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.

TN: 2002 Albert Morot Beaune 1er Cru Cent-Vignes

2002 Albert Morot Beaune 1er Cru Cent-Vignes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru (8/30/2007)The color was a medium to light garnet. This has a wonderful nose of wild flowers, especially violets...wow. There was a fantastic fruit profile, crushed stones, and great balance on the palate. The tannin level is quietly hiding but is surely the bones that supports all these wonderful qualities. This wine is ultra pure and elegant. Very nice indeed. $29.95 and well worth it. (91 pts.)

TN: 2004 Sbragia Family Cabernet Sauvignon Andolsen Vineyard

2004 Sbragia Family Cabernet Sauvignon Andolsen Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (8/25/2007)Bright purple tinged edges on a ultra dark background. The nose reveals a certain breed of cassis that is pretty and floral. The palate shows the same cassis/currant but with the added dimension of boysenberry and super dark cherries, slight cocoa, and tat. There is a wonderful mouth feel that carries this forward. A great finish completes the package. This will surely benefit from a year in the bottle. For $26 this is a great QPR that belies its price tag. I have had the 2003 and this is less in your face and a more serious wine four square. (93 pts.)

TN:2004 Lucia Syrah Susan's Hill

USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

With the new mailer on my doorstep I just could not resist trying this.

The color is inky garnet, bulls blood comes to mind. The nose shows a fragrant assortment dark fruits and an underlying white pepper component that I like a lot. The palate has it all and then some; still warm blueberry pie, dark boysenberry, dark blackberries, vanilla, earth, white pepper, wild flowers and some great smooth spiciness. It is a smorgasbord of flavors. The tannins are nicely laid out all in a row, and the acid is present but compliments the whole package. The finish is a minute plus! The fruit bowl of persistence. Sounds like a Dali painting. Artwork non-the-less. Very different than the Garys Vnyd. Tamer and more refined. WOW

93/100

TN: 2003 Sbragia Family Cabernet Sauvignon Andolsen Vineyard Dry Creek Valley

I had gone to one of my favorite haunts today to pick-up 7 - 2002 Kuleto Estate Cabs, plus some NV Auction wines awaiting me. I eyed the New Sbragia line-up of Cabs; Monte Rosso Sonoma Valley, Rancho del Oso Howell Mountain , and this one; Andolsen Vineyard Dry Creek Valley. All from 2003. A vintage I have been avoiding, but for $26...what the hay.

Super dark purple tinged edges. Beautiful floral nose with currants, blackberries, and Cherries. The palate revealed a very lush sweet styled cab. One I would not expect from the vintage. There was amazing sour cherries, currants, and sweet young blackberries as well as some tar, slight anise, and sour cherries. (didn't I say that already?). A solid core of pure Sbragia Cabernet. There was a moderatly long finish that kept the fruit going for 45 seconds (sour cherry and currant). I loved the balance of fruits and deft acid level. The firm tannins were in check, but hanging in the background. Wow. This guy is an artist!!

This is one fantasic wine for $26. Drinks like $50. I will try the others soon.

Life is great. Happy 4th!!!!

TN: 2003 Neal Family Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley

2003 Neal Family Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (6/30/2007)My second of this. It showed slightly better. The color was dark, the nose was Cabernet. Good currant/cassis, blackberries, and anise on the palate. This one was balanced much better, but there was a metallic tone on the midpalate and a finish that should have lasted longer. I guess for what it is...it is. Nothing more. I doubt time will come to the rescue of this flaw.

I wouldn't throw this one out of bed, but wouldn't wine and dine it either. (89 pts.)

2003 Neal Family Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/27/2007)Vigorous decanted for 30 minutes. Good purple fringed color. Wonderful 'true' cabernet on the nose. This is a four square wine; it's varietally correct and sound, nothing more. It has some black-cherry, currant, and a slight cassis note. A little off balance as its a little high on acid. It is a good effort for an '03, but not memorable (another '03 that falls into this category). Picked up from a fellow BBer for $30 each.(88 pts.)

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

2002 Pride Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (6/17/2007)Beautiful color. This needed the hour decant time I gave it as out of the gate there was an unbalanced disjointed quality that I did not care for. 1 hour later; The nose is pretty cassis as well as petroleum-refinery (a la Ch. Latour). Maybe a bit candied as well. The palate reveals a nicely balanced lush & quiet fruit bomb. There is both red and dark fruits (currant, blackberry, blackcherries, and plum) as well as tar, licorice, coffee-bean, and the Foley toasted oak.....but restrained. The acid level is a bit high and there is a certain sweetness evident that does not detract. There is also some sediment. The tannins seem to be resolving nicely. A nice 30 second aftertaste finished up a very nice deftly made wine. Drink now (decant) or hold for 5 years. I wish this had blown me away, they used to. (90 pts.)

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.)