TN: 2005 Rebel Wine Cabernet Sauvignon The Show

2005 Rebel Wine Cabernet Sauvignon The Show - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (6/11/2007)This may be the 'Three Thieves' but it ain't three thieves in the bottle...and that's a good thing. The color is deep dark crimson with purple tinges. The nose is subdued muted red fruits. The palate reveals some soft tannins, quiet red cherry, some camphor and cassis after about 30 minutes. A nice agreeable finish. Overall a little one dimensional, but nothing negative that keeps it from becoming an everyday drinker. Great QPR. (85 pts.)

2nd Day; This wine hs opened up to be a lush, mildly more interesting decent drinker, with better defined reds fruit, and overall just better all around. . Enough to gain a point or 2. A definate QPR alert here folks, just open 1 day early. Drinks like some $40 jobbies from recent memory. (87 pts.)

Sometimes I forget why I love wine. I find myself always being critical of its finer nuances and loosing sight of the real reason I want it in my life. Yeah, I know it brings people together blah blah blah, but sometimes you need a reminder that this 'thing of ours' is fun. This bottle is a reminder, This is a fun wine. I mean....look at the labels!!! (3)


Cheers!

TN: 1999 L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley

USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (6/8/2007)These bottles of Washington State wine amuse me, but don't motivate me to go out and buy a supply. Maybe I treat them like experiments? I have had many many Cabs from this state and can honestly say, other than a stray here and there, they just don't spin my wheels. This one is no different. Maybe I am seeking Napa style from elsewhere?

Tasted immediately and decanted. The color is a dark cherry cola. The nose reveals some soda pop and some very subdued red fruits. The palate shows the sweetness and slight vegetalness I have come to expect from the appellation. There is some dark cherrie and blackberry. Where's the currant/cassis? Where's the lush/plush? Tannins resoved but that not alone is gonna pull this one out of the hole. Some chocolate and tar toward the finish which is just ok.. Ho Hum sums it up. Now back to the Valley to the south. (85 pts.)

TN: 2002 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

2002 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (6/5/2007)Pure Stags Leap. The color shows dark rich velvety crimson. The nose shows smokey cassis and dark fruits. The palate blossoms with bramble, extra dark blackberry, an aristocratic cassis, currant, French vanilla, tar and cocoa. The acid level is pure Mondavi, and the tannins are ironed out and all in a row....smooth. Fantastic mouthfeel....This is one cool customer. Some sweetness is present but not in a negative way. A smokiness that adds interest and a purity make this wine sing. The finish is long and precise. No green as mentioned elsewhere. A great effort indeed. (92 pts.)

TN: 1999 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

1999 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (6/3/2007)Wonderful deep crimson color with purple tinged edges. The nose was restrained with some dark cherries and currant, while showing a little ripeness. Upon entering the mouth this wine was beautifully integrated with some secondary notes of tar and cedar. All the dark fruits were present. A great seamless tannin level had delivered this nicely to age 8. A smooth even finish completed the package. This had shown very nicely considering the reputation Dunn Howell has received for being a 20 year wine. Would have scored higher if just a tad plusher, but hey..it's mountain fruit.

Enjoy one if you have any. (91 pts.)

TN: 2005 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley

2005 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (6/4/2007)The color on this wine is crazy. Super dark and concentrated. The nose showed a little sweetness alongside some boysenberries, and a black and white cookie. This was a little restrained for what was expected. It was big and extrated, but kept graceful. The palate revealed some blueberry,blackberry, boysenberries, and red cherries. A fruit medley. This wine kept changing as the night went on. I like this type of wine, I just find my palate tires quicky if it is the only wine on the table. Alongside others wines this turns a conversation piece. There is alot happening that seems to evolve minute by minute to alot more. The finish was long and vibrant. I enjoyed this better than the 2004 Amon-Ra tasted last summer. (89 pts.)

TN: 2004 Herb Lamb Cabernet Sauvignon EII Napa Valley Red Wine

2004 Herb Lamb Cabernet Sauvignon EII Napa Valley Red Wine - USA, California, Napa Valley (6/4/2007)An interesting wine. A bit one dimensional and subdued. Great red-brick color. The nose did not reveal too much other than some sweet blueberry and cassis. The palate was a lillte flat. It showed some cherries & raspberry. There was a touch of oak. Medium tannis don't add ot detract. This wine reminded me of a Shiraz at moments, both in the nose and on the palate. A little extrated and sweet at moments. The finish was decent. I can see new world aficionados embracing this. I may credit the one dimesional thing as well as the flatness to being young. It should evolve into something. (87 pts.)

TN: 2002 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

2002 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (6/4/2007)This wine was a monolithic beast. It showed a wall of oak that never really dissapated. Hard to get a read for a few reasons. (Fifth of the night w/3+ drinkers). Needs a ton of time. Thank you Nano for the generous 3rd bottle.

TN: 1996 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

1996 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (6/4/2007)From memory. This was number 4 in the night so I was getting a bit foggy. A little browning on the edges, this wine had some classic cassis, and blackberry notes. It did evolve in the glass showing some cocoa, and tar. It was showing some age; It was the 70 year old women that seems to be able to pull off looking 50 thing. It had elegance, and all the tannins have been resolved. The fruit was tettering on the edge. I found it enjoyable alongside my strip steak. Noit a B. Sherwin wine. Drink up! (88 pts.)

TN: 2003 Pride Mountain Syrah (USA, California, Sonoma County)

2003 Pride Mountain Syrah - USA, California, Sonoma County (5/27/2007)Super opaque in color. On the nose there was a enticing sweet boysenberry, blueberries and pure vanilla extract-american oak quality I really liked. The palate exposed super deep plush & dark fruits as previously mentioned in a sea of smooth tannins. There was a flowery quality present as well as some pepper notes. The finish was long and sweet.

A velvet fist wrapped in an iron glove. (waiting to put this expression in words for years).

I gotta say, I have had this a few times and this showed the best yet. I am glad I held onto my bottles. Perfect served during family BBQ. It was a hit amongst the the non-winos as well. There was something for everyone. (91 pts.)

TN: 1995 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

USA, California, North Coast, Napa County (5/27/2007)

Thats the thing with older bottles......They take on a life of thier own even from the same case. This one was medium garnet and browning on the edges. The nose showed a little cork, on the palate the immediate thing is the cork, but its not corked. It has some dusty fruit of dried cherries and cassis. There is some cedar box as well as some vanilla bean. it seemd a bit tired but was still enjoyable in its own right. Just a little out of whack. (87 pts.)

TN: 2001 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (5/27/2007)On track once again.

Intense vibrant hue od brick with dark purple edges. Great true cassis and currant nose.On the tonque there was the Mondavi signature of balance and finesse. Great understated cassis, currant, and dark cherry cola. There is a clean smooth tannin/acid base that makes this good with food as well as on its own. A 30 second aftertaste completed the package.

I have had this about a dozen times. I think this has emerged from its sleep and is willing to serve faithfully again. (91 pts.)

TN: 2003 Copain Syrah Broken Leg Vineyard

2003 Copain Syrah Broken Leg Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley (5/21/2007)

I expected much more from this. A waste of two years in the cellar.Deep dark color. Pomegranate and white pepper on the nose. The palate shows the same dried pomegranate and thats about it. Some burnt tar and nada. The finish is short and exciting only in its ability to end quick and get it over with. I always said the L'Hiver is THE best bottle Copain makes. I stand by this statement.

DTD(down the drain)80/100 (80 pts.)

TN: 1995 Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon

1995 Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (5/16/2007)Totally different than my last bottle (2 weeks ago). Dark with some browning on the edges. Beautiful (almost hauntingly) sweet cassis on the nose. The palate shows a nice old world styled cabenet profile; dark currant, underbrush, cassis and exotic spices. The finish was a touch short and the acid level seemed a bit out of whack, but all in all an enjoyable wine, even if most of the enjoyment was on the nose. (87 pts.)

TN: 2003 Jones Family The Sisters (USA, California, Napa Valley)

2003 Jones Family The Sisters - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/11/2007)Super dark crimson with vibrant purple tinged edges. The nose shows cassis as well as dark plums and black cherries. The palate has a super lush mouthfeel and balance that made me look again at the bottle to be sure it read 2003. It did. Refined elegance wrapped in a velvet layer of smooth rich tannins. Beautiful cassis filled with cedar, currant, plum and a touch of licorice. This is one classy wine. Quite possibly THE best 2003 I have had to date other than Staglin. An ultra long finish that’s ends as its starts....superb. Drinking well now into 2010. Amazing....simply amazing. Anyone lucky enough to have some is in for a treat.95/100 (95 pts.)

TN: 1994 Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon

1994 Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (5/7/2007)A correct but otherwise lackluster bottle. Very good deep garnet with purple tinged edges. A muted nose od cassis and medium dark currant. The palate reveals som, repeat some subdued fruits of dark black cherries, currants, slight cassis, and a hint of cedar box. Nice tannins level and acid. Nothing really negative but more fruits would have been appreciated, but at 13 years old, you get what you get. A decent bottle of Napa Cabernet, just not exciting enough to warrant higher praise. (87 pts.)

TN: 1995 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

1995 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, North Coast, Napa County (5/1/2007)Deep brick color. A bit medicinal on the nose. Initially some interesting casis & band-aid on the palate. After 1+ hour; Good structure. Still alive. Some dark fruits, (currant, dark cherry) and moderate tannins still carry this. A decent Mondaviish acid level. Maybe a bit short but otherwise a very enjoyable 12 year old everyday bottling. This was probably $10 when new. A nice surprise. Picked up from a fellow BBer for a song. Glad I got 1 more.(89 pts.)

TN: 2001 Provenance Merlot Carneros

I had a nice find today. Half bottles of Provenances' Merlot Carneros, 2001. Nice balance of red fruit, cherries, and strawberries. Not heavy at all. Does not explode sideways like the Beckstoffer Las Amigas Merlot, but really has some nice integrated tannins and a beautiful long aftertaste. I always liked Tom Rinaldis efforts, first with Duckhorn, and now with Provenance & Hewitt. His Merlots are 100% varietal.

I once had the good fortune of meeting him at a private tasting. He spoke of the fact that his Merlots are not bottles to save for your sons 25th birthday. The host interjected "unless he's 24 now!". This will go a bit more, maybe until the kids 31 or 32.

For $10.99 (375ml) I will go back for as much as I can carry. (unfortunately, I called the store and even though I can carry alot, sadly it will be three).I am usually not a Merlot type of guy, but this is a no brainer... perfect form me, since mine has been known to be missing from time to time.

TN: 2001 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville - Back from its 'dumb' phase

With all the discussion about dumb phase wine today, I picked this dummy out of my cellar. I figure tonight is as good as a night as any. It's no longer asleep, but dying a quick death.

2001 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (4/2/2007)My first bottle since 3/28/06. When I last left this wine, it was asleep. It has awoken.... I think.Decanted 45 minutes. Lots of sediment evident. The color has the purple tinge on the edges. It seems like a younger wine by looks alone. The nose shows 'correct' qualities of cassis, red currant, and camphor. The palate show a flinty lushness of red fruits, cassis, and tar. There is now a hollow feel to this thats disturbing. It has no mid-palate. Finish is decent.I'm a bit dissapointed in this apparent 5 year wine. When I originally had it back in February 2005 it was a different animal altoghether. I have watched its demise.I have 6 more that will do hamburger deck duty this summer. 86/100 (86 pts.)

TN: 2001 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste (France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac)

2001 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (3/25/2007)Medium garnet color. Lead pencil and dried red fruits on the nose. A bit refined on the palate. Not a big wine, but no slouch. Decent mouthfeel with some currant, tar, and leather. There is the usual earthinees present as well. The acid level seems a bit high today telling me it's a food wine. The tannins are undelying. This is my last bottle and I am on the fence either missing more in my cellar or happy they are gone (all 8). I am leaning toward the latter.88/100$25. (88 pts.)

Polaner Selections Portfolio

Attended the Polaner Spring Portfolio. My goal at this one is to a; find new and interesting Cali wines and b; check some of my current favorites. I was not disappointed.

I bee-lined to the back room and hit table #55 first, Arnot-Roberts. The complete lineup was amazing.

2005 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Hudson-Deep red fruit forward Carneros District beauty. Smooth seamless tannins. Wow. 3.7/4- (94)
2005 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Griffins Lair-a bit more spice and tannic structure, great mouthfeel. 3.5/4 (92)
2005 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Adler Springs- most northern Rhone like of the group. Dense with some tat, pepper, and bacon fat. 3.6/4 (93)
2004 Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Wild Iris- Amazing fruit forward, smooth but firm tannins complete packaged Cabernet. One of the best in the room, and the room was tough. 3.8/4 (95)
2004 Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Bugay Vnyd- Deep colored and wonderfully balanced pure Sonoma style Cab with tightly spun tannins, a bit unyielding, will show nice in a few years- 3.5/4 (92)

2004 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon- Super smooth tannins with a wonderful acid level envelope the dark fruit climaxing in a super long finish. Elegant. A bit tight but the wow factor is evident. 3.6/4 (93)

2004 Maybach Meterium Cabernet Sauvignon- This is an interesting wine. Smooth and regal, shows much breed. Dark and ultra balanced Cabernet that is well worth the hunt. Chatting with Chris Maybach a bit gave me the sense that these guys are truly dedicated to producing world class cult status, Cabernet Sauvignon. Amazing. 3.8/4 (95)

Juan and Wendell from Realm were both in attendance showcasing barrel samples of 3 Cabernets in their lineup. Always good speaking with these gentlemen.

2005 Realm Cabernet Sauvignon Farella (barrel) - A favorite of mine, this has all the guts of a world class Realm. A bit austere now, it should evolve into something worthy of owning. Dark purple color, smooth firm tannins. A baby with a wonderful pedigree and future. 3.4/4 (91/92)

2005 Realm Cabernet Sauvignon ToKalon (barrel) - Lush and well structured, this Cabernet shows the terroir of Tokalon nicely. The most consistent in the lineup yet. A bit bigger than the 2004, nothing that a few in the bottle won't help though. Then look out, this will be a stunner. 3.6/4 (93/94)

2005 Realm Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane (barrel) - The wine I wanted to try most in the lineup. A middle weight Cabernet with good deep red fruits, and a nice set of bones. This will evolve into an elegant cabernet. 3.4/4 (91/92)

Keep in mind that keeping with Realms early release, these wines are all babies. I can't wait for another try at them in June when Realms open house hits NYC.

2004 Larkmead Firebelle- nice blend 3.4/4 (91)

2004 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon- This is always a pleaser. The number one QPR again. Although I think the retail this year will be a bit higher, it will still be worth it if it stays under $50. This opulent fruit forward, ultra balanced Cabernet shows what can be done in good vintages as well as sub-par (2003). 3.5/4 (92)

2002 Philip Togni Tanbark Cabernet- I always like this better than the Spring Mountain bottling, and this year is no different. 3.2/4 (89)

2004 Philip Togni Spring Mountain Cabernet- shame to kill so many trees. N/R

2004 Brookman Cabernet Sauvignon- Great deep color. A good tight grip of tannins wrapping around a core of dark currant, tar, cocoa, and cassis. A lovely classic Napa styled Cabernet made to please. 3.4/4 (91)

Other notable Cabernets;

2003 Black Sears Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain- 3.4/4 (91)
2004 Drinkward-Peschon Cabernet Sauvignon- 3.4/4 (91)
2003 Crocker & Starr Stone Place blend-3.3/4 (90)
2004 Gemstone Facets blend- 3.5/4- I still like last years better. (92)

I would have liked to taste the Harris Estate, but they were not present this year.

Moving onto Syrah.

2005 K Vintners Syrah 'the beautiful'- this is a fruit medley in a glass, there is so much good things happening here it's hard to talk of them all. A unique wonderful Syrah from a super dedicated winemaker with more energy than my son had at 5. 3.6/4 (93)

2005 K Vintners Syrah Cougar Hills- interesting that side by side on the same table two diametrically opposite wines exists. Wonderful old world styled Syrah that has elegance and structure. The fruit lingers as the wines aftertaste goes on for 45 seconds. 3.6/4 (93)

2005 K Vintners the Boy blend- 2.9/4 (86)
2005 K Vintners Syrah Milbrandt-3.1/4 (88)

Meeting Tim Spear for the first time you immediately know he knows what his goals are. He wants to produce a La La on this shore. He is well on the way to figuring it out too. His 2002 Clos Mimi Syrah White Hawk (3.7/4 - 94) is amazing. He explained his treatment to me. The wine shows breed and firm expressive structure not found very often today. One of the top two or three Syrahs in the room. I'm a believer Tim!

Also tasted;

2003 Clos Mimi Syrah Shell Creek - 3.3/4 (90)
2003 Clos Mimi Brave Oak- 3.3/4 (90)

2005 Pax Syrah Cuvee Christine - 3.0/4 (87)
2005 Pax Syrah Obsidian- 3.7/4 (94)
2005 Pax Syrah Walker Hill RRV - 3.2/4 (89)
2005 Pax Syrah Adler Springs - 3.3/4 (90)

2004 Ojai Santa Barbara- 2.9/4 (86)
2003 Ojai Syrah White Hark- 3.1/4 (88)
2003 Ojai Syrah Melville- 3.3/4 (90)

2005 Copain Saisons des L'Hiver Syrah- 3.3/4 (90)
2005 Copain Syrah Eaglepoint Ranch - 3.4/4 (91)
2005 Copain Syrah Harrison Clarke 3.2/4 (89)


I have some Pinot notes I will add later.