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.

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

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

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

2005 Charles Smith Wines “Skull Syrah” -Royal Slope Columbia Valley

Dark as night, this wine must be tasted to be believed. Its thick and dense, but yet polished and structured. An incredible mouth feel with gobs of black fruits, a hint of licorice, with both black and white peppercorns. A wall of pure Syrah that explodes, but should never be considered a fruit bomb, ever. Complex tannins that have shed nothing, and 3-4 years are warranted.

This is amazing and rare. Only 190 cases were made and none will be made in ’06, so look for the ‘07s when they hit.
95/100

Some excerpts from the Ghost Ghorse dinner.

All wines were double decanted at for about 4 hours.

2005 Ghost Horse - This was hitting all cylinders and was greatly appreciated by this point of the nigh. It had deep dark color with great black fruits of cassis, blackberries and plum. Nice. Great elegance and structure showed breed and style. This was great. Very lush and smooth A long finish brought it home. I wish it has been maybe 5-8 degrees cooler in temperature though. Still all in all a great wine. WOTF, My #1. I had this pegged for the SHS or Harlan. 94/100

2002 Araujo Eisele - Back on track: Great black cherries and kirsch. Some cola and cocoa. Very nice. I wish this had more Oomph though. It was a bit feminine, but graceful and elegant. Not in the fat bruiser style at all, this is Araujo..... A good long finish. Very nice indeed. 93/100

2005 Merus - This was very different in style than anything on the table yet. Big brooding and well structured with very masculine lines. Nice dark black hole fruits of currant and boysenberry with some pomegranate. There was some soy and tarry leather. Consistent notes from previous visits with this wine. What a great wine with certain QPR for its price rage and certainly here tonight. 93/100

2003 Harlan Estate - Another medium colored wine with some Framboise, currant, and black cherries. It had a clean and nicely balanced mouth feel, and although a step up, still uninspired. Got better as time went on: took on some elegance and structure, but Harlan? I enjoyed this and am sure I would have even more if it were alone on the table and given some additional time to evolve. Easy WOTF. My #4 92/100

Some wines from Thomas Rivers Brown

Last night six of us from the CLONYC crowd gathered at Zoë’s Soho to sample some of Thomas Brown’s highly coveted Cabernets. All the wines showed very well, some exceptionally so.
The lineup:
1) 2007 Barrel sample from fellow board members new venture: Congruence.
2) Blind entry- 2004 Schrader Double D
3) 2004 Maybach Materium
4) 2005 Maybach Materium
5) 2004 Schrader Tokalon
6) 2004 Schrader CCS
7) 2004 Schrader RBS
8) 2005 Outpost True Vineyard
9) 2003 Rivers Marie
10) The Zoe field blend of Schraders 3

I'll start here:

2004 Maybach Materium- (double decanted 4.5 hours) Dark and intense. The nose showed a wall of fruit that raged from the glass. Wow. There was black berry, black cherry, dark currant, black plums, some tobacco, some sweet kirsch, Wow. The purity of this multi-fruited profiled wine is both mind blowing and mind-boggling. Elegant and precise, this is a Cab drinkers Cab. I sat with this all night and it kept changing places with its younger brother always fighting for first place. A long finish and wow. Anyone who thinks wow wines do not exist needs to taste this one treated with the correct decant and respect. One more time….. Wow 95/100

2005 Maybach Materium – (double decanted 1.5 hours) The family resemblance is uncanny, just the clothing is different. This had the dark brooding color with the slightly more subdued, but ever present wall of fruit. The red and black fruits created such a fruit medley of love. Slightly bigger in scale than the 04, this had more oak, and more tannic structure, but hey, it’s a year younger. Black cassis wrapped chocolate cherries with pure blackberry and licorice. The balance and purity is staggering. Long and intense, this wine kept vying for pole position with its older brother, taking the lead no less than 3 times. The photo-finish results proved it was nose behind, yet I will give it a 95/100

2003 CaliCab Virtual Tasting on eRobertparker.com

After the immensely successful Syrah Virtual last season, I thought it time to stoke the fires once again with a 2003 CaliCab Virtual Tasting. With over 40 people wanting to be a part of the wine drinking action (not like 'we'll get back to more golf action...') we were off to a good start.
I gotta admit, I was no fan of the vintage when it first came to town. The wines I initially tasted wee weedy, thin and often felt manufactured. Since that initial taste I have had over 150 203s and can honestly say: about 20 were stellar. The usual big boys as well as some surprises.

My first bottle for this tasting is the 2003 Jones Family 'The Sisters' bottling, which in truth is a proprietary red, but who's complaining? Not me.

The 'Virtual' runs from Friday, August 15th, to Sunday August 17th.

2003 Jones Family 'The Sisters'
Super dark and intense plum black color. Very pretty edges reminds me of Black-cherry jelly. The nose has some ultra dark fruits of blackberry, dark black cherry, and currant, as well as a very nice sweet red fruits that really pop. Upon entering the mouth you sense a purity not often found. The fruits want to numb your senses, but in a good way (and this is by no means a fruit bomb). A big structured wine with class. Some lead pencil shavings, leather, and camphor are there. Slightly elevated tannin structure tells me this will go another 5-8 years with no problem. An acid level that sits quietly in the background, trying not to bring attention to itself. Nice. Avery long finish of about a minute, (and even at two you can still taste this wine) wow. I love this stuff. Pure. Elegance & brawn all in one package and that's a tough one to pull off. 95/100

On Saturday I had the good fortune to visit with friends Nano and Claudia in their home for a BBQ. Amongst the dozen plus bottles served, I found a Virtual Tasting themed wine:

2003 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

Concentrated dark color. This is a pure, clean and wonderful Cabernet that defies the reputation of the vintage. Plush and lush explosive black and red fruits of currant, blackberry and black cherry. Great creme de casis & Kirsch with just the slightest amount of chocolate mousse and a touch of cola. Great unobtrusive tannins that are finely weaved and fully evolved. This is an extremely balanced and deftly structured Cabernet. What a phenomenal effort from KL

2006 Scholium Project Verdelho Heliopolis Delu

USA, California, Central Valley, Clarksburg (7/2/2008)This was a very interesting and enjoyable bottle. I thought it was a Sauvignon Blanc. Pale in color, long on taste, this had some wonderful fresh citrus notes with a very admirable acid level. A smooth elegant mouthfeel with moderate length. A perfect crisp white for a typical July day. (90 pts.)

2005 & 2006 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium

2005 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium-USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (4/14/2008)Super dark color. Deep pure cassis and blackberry nose. The palate has the blackberry and the deep pure currant, anise and cocoa.. Slghtly angular tannins. Balance, structure and breed. This is a powerhouse that will be sure to please for the next 15 years. The promise is there...the patience will be rewarded. (95 pts.)

2006 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium-USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (4/14/2008)Barrel sample at NYC open house 4/14/2008- The color is super garnet. The palate explodes with red fruits of plum, cherries and tar. There is some nice cassis notes present. This is a very elegant & classy wine. A real show-stopper. Pure fruited and extremely clean. Very different from the '04 and the '05. This will set a new high for this rock star wine... (96 pts.)

My first ever 1+ hour after taste. I was still tasting this wine on the bus ride home. My mouth felt like it was coated with glycerin!

2008 Polaner Selections' Spring Portfolio Tasting - Focus on Cabs and Syrahs

2005 Merus. In case you don't already know, this is the schnizzle. It is dark and brooding with explosive black and red fruits of currant black berry, black cherry, and black plums. It has super length and incredible mouth feel. Wow. 97/100

2005 Maybach Materium, I had commented about this from last nights open house below.

2005 Outpost 'True Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, This was one of my surprises of the day; intense, dark, and layered with red fruits this was fragrant and lovely. 92/100

2005 Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, if there are still qprs in Napa, one must be willing to pay$50-$60 for them. Here is one: Elegant and smooth full of blackberries and cassis. Bright and stellar. 90/100

2006 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Adler Springs. This had wonderful structure, blueberries & crushed pebbles. Fragrant and not over the top. I like what was done with this. 92/100

2005 Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Bugay, Sonoma County. I like this one this year better than the Clajeux (formerly wild iris). It had pure red black and blue fruits with a wonderful balance of acid and tannins. The tannins were finely meshed and well integrated. 90/100

2006 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Hudson. 6 months more barrel time than last years Hudson, this is a brute of a wine that needs time in the bottle to show its full self. Its super concentrated and tightly knit. This reminds me of a classic Cote Rotie 92/100

2006 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Griffins Lair. Deep purple and very fragrant, this showed wonderful blueberry and black plums. Pure and class, this is a deftly balanced sublime wine indeed. 91/100

2005 K Vintners Syrah Morrison Lane, Walla Walla. A beautiful example of whats going on in Walla Walla. Great nose of candy and spice with some smokey dark blue berries and a wonderful acid level. Tannins in check, this is surely a pleaser. 93/100

2006 K Vintners Syrah Millbrandt, Walla Walla. Candy cane and gummi bears; this is a real 'fun' Syrah to behold. Full and fleshy, it is somewhat similar to the Morrison, but more in your face, where the Morrison is a bit more restrained....just a bit. 93/100

2005 K Vintners Ovide, Walla Walla. 67% Cabernet and 33% Syrah. This is a very interesting and serious wine for sure. Its structured like a cab, but explodes like a syrah. Dark fruited of cassis with stones, tar, and coffee, this is full throttle but precise. 94/100

2005 Wolf Family Cabernet Franc (3% CS). Pretty and exact, this Cab Franc delivers elegance and full flavor. I am usually not a fan of Cab Franc alone, but this made me a believer. 93/100

2006 Sineann Cabernet Sauvignon Baby Poux Vineyard Columbia Valley. Floral notes on the nose, this is bright red fruited with gobbs of youth and promise. Red Currant with tar, cedar and cocoa, this is pretty and feminine, but no light weight. 93.5/100

2006 Sineann Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard Columbia Valley. Bright red and eucalyptus, this is pure and smooth. Great length and mouthfeel. 92/100

2005 Realm Bard. One not tasted at the NY open house, this is pure and elegant with smooth tannins. Medium weighted and intense. Glad to get the 'behind the table' try from Wendell 92/100

2005 Larkmead Firebelle Meritage Napa. Beautiful soft tannins with great reddish fruits. The Merlot carries this forward while the Cab gives structure. Tar and cocoa with a nice long finish. Great QPR 90/100

2006 Hardin Cabernet Sauvignon Napa. Good balance and pure easy ab stle willmake this a crowd pleaser, even for the uninitiated cab drinkers. Good QPR. 89+/100

2003 Black Sears Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, Napa. Deep and dark, this is super fleshy with currant, blackberries and class. Very verrrry impressive.

2006 Arietta Quartet (barrel) Great balance and structure. Deep red fruit of cherries and raspberries. Great nose and length. 92

2006 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon, (barrel), Dark pure cab profile with great fresh vibrant cassis and dark cherry. Wonderful balance and super fine tannins. This will be a stunner. From a two barrel selection. 92

2004 Crocker & Starr Stone Place Cabernet Sauvignon, dark color with a real pretty fruit profile. A bit understated, but still regal. Should be something very nice in about 5 years. 90

2006 Kunin Zinfandel Westside Paso Robles, Medium dark color and great berries on the nose, some tat and soy. I really enjoy this elegant and reserved of Zinfandel. Great job. 90

2005 Gemstone Facets- a sweet fruit profile detracts somewhat from this years offering. A great interweaved tannin structure and decent acid level. I enjoyed the Gemstone better this year, and the Facets better last year. 89

2005 Altus Cabernet Sauvignon (Merus 2nd label), This had nice pure elegant fruits of cassis, blackberry, and dark plum. Its elegant and pure, and very soft textured. Elegance but made in the ‘early drinking’ style. Merus’ little sister. 90

2006 PAX Syrah Obsidian Knights Valley, Big and brutish. This had wonderful meat, pepper, and blueberries pie that is a very in your face style of Cali syrah PAX is known for. Deep and concentrated, this needs a night to study. 91

2006 PAX Syrah Walker Vine Hill, Russian River Valley, Very fruit forward style with dark plum, white pepper, and blueberry. Great balance of acid and fine-grained tannins. 89

2006 PAX Syrah Cuvee Christine Sonoma County, a very boisterous type of Syrah with great deep blueberries, and crush stone. Nice minerality and structure, with a nice long finish. 88

2006 PAX Syrah Nellson Vineyard Sonoma Coast, very aromatic showing decent breed and style. Blackberries and blueberries with crushed pebbles and white pepper. Nice mouths feel, maybe too typical and boring for my style though. 87

2005 Brookman Cabernet Sauvignon, good dark fruits but seems to lack the mid-palate. A somewhat high acid level A bit disjointed. I enjoyed the 04 better. 89

Got Merus? Get.....Merus.

Virtual Californa Syrah Tasting

Right now (Friday, Mach 7th, 2008, 7:48PM) there is a virtual Cali Syrah tasting going on. It is actually going the whole weekend. The brainchild of the parker board member Frank Murray III. Bravo Frank!

There has been much talk of late about Cali Syrah not getting its due. In my mind it is the single most interesting varietal right now. There are so many styles to be attracted to. Nothing like Shiraz, the grape has found its place in the US nicely. I prefer the cooler climate style, not bruisers.

Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, this grape does well under many conditions, cool, warm, high, and low. There is something for everyone.

Tonights choice:
2005 Lucia Susan's Hill SLH Syrah- Decanted 4PM.
5PM:Initially somewhat primary. Super dark color. Purple edges. amazing pure saturated blackberry and blueberry. Beautiful floral notes.This will get better and better...
6:40P:This nose is just exploding with black fruit. An incredible lush tannin and acid level showcases the blackberries, tar, white pepper, bacon fat. A super long finish . Wow. No Glad I've got 10 more and will seek more yet. This is an elegant classy pure pretty Syrah. Well worth the $40 price tag. I will never drop from ths list and will continue to ask for 2x the allotment. 94/100

This coming Tuesday a few friends and myself are getting together to cap off the Virtual Tasting Weekend, by tasting a few more California Syrahs, albeit 2 days late, but who keeps track of such minutia? Bloggers, that's who.

2005 Burgundies & Turkish at the Fox's

The Erobertparker bulletin board has been great source for information on wines from anywhere in the world, but far surpassing any tasting note or Cabernet recommendation is its ability to create new friendships. Last night Lenny and Susan Fox hosted a handful of winos in their beautiful home. Turkish cuisine and red Burgundies from 2005 was the theme. I have had many types of foods in my life, but never Turkish. I wish I could tell what I had, but it was all tasty and well prepared. Any country that has a version of pizza can’t be all that bad. I made some new friends, put some faces to familiar names, as well as seeing old friends again. It was a wonderful time and I want to thank Susan and Lenny for their graciousness in opening their home and making this possible.

Now onto the wines:
2005 Domaine Robert Chevillon Nuits St. Georges VV; Medium dark color. The nose of red cherries and crushed stones. Smooth finessful tannins carried this along deftly. This was wonderful & elegant. A long finish completed the package. A stunner; 94/100 (My WOTN).
2005 Domaine Ligier Michelot Morey St Denis VV; A subdued nose of flowers and red fruits. This was very fruit forward, dark cherries & raspberries. Wonderful structure, chewy tannins, and a slightly raised acid level. A masculine St Denis. 91/100
2005 Domaine Jablot Givry “Clos des Cellier aux Moines”; this started somewhat awkward, but some time in the glass gave it grace. Amazing dark fruits and wonderful structure. Some tar and anise. A well-aligned tannin level wrapped around a refined (slightly elevated) acid level. This was a beautiful Givry. Very different than anything before or after it on this night. 93/100
2005 Domaine Joseph Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin “Leas Marchais”; this had the most wonderful nose of red cherries, and pebbles. A nicely balanced acid level combined with a nicely structured tannin level wrapped within layers upon layers of sweet red fruits. A dry finish hurt this a bit. 88/100
2005 Domaine Perrot-Minot Vosne Romanee; Some great black fruits and a nice balance of acid and fine intertwined tannins. This was a very clean Vosne, if not noteworthy. 89/100
2005 Domaine Emmanuel Rouget Vosne-Romanee; corked
2005 Domaine Daniel Rion "Vosne Romanee Les Beaux Monts"; (thanks Suzanne for the name clarification as my notes were smeared). This was the funky wine of the night. There were some red fruits, but they were masked by the elevated alcohol and funky cellar floor. Wine like this I always attribute to sloppy winemaking techniques. N/A
2005 Maison Bouchard Pere et Fils Volnay “Caillerets- Ancienne Cuvee Carnot”; this was the most fragrant wine of the bunch; flowers, cherries, stones, and tar. Wow. A nice acid level alongside a sweet refined tannin level made this a pretty wine. Great structure and long finish. Did I say wow? 92/100
2005 Domaine Michel Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin “Les Seuvrees VV”; Sulphur nose that only opened up a bit with air. The darkest wine of the night. Once past the nose this had big chewy tannins and a bold structure of deep red & black fruits. (Super dark cherries and currants). Of all the night’s wines, this needs the most bottle time. Very masculine and brooding. 89/100

From this cross section of wines, I can humbly say the promise is real.
2005 will deliver for the patient, and not so patient. (for which I am usually the latter). Wonderful fruit and seamless balance is the recurring element in all of these wines. Anyone interested in getting to know Burgundies better will find lots to love here.

Aussie Shiraz: Maybe I was wrong after all?

There is one tasting I try not to miss every year; it’s the ‘Wine Australia Festival New York’. This is when Australia comes half way around the world to show metro area distributors, restaurateurs and retailers what they have to offer.

I show up half heartily and with a sour stomach to taste through these wines yesterday (1/24/2008). I must be nuts, right? Wrong.

I found some very interesting stuff amongst the ocean of typical Shiraz and blends. I have been very critical as of late, and may have been rough on Aussie Shiraz. For the most part, I do believe that the winemakers are adjusting toward the elegant styled, and leaving the bombastic style behind, and my tasting notes from yesterday reflects my thinking on this subject.

Too many of these wines were still monstrous fruit bombs though. I never changed my glass more than I did this day. The residue made my glass almost opaque on more than one occasion.
I worked my way around looking for familiar names first. I came across Green Point & Cape Mentelle. The latter was offering the 2004 Margaret River Shiraz, which was pretty great. Even better than the Reserve Shiraz which I found dry and austere. The Shiraz is from the Margaret River region on western Australia. Great blueberries and violets with smooth cocoa atop a wonderful mouth feel and lush tannin base. This is a complex wine with a great finish. I doubted the price and looked thrice, $25. 90/100. My second ‘find’ is the Yering Station 2005 Reserve Shiraz Viognier: This had a wonderful super elegance with boysenberry, white pepper, and blueberry. The Viognier added a slight floral note. This was a deep serious wine that goes on forever. I like the fact that it did not have a catchy name other than Shiraz Viognier. Very Rhone like, but keeping its roots firmly in Australia. A tremendous winner. 95/100. Next up was the 2004 Tintara Shiraz Reserve: I always have found the Tintara line-up a great qpr, and this Reserve is no different. The difference lies in its amazing classy styling of fruits and tannic structure. Wonderful refined dark fruits surrounded by the most deft tannin level I have ever experienced in a Tintara. Breed and finesse is abounding here. 93/100 ($50). My fourth ‘revelation’ wine is very different but still Shiraz: the 2005 Tyrrell’s wines DB 24: This was probably the single best wine I have ever tasted coming out of Australia. Period. Ultra pure dark red black and blue fruits. The tannin level is so complex, we need another word for complex. This wine would appeal to the world-class claret drinkers out there. It is so claret like I needed to use the world again. Pure lush midpalate, with a finish that confounds. 24 months in oak, this amazing wine is a real treat of the senses. A Cabernet drinkers Shiraz. 96/100. ($80).
Last but certainly not least is a wine called 2005 Yangarra Cadenzia. Cadenzia seems to be a special McLaren Vale membership wine that at the moment there are only six of. A GSM blend, this one had all the stuffing’s: Elegance, structure, style, class, and…value. Lush and fragrant, this defies its price tag. $25. I defy you to find a better GSM blend for this money. I mentioned to the winemaker that after I have heard the spiel, I reckoned I would hear a price to match like say... $65ish? Nah, this is the super QPR of the day. 92/100

The problems I have found with many cabernet's coming out of Australia are usually the greenness, or over extraction. I wish I could find one comparable to the Napa style (Michael Chiarello, please don’t sue). For the most part they leave me wanting, and are unbalanced. I did find an interesting one or two though: The 2003 Jacobs Creek St Hugo had a smooth eucalyptus nose and palate. This harkened me back to Heitz Martha’s of yesteryear, if just for a super slight second. Deep red fruits and a smooth underlying tannin base. All this with a decent midpalate. Nice cocoa and tar notes were in the house as well and this begged for food, although I think the eucalyptus would tire out quickly. 89/100. The second was the 2004 Parker Estate First Growth. ($65). A great Bordeaux styled blend that had great dark ad red fruits with some cocoa, leather, anise, and tar. A nice bottle of wine, if a bit pricey. 90/100

The Shiraz was the stars of the day. Some worth seeking out. My palate still loves those cool climate Syrahs, where ever they may come from.

The Quintessa style - 6/6/2006

Last night 2 dozen wine aficionados were invited to an exclusive tasting of Quintessa hosted by both Gary Fisch. from Gary’s Marketplace and George Staikos from Quintessa (Eastern Regional Sales Manager). The tasting focused on 3 block selections of the ’04 Quintessa property, as well as the finished product from ’01, and ’02.

The first wine was the Dragon’s Terraces block ’04 – This wine was light in color, but big in flavor. Lush red fruit, medium tannins, with a very smooth long finish. Some cherry notes present. A wonderfully balanced wine. One of the backbone wines in the final blend.
The second was the Cruz Del Sur block ’04 – This one was a bit darker with much bigger fruit up front. Dark fruit with some notes of cassis, & clove. Tannins more evident. I love the 30 second finish. A very integrated wine on its own. Now, since biodynamic measures it's becoming more important in the final blend. My favorite of the blocks.

The third and final block was the Corona Sur ’04 – This was a totally different styled wine altogether, as promised on the nose. The darkest of the three both on sight and on fruit style. I found a slight bitterness in the middle palate and a super slight vegetalness. An interesting wine non-the less.

The fourth wine was the Quintessa 2001 – This wine was the last make by Philippe Melka. This wine is Cabernet with some Merlot. 18 months in oak, 100% French, 60% new. I liked this wines approachability. The same reason some did not like it. Moderate tannins. I did notice some of the famed Rutherford dust. A smooth beautiful long mouth feel. Medium dark fruit. Some browning on the edges. After some time in the glass some port notes evident on the nose. Some believed this wine was tiring too soon. 88/100

The final wine of the night was the Quintessa 2002 – This wine was made by Sara Gott. Totally different than the ’01. The ’02 was a bigger fruit more tannic styled wine. !00% new French oak and 20 months in it. The blend here is 78 Cabernet, 18% Merlot and 4% Cab Franc. The Cab Franc was evident from the get go. Currants and dark cherries, with beautiful integrated levels of acid and tannins. I felt this wine has stuffing to go many years. Not as approachable as the’ 01. The dark color gave promise to the long persistent aftertaste. I would cellar this 2-4 years. 92/100

I think Quintessa is a great wine with much potential to be a very great wine once consistency issues are worked out, and crazy price strategies are corrected. They now have a new winemaker, Aaron Pott, and going forward I believe they should build a flavor profile that fans could rely on. Unfortunately prices are way up there and it’s getting hard to justify $120+ per bottle. Much of Quintessa’s fan base has abandoned her. Too bad.(Just my opinion and we all know what opinions are worth).

Quintessa now has a second wine which is made from blocks not quite up to Quintessa standards called Faust. I will seek out a bottle to try. Gary Fisch tells me it’s on the style of the Corona Sur. It’s priced at about $53.

Napa Vintners on Tour - NYC January 23th, 2007

Some impressions of the other notes from the Napa Vintners Assoc tour tasting in NYC. Tuesday, January 23rd.

2004 Blackbird - Singing. Much more refined fruit coming through than back in November at their open house. This has gone from a good bottle to a great bottle. The 2005 is still showing a bit much cab franc for me.93/100

2003 Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow - To me this is always the best of the three and this year is no different. There was a 1999 MicroClimate bottling of Volcanic hill. An ok bottle. I expected more. 92/100

1996 Heitz Ink Grade Cabernet- This had tremendous length and class. Deep dark fruits belying its age. Unavailable. Too bad. 93/100

2002 Dyer Cabernet- I loved the purity of this. It had great dark fruit and smooth integrated tannins. Now, the '03 next to it was something altogether different. 91/100

2003 Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet (from Mag)- To this point in the tasting, this was the best '03 that I came across. Silky smooth and delicious. A qpr too! (In this room? Never heard of it). One to seek out. 90/100

A few Merlots;

2002 Sullivan Merlot Reserve - This had all of the big explosive qualities I like in a Merlot. Deep dark red fruits, super smooth tannins, and an acid level deftly present. 93/100

2002 Sullivan Merlot - This was just a notch below in quality, but a very good bottle for the price ($40s). 90/100. The people at Sullivan are doing Merlot right.

Amidst all those lovely Cabs and Merlots were the good people of Saintsbury, pouring their Pinots. These I have overlooked in the past.
The 2005 Pinot Carneros showed amazing fresh pure fruits, with a backbone that carries it all the way to a long elegant finish. Red cherries and violets abound. I like one this a lot. 92/100

This year the vintners were asked to bring something special. Many partake in the Napa Premiere Auction, and brought representative bottles. These are limited bottlings given to the auction by the wineries to auction for medical needs and such for migrant workers. A noble cause indeed. The wines are usually 5 or 10 case runs, and usually the best barrels (or cuvees) available. In the past 3 or 4 years I have been a buyer, but the costs are getting prohibitive. Some beauties were;

2005 Trinchero Stagecoach- Big dark fruits abound. A glorious texture made this on of the best in the room. Available only at auction. 97/100

2005 The Terraces Premiere Cabernet, Quarry Vineyard. This was unique for the day in such it has 6% Zin blended into the cuvee. Smooth and beautiful with just a hint of bramble. I loved this and so did my companions. 97/100

2005 Corison Cabernet- I got to admit, I am usually not a fan of Corisons wines. This one was different. Big plush deep cored fruit wrapped sublimely in tannins. Smooth finish. Wow. 95/100

A great tasting, usually the best of the year. The room probably had 500-600 people at peak, so crowding was evident of the demand to taste these beauties.

2007 Polaner Selections Spring Portfolio -part 2 (US Pinots)

Part 2 - Pinots

2005 Melville Pinot Noir Terraces- Light in color but big in taste. Great cherries and tar. Very Burgundian in style. A crowd pleaser. 3.6/4 (93)

2005 Melville Pinot Noir Carries - A bit more austere and reticent. Fruit is there, just hiding a bit for the moment. Should show well in a few years. 3.3/4 (90)

2005 Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir La Neblina- A very fruit forward Pinot with soft tannins. Smooth and elegant. 3.6/4 (93)

2005 L'Angevin Pinot Noir RRV- Super floral style of Pinot that I vcan love for 10 minutes, then be turned off for the rest of the evening. Silky mid palate. I just don't always know what to make of wines like this. 3.5/4 (92)

2005 L'Angevin Pinot Noir Sonoma Stage- Similar in style to the above, just a bit more lite bodied. 3.5/4 (92)

I also tasted Giacomo Conternos offering, as well as Mas Doix from Priorat.

Either I am missing something, or my palate has changed drastically. I was once a big fan of Barolos.

Priorats leave me with more questions than answers.

Polaner Selections Spring Portfolio 2007

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.

Polaner Selections NYC - 3/21/2006

Just back from the Polaner Selections tasting NYC

I must say, there are some very amazing wines out there, and yet there are 20 fold average offerings. You must tread easy and pick carefully, but then you will be rewarded, as I was today. (in order of preference).

2003 Harris Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Jakes Creek- Wow. and amazing sublime etheral wine of tremendous balance. Fantastic deep red fruit. some cassis. Excellent balance. Long long finish. I love this wine. Valley floor Estate grown grapes. One to seek out.

2003 Pax Syrah Castelli -Knight Ranch RRV- If I had a choice to drink one syrah for the rest of my life, this would be it. Deep dark fruit, just the right amount of pepper Long lingering finish. Memorable. I love this wine. A wine all other Syrahs can aspire to.

2002 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon Napa- This is truly a beautiful wine. All nose, wonderful smooth tannins, Medium dark fruit with a long smooth finish. This is a wonderful wine that will reward you for years to come.

2001 Westerly Lot 18 Reserve Merlot Santa Ynez- For me to even write about Merlot states something. This wine is big full bodies high octaine plush mouth filling Merlot. But yet seems to balance itself on the head of a pin. Wonderful middle, I love this wine for short term consumption. Now until 2008. My surprise of the day.

2003 Crocker and Starr Cabernet Franc- Ditto my Merlot notes. Cab Franc always dissapoints. I have had a ratio of 30/1-- medicore/good Cab Francs. This is the exception. Pam Starr hits the mark here. The 5% Merlot balances this wine. Big nose, wonderful red fruit. Cassis, nice tannis/acid/oak treatment. This is an amazing wine, from a truly talented winemaker.

2000 Powers Cabernet Reserve- This wine has QPR written all ove it. Wonderful deep dark fruit wrapped u in a nce balance of acid/ tannins. I would love this paired with a big juicy tenderlon. This one will get better fora few and the pay dividends. The days 'sleeper'.

2004 Domaine Saint Benoit Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee XIII- This wine is very old world. Thats the beauty of it Its a tannic oak laden monster that keeps its balance and smoothly delivers. I would love to try this in a few years. It will be amazing! When you taste this you know what all the world wants to replicate.

Some other notables:
2003 Gemstone
2002 Sineann Merlot Hillside
2004 Sineann Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
2002 Crocker & Starr Stone Place (80% cab, 20% merlot)
2003 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
2004 Carver-Sutro Petite Sirah Palisades Vineyard Barrel Sample
2001 Clos Mimi Syrah Bunny Slope
2004 Pax Syrah Walker Vine Hill RRV
1998 Conterno Brolo Monfortino

Not a bad afternoon.