible. I am such a fan of the crane bottlings, and this one just solidifies my though. Complex and plush with a deftly balanced fruit/tannin/acid tight-walk of a performance. An early favorite amongst this line-up. I am thrilled with the way all of the 2006 Realms have turned out. Nice guys making great wine. I am Realm cab buyer this year once again.
93/100

2006 Maybach Materium- year in and out one of my favorites, this is surely the best yet. Dark fruits intertwined with a soft red cherry with some camphor, this has a very lush/plush and complete profile and is truly mind boggling. It has structure, class with eleance. The balance is awe-inspiring and just pure lovely to drink. Having had dinner with the winemaker just a few nights ago I was able to ascertain his thoughts on this vineyard site and I know it is one of his favorite cabernets. Not to be missed. 94/100

2005 Ovid Experiment K1.5 Napa Valley- I can see how this can give some love, it’s just not the love I seek. It had a pretty floral nose of flower petals, violets and cherries. A very light bodied style that should appeal to someone with more Eurocentric sensibilities in 5-10 years. I don’t pretend to be him though. n/a

I have always been a fan of Charles Smith’s wines. He is a very interesting and lively guy with tons of enthusiasm and talent. This year’s line-up is no different. Sometimes when you catch him in a certain mood, he will not let you get away without tasting almost everything, even if you just request 1 sample. He was in that mood when we got to him yesterday. Glad he was.

2008 Charles Smith Wines Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Columbia Valley- What an amazing fruit filled nicely balanced Riesling. It’s fresh and enjoyable and will be in supply at Chateau Pobega this summer for any guest to sample. Oh, its $13 per bottle. Wow
92/100

2007 Charles Smith Wines Velvet Devil Merlot, Columbia Valley- Another of those wines where you just say “How does he do it?” Priced like the Riesling, this offered a full gamut of Merlot enjoyment that needs to be sampled to be believed. It’s plush and lively. A very different interpretation of what Merlot is or could be and I loved it for what it is, not for what tradition tells me it should be. 92/100

2007 K Vintners The Boy Walla Walla- Another favorite that is just downright….great. Sometimes words can’t convey what I want to say. Here’s a few. Buy this wine. 93/100

2006 K Vintners RC Syrah- Here is a very special offering that must not be ignored. It was dark, ominous, pure, elegant, super structured and just down right enjoyable. It is what many Syrahs can only dream of being. Look for it soon. It will be pricey $80ish) but well worth the tariff. 94/100

2006 K “Motor City Kitty”, Stoneridge Vineyard – Columbia Valley $30- Another winner in the Morrison/milbrandt style. Crush stones, candy and plain fun of a Syrah, this is a big fruited and nicely balanced Syrah that will bring love and joy to your BBQ this summer. Love and Joy. 91/100

2008 Congruence Cabernet Spring update

Last month I had told you about a new and exciting venture undertaken by my friend Steve Eisenhauer, Congruence Cabernet. His vision is a house blend of Cabernet Sauvignons from top parcelled vineyards in the Napa Valley to create a sum that is unique and complex. One would think it would be easy, but I can assure you in speaking at length with Steve about this, it's not.

For the 2008 Congruence final blend, which was first mentioned here, there were 4 different site components consisting of 5 barrels in total.

Steve contacted me for this impromptu tasting of these plus the final blend in a moments notice. I said, sure, a Sunday tasting Cabernet? Of course.

Sample # 1 was reddish ink in color that left a viscous covering on the glass. There were some nice fruits of black cherries. The mid-palate was slightly hallow, but the finish was long and sweetish. Interesting. The grace.

Sample #2 had some really great vibrant dark classic transparent color. A fragrant floral nose that was amazing, really amazing. The palate had a more classic fruit profile of cassis and blackberries. This was a slight angular and chunky. Tannins were surely evident. The muscle.

Sample #3 again had the deep dark color. The nose had some very interesting brambly qualities I truly enjoy. There was also some herb and leaf notes with some earthiness and tar. Big and brawny, this sure had its own profile. The fruits were a combination of red and black: back berries, currant, kirsch, an red cherries. The depth.

Sample #4 was from a totally different site (slightly more up-Valley), and it was evident. It was the blackest of the group with brooding color. It was also the plushest of the group and I sure like mine plush. A very intense & lively full bodied mouth feel, this was elegant and lovely. A true black fruit profile that any cab lover yearns for and the nose was worth the price of admission alone. This had nice balance of tannins and acidity unseen in any of the others. The class.

The final blend was all of the best components mentioned above. The breakdown from 1-4 was 40%, 20%, 20% & 20%. A truly multi dimensional fruit filled wine with grace elegance, brawn and complexity. I say a few years in the bottle and this will be sure to be a winner to have in the cellar. I think Steve has achieved his goal and will have a wine he can be proud of.

2004 Rockledge Cabernet Sauvignon The Rocks

Pitch black and brooding color with purple/magenta tinged edges. The nose is all black fruits. Nice. The palate reveals some sweet black fruits of cassis, black cherries with some cola and dusty chewy tannins. A wonderfully balanced cab with lots of full fledged cab stuffing. Very full bodied and plush mouths feel, this had a long elegant finish. Very nice wine albeit slightly four square and a bit clumsy this time around the edges. A few years will tame but surely enjoyable now.

I look forward to meeting the winemaker Mike Hirby when he visits and has dinner with my tasting group CLONYC later this year.

1995 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (USA, California, Sonoma County)

Dark blackish edges with just the slightest sign of age. The nose began as as habit to say 'old wine', which anyone who knows me, knows I’m not thrilled. But then this did an amazing transformation within 30 minutes. It was super pure and elegant and a truly memorable bottle of 14 year old cab.Admirable amounts of fruits: black currants, black cherry cola with some kirsch royal and a touch of crème de cassis. There was a touch of cedar, and tobacco notes with some tat and soy. Everything was hitting at all the right levels. A 45 second finish. Glad we did not judge this on first impressions. 93/100

2001 Pax Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch (USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley)

Decanted 45 minutes after cork broke and had to do a ‘push in’. What a beautiful expression of a PAX wine in what I think is its golden window. Some great deep purpled tinged magenta color. The nose is violets, blackberries, pomegranate and love. The palate had some great black berries, blue berries, and Bing cherries. There was a hint of white pepper with some tarry notes. Some amazing depth with an unbelievable balance that really did the high wire act. Smooth and fleshed out tannins with just the right touch of acidity, but not too much. As a matter of fact this drank better before food hit the table. A long elegant finish really made this an enjoyable wine. I have always been a fan of this bottling and will continue to look for more. 93/100

Taste Napa Valley- New York

These notes are from one of my favorite tastings of the year, the Taste Napa Valley tour, where I tasted no less than 65 great to wonderful wines, mostly King Cabernet variety himself. I have listed the high lights of the day here. More will follow.

1995 Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon Library Selection- Fully matured with some bricking of the edges, this has some great aged cab notes of cassis, soy sauce, some earthiness, and a good dimension of red fruits throughout. Very admirable. 90/100

2005 Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon- Great structure and showful, this has the crème de cassis and kirsch notes I enjoy with a full mouth feel that is plush, elegant and abrupt all at the same time. A great value in today’s world of runaway pricing. 93/100

2005 Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon Napa- Gorgeous fruit forward with a lush mouth feel. Dense currant with black cherry. A very beautiful wine 92/100

2005 Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain – Much darker than the Napa, no surprise. Less approachable and more densely packed, no surprise. Still a great wine to have in the cellar in about 2-4 years. 91/100

2004 Dutch Henry Winery Argos- A blend of 40cs, 35m and 25 cf this was deep and dark. The nose had a floral perfume and the mouth fell all elegance and style. Tons of pure cab cassis notes and a note of red cherries. Great 91/100

2006 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon- super dark cassis filled black cherry cola. Big bold and chewy tannin. 2 years will round this out and reward nicely 90/100

2005 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Napa- Nice and fragrant nose. The mouth feel is lush and super structured. Some black and red fruits of cassis, blackberries, and pomegranate. A wonderful Cella’s chocolate wrapped cherry note. Some anise and tar. A good long finish. 91/100

2005 Faust – Darkest blackest cherries and cola. Subdued nose. The palate has a silky feel. The tannins are big and angular. Nice acidity. A great second wine of Quintessa 91/100

2005 Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve- One of the days highlights: Big and bold but stylish and classy. Dark crème de cassis notes with an ultra pure and showy style. The tannins are complex, this is a beautifully balance wine. I like showy. 93/100

2005 Gargiulo Vineyards Merlot Money Road Ranch- This is one of the darkest and purest Merlots I have ever encountered. Black cherries with caramel. Camphor, tar, and violets. Cabernet sized tannins. This is lush and pure and has a structure and balance that make this a real winner. 93/100

2005 Gargiulo Vineyards 575 OVX Cabernet Sauvignon (Not for general sale) – Jeff was pouring this from under the table. Dark and perfumey with a soft lush mouth feel. Big and boldly structured with a super long and precise finish. Mail list only. 92/100

2005 Hoopes Cabernet Sauvignon – Beautiful and fragrant nose that is pure cassis driven fruits. Wow. Black cherries with a hint of kirsch royal. Very showy styled cab wit bold but exact brushstrokes. Super lush and classy with a very very long smooth finish. I have been a fan for years and this is one of the best I have had to date. Always under the radar. Worth seeking out in its price-point ($65) 94/10

2006 Kapcsandy Family Winery Estate Cuvée State Lane Vineyard- Some great black fruits of, cassis, black plums and blackberries. Nicely intertwined tannins with deft balance. This had wonderful structure and some easygoing style. 91/100

2006 Kapcsandy Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Grand Vin) State Lane Vineyard- This is an awe-inspiring ode to Bordeaux. Some beautiful exotic red and black fruits. Black currant and crème de cassis. Some scorched earth with soy, led pencil shavings, and leather. Amazing. This is an elegant and classy wine. 93/100

2005 Lail Cuvee Daniel Cabernet Sauvignon- Subdued nose and slightly reticent on the palate but the makings were there, just need some coaxing. Purity and style. Not as showy as past vintages I have had, but worth keeping an eye on. 91/100

2006 Larkin Cabernet Franc- Big and chewy with gobs of black and red fruits. Some soy, tar and leather, this is one of the prettiest Cab Francs I have ever had. 93/100

2006 Larkin Cabernet Sauvignon- A bit closed nose, this has a mid weight feel to it. Nice cassis and blackberries. Some great notes of cedar. A very nice cab indeed. 91/100

2006 Jack Larkin Merlot- One of the great Merlots of the day, this was beautiful. Pure black fruit profile with some pomegranate and cherry cola notes. Very plush and full, this explodes sideways in the mouth. Elegant yet fully structured, this is a keeper. 92/100

2006 Jack Larkin Cabernet Sauvignon – Pritchard Hill- Fragrant and pure, this deftly made cabernet has wonderful crème de cassis, tarry note, soy, and freshly rubbed leather. Wow. 93/100

2005 Minor Oracle (blend) – Dark and perfumed with a nice soft mouth feel. Nice flowers with cassis, Bing cherries, lavender, and tar. Some pencil shavings. Very nice indeed. 91/100

2005 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain- a very pretty black fruited cab that is all mountain in style. Big and burly with some soft edges, this had all the components. Deep color, somewhat reticent, and a bit closed on the nose. Crème de cassis, black berries, with a touch vanilla, cedar, and tar. I would like to re-visit this in a year, and think I will…. 90/100

2005 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder- I’m a Veeder fan so this was right up my alley. Good lush bright fruits of Currant, black cherries, and cola. I love the vibrancy and exactness of this one. Beautiful structure and class with a flamboyant edge. Nice. 92/100

2005 Palmaz Cabernet Sauvignon- deep and densely packed with big chewy full-fledged tannins. A dark fruit medley and tons of structure. A very serious wine indeed. 90/100

2004 Palmaz Cabernet Sauvignon- More plush than the 05. Dark and brooding. This has some notes of kirsch, cola, earth and tar. Another serious, albeit more approachable cab from Palmaz. 92/100

2003 Palmaz Cabernet Sauvignon- Slight reduction on the nose, this coming from an ‘off’ vintage surely delivers beyond the nose. Great structure and firm soft tannins, this had nice soft red and black fruits to match. The easiest drinking wine of the group that is still holding up. 90/100

2002 Palmaz Cabernet Sauvignon (Randy Dunn wine)- Deep dark and elegant fruit profile. Much more 4 square than the rest of the group. Densely packed cassis, black berries, cedar, and leather. A very beautifully drinking cab worth seeking out. Winery still has available as a library selection.
93/100

2006 Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon- Big bold and showy style of rough and ready cabernet. Dense black currant with some camphor and tar. Some slight vanilla notes. Big chewy but sophisticated tannins with a nice balance throughout. I like the turn these have made with the re-branding of One Point Five. 91/100

2006 Shafer Merlot- Floral and pretty, this medium weight Merlot has some nice black cherries, black olive, and earth. Subdued but elegant. 90/100

2006 Staglin Salus- Pretty nose and beautiful bones, this has some deep color and a nice dark black-fruited profile. Good mid weight mouth feel with a nice touch of elegance similar to the Staglin Estate. A nice second wine. 89/100

2005 Staglin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon- Dark purple tinged color. This has the classy crème de cassis and camphor I so love. A mid to heavy weight cab with great cassis, black cherry notes, some earth and some pencil shavings. Very seductive and pure, just what I believe these are known for. A year or two would surely make this a stunner. 92/100

2005 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Antaeus - 56% zin, 27% Cab, 12% merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. An interesting blend indeed. Super dark with a bit of spiciness. Elegant and nosy at the same time, this one surely catches your attention. Some tat, spice box, cassis, red cherries, and pomegranate. I may need to investigate closer…. 90/100

2005 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel Eastern Exposures- Not being a big fan of Zins these days, here is one I can wrap my tongue around. It has tons of finesse with a touch of spiciness. All red raspberries and black cherries, this had some violets as well. Some tarry notes. The tannins are massive and a year will soften nicely, this is a beautifully balanced Zin that I would be proud to share with friends. 91/100

2005 The Terraces Cabernet Sauvignon- a very pretty cab with pronounced sasparilla notes alongside a bit of cola tinge. Pure with clean and elegant bright fruits of cassis & black cherries. A minor stunner in its own right. A very long finish completes the package. 91/100

2006 The Terraces Zinfandel- All red fruits all in a perfect row; this was another nice zin from a day of cabernet. A bit of pepper and some exotic spiciness rounded this one out. Very cool. 91/100

2005 Jones Family The Sisters - USA, California, Napa Valley

6 hour decant. Deep ruby color. The nose is pure crème de cassis and kirsch royal. The palate reveals a nice pure sweet red & black fruit profile, and not the cloying sweetness I detest. Great black cherry, black currant, cherry cola, pomegranate, with some soy, soil, and lead pencil shavings. This has a lushness not normally associated with wines at this price point. A nice ripeness that just falls short of the 'too ripe' point. A medium to full bodied mouth feel that is long, elegant, and beautifully structured. The tannins are on the biggish side and a few years in the cellar will most certainly reward the owner. A creamy extended finish completes the package. I wanted to try this as I seen the Jones website still offering me more. I ordered 6 more. One of my favorite list purchases and one to surely remain on.A QPR in its class. Free shipping and 50 dollars per. Seems like a no brainer.(93 pts.)

My first 99 point wine. (MP 99 that is)

Last week I had the pleasure of tasting some great cabs with friends. All showed good to great but one has stuck in my sensory memory bank for 8 days. I actually thought of it more than the US economy, (but slightly less than my economy). I have checked WS no less than twice daily for new arrivals within driving distance. 2 are sched'd to be shipped tomorrow. More will follow.

I think I may have actually tasted one of the greatest wines in my life yet, a pretty heady statement since I've surely tasted 10,000+ if I tasted 1. (and yes, I've learned to spit early on). I gave this wine a MP95, but will be visiting my written notes and changing to 99. The wine you ask:

2004 Buccella- Wow. dense and brooding. This had it all and it was all strutting. Dark chocolate wrapped black cherries . Soy, kirsch, cola, wow. This had structure and elegance with flash and fury. I love this bold in your face style of pure cali-cab. A super long dense finish with gobs of fruit. One of the greatest wines I have ever tasted. wow. 99/100

A few Italians. Some for now, some for later.

2003 Jacopo Biondi-Santi Montepaone Toscana IGT - Pretty & vibrant ruby red color. Very fragrant nose of boysenberries, currants, and ripe black cherries. Some earth and soy. This has a very mid weight mouth fell, but is elegant and super classy. Some crème de cassis and framboise. Tight tannins and nicely balanced, this has a very long and pure finish. I really enjoyed this. Got it on my 2009 short and getting shorted list of wines to obtain. Nice now but will age gracefully for a few years. 92/100

2003 Il Greppone Mazzi (Ruffino) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - Light in color, but never judge a wine by color alone. This is big and super structured. Amazing density and purity. Lots of black and red fruits (leaning to the former). Some red cherries, some black berries, some dark currant and some raspberries. Some earthiness and a touch of newly rubbed leather. This has an ultra pure mouth feel that has tannins to spare. Amazing. This needs 5 years in the bottle. A very long and fruit filled finish completes the package. One of the nicest young Brunellos I have ever had. 92/100

2005 Cantine Leonardo da Vinci Chianti Classico Riserva - Darkish purple in color. A clean and pure nose of rose petals and blackberries. The palate shows an elegantly well structured and beautiful bright fruit profile of blackberries and black cherries. The mouthfeel has a depth of purity rarely encountered in young Chianti Riservas, at least for me. I truly love the accessibility of this one. It has great acid and tannin balance that really pushes forth toward an elegant and fragrantly heady finish. Wow. Enjoy this one now with a nicely prepared Veal Saltimbocca or hold for a bit. Needs to be sampled to be believed. One of my perennial favorite Chiantis. 92/100

Pobega's Pizza Ca-Blast! (and my first 99 point wine!)

What's better than an afternoon of friends and Cabernet? An afternoon of friends, Cabernet and PIZZA! A decent sized group met at my home for such an afternoon on Presidents Day Weekend Sunday. What a great time. The 2001 Cabernet theme was augmented with a few surprises. Many were served blind.

2001 Bond Matriarch- Somewhat old red coloring on opening and decanting. So much so I thought it flawed. It darkened with decanter time. Nice cassis filled black fruited profiled cab with class and structure. Some tar and leather. A bit restrained in style. I was expecting a more lush style. This had a nice finish. 92/100

2001 Shafer Napa Decent dark color. Lots of red and black fruits going on. Some cassis & black cherry. The acid level was surely elevated from my last sampling about 3 months ago. Strange? There was some discussion on whether this was damaged. It just did not do as well today. N/A

2001 Justin Isosceles Reserve- deep dark black color. I guessed this on bottle shape alone! It had some pure and elegant cassis. A very wonderful Paso signature of black and green olives. Very nice. I really enjoyed this wine. It was a well structured mid-weight cab based wine with tons of character, breed, and elegance. Super long finish. A real treat. 93/100

2004 Maybach Materium- I knew I had this before by nose alone. An I knew I liked it before. It was dark and lush with some eucalyptus. A wonderful mouth feel with some decent structure and an exotic woven tannin level. I had pinned this for a Merus. It was long and full with tons of black cherries and currant. Some cola and cocoa. A Very early favorite. I would have decanted longer as a two hour decant did not seem enough. 92/100

2001 Beringer Reserve- This showed very odd. It was red in style with lots of new oak and vanilla. It reminded me of a Simi Reserve in some ways. The finish seemed slightly acidified and the mouth feel was a bit angular. I am a big fan of Sbragias wines and this was a bit of a shocker. More Foley than Sbragia. 89/100

2004 Buccella- Wow. dense and brooding. This had it all and it was all strutting. Dark chocolate wrapped black cherries . Soy, kirsch, cola, wow. This had structure and elegance with flash and fury. I love this bold in your face style of pure cali-cab. A super long dense finish with gobs of fruit. One of the greatest wines I have ever tasted. wow. 99/100

2003 Slaughterhouse Cellars Cabernet-Bright red fruit on the nose and palate. This was served blind. It had good reddish fruits of cherries and pomegranate. Some currant with some cherry cola. A fun and single dimensional wine that seemed the perfect foil for a fun pizza filled Sunday. You are as good as the company you keep. Nano purchased on name alone. Slaughterhouse.....88/100

2001 Forman- The color was deep and dark. The nose is all funky barn-yard and dirt mixed with a remnant of fruit......somewhere. Very European in style. The palate had some red and black fruits of cassis, red cherries, blackberries with some tar and anise. I have had this a half dozen times and this has surely declined from what it was from 5 years ago. A sloppy mess. Who brought this? 86/100 (me)



And then there was the pizza.......

Thanks to all for participating. See you at Ca-Blast II?

Steven Eisenhauer's Congruence Cabernet Update

If you have ever met Steve you may already know of his passion for great wine (alongside that boyish smile) but did you also know that his passion extended to making a top performing Cabernet? It’s tricky when a friend shares wines that he has made with you. You want to always be fair and with a friendship in the balance you might have the tendency of fluffing, even in the slightest. Happily for all, fluffing is not needed when we speak of Steve’s Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon.

2008 Congruence Napa Valley (barrel sample 1) - nice blackish color, purple tinged edges. Great nose of red and black fruits with something of a hint of herbaceousness reminiscent of Petit Verdot but I was assured none was in the mix. 4 separate vineyards of Cab coming together here.
The palate has great currant filled fruits layered with some black cherry and blackberries. Throw in some cassis liqueur and a touch of leather. Elegant now and if it were a bit plusher I would have thought it be a very high end Cali cab. Really.
The mouth feel is very nice and everything is hitting a harmony very early on, keeping in mind this is a barrel sample, I just got to say….wow. Super structured with a balance and promise one could not ignore. Once this has a few years in the bottle and sheds its almost non-existent baby fat anyone lucky enough with some in their cellar will be greatly rewarded. (This is the final blend choice for the 2008 Congruence).
I had asked Steve to please re-label as Chateau Mike. He said he will think bout it. :)
93/100

2008 Congruence barrel sample (blend 2) – This was very different. One of the component sites of Cab has been removed and it is surely missed. It had some black fruits, some cassis but was much edgier and more four square in style. Gone is the elegance and structure and present is some sour cherry and and a slightly green tinged short finish. Amazing when you realize how that one site of Cab really fills out the sum of all. The group of tasters all agreed on this as well. Since final blend choice was not known going in, Steve was beaming as he told us that his final blending choice had already been decided and was glad to announce it was number 1 above. So were we.

Contact Steve Eisenhauer at princessgate@comcast.net to get further info about this wine today. The inaugural vintage (2007) is already allocated but for this vintage (2008), he has increased production to about 115 cases.

1984 Spottswoode Cabernet from a pristene 3L bottle

This had a vibrant darkish color. Pretty amazing for its age. Some nice fully resolved red fruits on the nose. Cherries with some black currant. The mouthful was soft and well structured. Age has been kind to this and the bottle size had to be at least in part responsible as well. There was a slight old cab quality in the nose, a sort of hint of reductiveness, but a beauty it was. The tannins were fully resolved and the fruit was still showing itself nicely. Lots of secondaries of soy, leather, and anise. A perfect foil for Steve’s famous Napa Cabernet braised short ribs! 92/100

Drank alongside a 1983, 1985, and 1987 Spottswoode Cabernets. The ‘83 was a tired old man. The ‘85 slightly more youthful, and the ‘87 the best of this group. There was a commonality of reductiveness on all. The 1984 was the rockstar. Not being the biggest fan of old wines, this was an interesting lineup indeed.

A vertical of Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage

Last night a decent sized group of intrepid wine lovers trekking through snow wind and ice got together at Lenny and Susan Fox's home for some fantastic Italian fare and a vertical of Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage. As usual the company was fantastic, the conversation interesting and fun. Lenny and Susan are great hosts with an unmatched graciousness and generosity. This whole lineup as well as a starter or two and a port were furnished by the Fox's Thank you!There were some early bottles of Champagne, Riesling and a Scholium white that I did not note on.The lineup:

1998 Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage The lightweight of the group. Lenny mentioned that the last time he had it he sensed it was over the hill. This had a light color, with barely a sign of aging on the edges. The fruits were very low key, if evident at all but it remained a nice glass of wine. A lightweight wine that took on more weight in the glass. It had some earth and soy notes with gravel and leather. It was the favorite of some at the table, I sensed those with a more Francophile leaning palate, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

1999 Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage I sensed some VA initially that blew off after 10-15 minutes. This was surely bigger and bolder in style with some blackish fruits, tar, and earth. A medium bodied wine that had a nice finish. A very nice drink indeed. Things were coming around.

2000 Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage The breakout wine for me. Somewhat new world in style, but still had its feet firmly in the old world. Big red fruits with some white pepper. The fruits were dry and a touch austere and the mouth feel fuller and plusher than the previous two. I really enjoyed this.

2003 Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage Now we’re talking: smoke and pepper and cooked meats with crushed stones and blueberries. This had the biggest nose of the group that seemed to turn a bit Aussie in style as it sat in the glass, more candy notes came through on the nose. Some tartness on the palate was evident. This was the highest alcohol % yet and it showed. Its fully ripened style came shining through. This was yet even still more new world, and an interesting conversation followed about the style shifts through out the night .Its truly amazing how this vertical the lineup offered something for everyone, truly. This had a long silky finish. Nice.

2005 Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage Fragrant and beautiful, this had the prettiest & brightest nose of the lineup. Dense color and bright red fruit profile on the palate. Cherries, red raspberries, and some pomegranate, this was fantastic. A nice full body with great structure and finely weaved tannin level. The acid was slightly raised, but not negative at all as the wine held its balance and surely had the fruit to back it up. In keeping with the progression of the night wines, this was the most Californian of the group. Silk and slightly chewy, I loved it. Wow

2006 Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage A closed nose and a very tight palate, the youngest is surely showing its youth. I was really coaxing but this showed barely the black-red fruits and some soy and leather, but believe me, I had to swirl to find it. I am not sure of how long these were opened in advance, but this needs a few years to shed it shell and shine. Hopefully it could become just like its 1 year younger sibling, but I also sensed there was a slightly more old world Syrah hiding in there. Time will tell.

So the moral of the story is, old and new world wine lovers can co-exist...But they must like each other before they start to try.
Thanks everyone present for a great evening.