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.

TN: 1999 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve

1999 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley (3/21/2007)

Just received 6 half bottles and wanted to try one, forgoing any bad expectations of the 'bottle shock' phenomenon. Opened for 45 minutes before tasted. No decanting. Super deep dark garnet color. A great intense nose of camphor, dusty dark fruits, and cassis. On the palate there is nice dark currant with an amazingly bold cassis, probably the most I have ever encountered in a Cab. Smooth but bold tannins with an evenly balanced acid level give this a great mouth feel. A 60 second aftertaste brings it all home.Happy with the way this showed, especially since my last experience (CLONYC GdL Vertical last September) where the 99 as was so-so, particularly since tonight’s was from a half bottle. Glad I got 5 more.(92 pts.)($22.95)

TN: 2003 Luce della Vite Lucente

La Toscana QPR.
Yes, my Italian may be rusty, but this wine is delisioso.

Dark vibrant red color. The nose shows crushed pebbles, currant, and plums. The palate shows black currants, and red raspberry and tar. There is a lush flintiness I really enjoy. The full throttle tannins are very smooth and there is a dryness that blows off nicely after 2 hours decant time. The finish is admirable. For $20 this is the best QPR I have had recently from Italia. My hat (if I wore one) is off to tne Frescobaldis and Mondavis. I will stock up.

50% Merlot, 35% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon90/100

TN: 2004 Razor's Edge Shiraz McLaren Vale

A nice crimson color. The nose shows a bit of sweetness, petroleum, and some subdued red plums. The palate reveals a slight fruit bomb type of Shiraz I usually dislike, but there are other characteristics that outweigh all that; some nice blackberry & boysenberry, the tar is still there and a bit of tobacco. A good wall of tannins, and an acid level that brings some balance to the wine. A long finish that keeps the mouth coated for 30 seconds. It reminds me a bit of some Petits Sirahs I have had. Minus the sweetness and I would say Cali Petit. Although not a ground breaker, it is defineatly a QPR that would be perfect to have around this coming summer on my new deck whilst the BBQ is heating up.

88/100 $8.99

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

1995 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - USA, California, Sonoma County (2/16/2007)Fantastic vibrant color. No sign of a 12 year old showing, not even on the edges. The nose shows is pure black currant and cassis. The palate reveals a super lush character with slightly sweet tannins, great dark fruit, some tar and leather. A great acid level that would make this great on my table with a grilled steak and frites. (soon). The finish is very long and smooth. I traded a 2003 Pride Cab Reserve for three of these and I think I did ok.

92/100 (92 pts.)

TN:2003 Rustenberg John X Merriman Stellenbosch

Decanted 1 hour. The color shows a very bright ruby. The nose is a bit subdued. Some dried fruit, all medium dark. Some currant and sulphur and camphor. There is a very nice note of cinnamon? Not sure, but I like it. The palate reveals an amazing purity of dark fruits, great subdued tannins, and a super elegance not usually found in a $30 wine. A plushness is evident, one that I fear many correlate over-ripeness to. I relate it to an acid level right on the mark. A 30 second aftertaste with a tinge of sweetness. Nice. A four grape blend that is sure to please. Note to self; get more.
91/100 $23.99

TN: 2003 Staglin Family Estate Cab. -or- A 2003 that doesn't suck

This is very impressive. Had this at the Napa Vintners on tour in NYC today. Deep dark color.

The nose reveal some creme de casis. A deep core of dark fruit, with super refined tannins wrapped around it. Some mocha with just a hint of oak, so deftly interceded. A super lushness that coats your mouth and a finish that does not want to end. This shows its breed. I have seen the light . My first Staglin, and not my last by a longshot.

95/100

TN:2004 Domaine Mestre Santenay 1er Cru

This is my find of the holiday season. It is $18.99

I can't find this in New York, Just a local joint in my parents neighborhood in Connecticut.

This has an interesting pale amber brown color, The nose reveals dusty cherries, and earth. The palate shows a super lively Pinot style with a tremendous earthiness I am really loving. Subtle red fruits that are not dominating, just stealthly there. A great acid level which tells me this is probably screaming for a great meal, I am just not listening .

All in all a Super QPR. I have a few more in the cellar. I actually broke my moritorium to get these, but hey, at 19 bucks each who wouldn't?

This drinks as great or better than many $40 Gevreys I have had. It also beats any village level wine I have had up to the $25. range.

90/100

TN: 2005 Rapet 'Bully' Bourgogne

This has a very medium pale color, but vibrant. The nose is expressive of cherry, and the crushed stone, which I really enjoy. On the palate there is a great smooth integrated fruit/acid/tannin level. The cherries carry on as do the stones. Very elegant indeed. Finishes nicely.

I gotta say, this is a very nice $17.00 bottle of Bourgogne. Speaks a bit of terroir, and that ain't an easy thing to do at this price point.

89/100

2004 Lucia Syrah Garys' Vineyard

Super dark inky color. The nose shows some varietal character and some over-extracted black & blue fruits. The palate has the grapey-soy-dark fruit profile that FMIII speaks of below. I noticed some dark plum, black pepper, and some minerality. I think this showed better when last tasted (September 06?). The tannin level is nice and seemless, and the acid a bit high. A food wine for sure. Will hold my ast bottle for a year. Now onto the Susans.....The finish is a bit short and flat.

TN: 2004 Mondavi Cabernet Napa

This is a real dark cabernet, Nice casis and cocoa on the nose. The palate reveals super smooth sweet tannins, and medium dark fruits. A beautiful aftertaste finishes off nicely.

A very nice Mondavi that has me on the fence . Although better than the '03, I am not a big fan of the sweet tannins style. This wine also seems to be at best, a 3-4 year wine. I can see this falling off the cliff in a few years. Although not my style, it's gonna get a 88 from me. It has a good beat, and you can dance to it....For the same price Ehlers Estate Cab BLOWS it away.

88/100

TN: 1999 J. Lohr Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Hilltop Vineyard Paso Robles

I found this on closeout at $11.99 for a 375ml

The color is deep garnet. The fruit is a bit subdued on the nose. On the palate its a bit dry, but not unpleasant in any way. There is nice dark red cherry, currant. Its a bit bright, and somewhat brambly. A quality I usually like. There is no green associated with Robles Cabernets. Ok Tannins that may be a bit rough around the edges. A commendable medium aftertaste. Not a groundbreaker, but all in all a very pleasing Cabernet. Great for pizza/pasta/meatloaf night-(bingo!).

88/100Not bad for $12.00 I wish I could still get a round pie for that

a 2003 Cali Cab that is actually a good QPR

Funny, I have had about 75 Cabernet offerings from 2003. Some have been great (Gemstone), some decent (Mondavi), but most dissapointing. Here is one that actually has decent QPR qualities; Louis Martini 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast. Yes, you are reading correct, Martini, North Coast. It's about $12 and blows anything in that range away. (even McMannis! , which I did not like).

Bright pleasant cabernet style with not too much negative. Can you ask for more @$12?

a selection of 2004s from Maison Champy

Last night I attended the Champy tasting at the Burgundy Wine Co.

The line-up was 3 whites and 4 reds from this 250+ year old house, all from the 2004 vintage. The winemaker Pierre Meurgey was present and did a great job of explaining Champys philosophy to a group of about 40.

2004 Bourgogne Blanc, Signature. Simple and fruity quaffer, nice acid which echoed in all the whites. NR - $22.00

2004 Pernand-Vergelesses, Blanc AC, This village wine had much more character and great depth and intensity. Crushed stones abound. Wonderful floral notes, some light notes of green apple and pears. A fantastic example of what Chardonnay should be, all for $28.50. This showed much better than price suggest. More like a Grand Cru. For present day enjoyment. 92/100 - $28.50

2004 Saint-Aubin, 1er Cru, Les Murgers des Dents de Chien.
This has all the hallmarks of its breed, but understandably not as approachable. All the intensity and acid level to carry it with food. I say in about 2-3 years this would shine. 90/100 - $40.00

2004 Chorey-les-Beaune. AC. This is a wild clumsy Chorey, not my style. Bright red cherries, Great acid level. I am sure some bottle age would help. 88/100 - $27.00

2004 Gevrey-Chambertain AC Vielles Vignes. Now we are talking. Big intense as my Gevrey should be. Wonderful prettiness on the nose of flowers, black cherries, and slight oak, just enough to almost not notice. Nice. Fantastic bright Gevrey character. Cellar for a year or two, or enjoy now. I will. 93/100 - $45.00

2004 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru, Les Suchots. In doubling the price from the Gevrey, I knew there was a lot expected. This opens with great bouquet of dark intense fruit. The fruit is hiding a bit on the palate. A very intense wine that is made for the journey. Not showing enough now, but I am sure the patient will be rewarded. 90/100 - $84.00

2004 Gevrey-Chambertain 1er Cru, Les Cazetiers. Very similar to the Vosne, These wines will payoff dividends in 3-5 years. 89/100- $75.00

My taste for Burgundies seems to lean toward immediate enjoyment. The Vielles Vignes hits that mark nicely.
Pierre Meurgey is an affable and pleasant man. It was a nice way to spend 2 hours.