Monday, December 29th, 2008

A Big Cabernet Night, yet again.

This seems to be our most frequent theme. I'm nearly embaressed to admit how often I'll revert back to Napa Cabernet, but it is what it is. I love Napa Cab.

This was a great line-up of wine. Not only could I not choose a clear winner for most of the night, I couldn't even select one clear loser. All of the wines were excellent and had unique qualities that made them valuable.

Grace Family, Cabernet Sauvignon, Blank Vineyard, Napa, 2005
This was awesome and so unique. I'll attribute its uniqueness to the fact that it comes "entirely from the Grace Family Clone" of Cabernet Sauvignon. It had very distinct eucalyptus/minty aromas. Almost remindful of a Chilean Cab, but far richer and more opulent. It had superb balance. It was lower-key than these other wines, with it's alcohol clocking in at respectable 13.9%. It showed at its best between hour 1 to 2. During the first hour it was just slightly tight. After 2 hours it lost a slight bit of luster. During that second hour, it was just singing. Round tannin, plush fruit, exotic herbaceousness, a bit of depth and just all around enjoyment.


Pride, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Sonoma/Napa, 2004
What needs to be said about Pride? The wines are sooooo dependable, it's really uncanny. Very ripe, very polished, plush, velvety, and just an awesome wine. It never really teaches me anything new, but I just love to drink it. It certainly has a place in my life. I love drinking the stuff.

Leonetti, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Walla Walla, Washington, 2005

This was awesome. It was just plush, and ripe and layered, with a lot of evolution over the 3 hours that we enjoyed it. It continually changed and was equally great with each turn. I could identify no flaws in this wine. It is near-perfect. One character that made it identifiably different than the California wines was a darker element. A dark cherry and dark, bittersweet chocolate flavor. The wine tasted "black" if that makes sense, while the other Cabernet's tasted dark purple and even red at times. I liked it a lot.

Schrader, Cabernet Sauvginon, Beckstoffer's To Kalon, 2006

So . . . Parker just reviewed this wine last week and scored it 98+ points. Aaron got a little antsy and wanted to pop the cork, being the good friend that I am, I offered to help him consume it. This is how this tasting came to be.

I hate to give more credence to Parker's scores, but at the end of the night, this wine did seem to emerge as the most complete wine. As with many Cult Cabs, this was ULTRA-ripe. Because of that, it handles and integrates a tremendous amount of oak. Further, the oak is delicious and adds a lot of spicy and sexy complexity that some of these others wines didn't possess. The funny thing is, this wine seemed closed to me, but it was still flashier than the other wines!!! Over the 3 hours of decanting, it unpacked about 20 layers of nuance, but still seemed completely underdeveloped in the grand scheme of it's life!

Schrader really has emerged as one of the most prolific producers in Napa, and they continue to push the envelope of ripeness, opulance, complexity, and overall quality each vintage. And the most amazing part is that the wines don't taste "over-done". I'm becoming a big critic of over-ripe, over-alcoholic, over-extracted wines, and yet, these wines are flawlessly balanced. I can't help but admit that they challange my realm of understanding about Napa Cabs. Well done, Schrader!

Dalla Valle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2001

This wine was flat and lean with a dusty, raw tannin. Didn't much care for it all.

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

Same Sparklers as yesterday.

Curry Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Temecula, 2006
This was possibly the worst Cab I've tasted in 2008. There was nothing redeeming about it. Tasted like Mega Purple, with tons of Vanilla extract, and underlying under ripe fruit.

Curry Vineyards, Syrah, Temecula, 2006
Only slightly less offensive then the Cab.

Vine Cliff, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2002
I expected more from this wine. It was good, but I expected fireworks. Thoroughly enjoyable, but far from life changing.

Alto Moncayo, Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain, 2003
This hasn't budged in its evolution over the past 3 years. It is ultra-ripe, heavily oaked, and unbelievably expressive. Not my style, but a well made wine utilizing excellent fruit.

Bogle, Phantom, California, 2005
This was opened on Tuesday as was suffering the effects. Flat and tired.

Betts & Scholl, Grenache, Barossa, 2006
This was a wine that I used to love. It was dreadfully disappointing this day. Thin and under ripe, although it just tasted like perhaps the vines weren't fully mature, but the grapes still reached phenolic ripeness. I'll have to revisit this one later in its life.

Friday, December 26th, 2008

Sparklers

San Guiseppe, Prosecco, Italy
Varichon & Clerc, Brut, Savoie, France
Avinyo, Cava Brut, Spain
Avinyo, Cave Brut Rose, Spain
Torley, Gala, Hungary

Pali, Pinot Noir, The Bluffs, Russian River, 2007
Fresh, clean, crisp acidity. It had an underlying vegetal/green quality which I'm assuming indicates the youthfulness to the vines, rather than the phenolic ripeness of the grapes. All in all, it was pure and thoroughly enjoyable.

Modus Operandi, Vicarious, Napa, 2006
Great wine, still tight. It showcases a lot of fruit right now and a dusty Rutherford-esque tannin. I hope for it to develop depth and layers as it matures.

Altamura, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2002
Very good, not flashy, just awesome structure, great depth and purity, fleshed out texture, however it lacked length big time. It had a lot of softness to it, almost remindful of Merlot.

Chateau Boswell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Vineyards, 2005
This is just a great wine. I've it 3 times recently and it continues to impress. Perhaps one of the best Cali Cabs under $100.

Some Gavi di Gavi
This was lean and good.

Allegrini, Plazzo del Torre, Valpolicella Ripasso, 2005
Awesome wine. It's just dependable and good, not anything new or boundary breaking, but just good.

Thursday, December 25th, 2008

Christmas Day

Also somewhat of a surprise, I didn't drink anything too big on Christmas. I don't really have the energy or time to focus on, or think about wine on Christmas. For me, it's all about family on this day, and wine somewhat distracts from that for me. At least, that is, when my little brothers want to play hockey. The wine inhibits my hockey skills. Late in the evening, however, we had a couple of bottles.

Walter Hansel, Chardonnay, Cahill Lane, Russian River, 2006

Beautifully pure and precise. Not overwhelmingly nuanced or developed. It seems like it may be at a stalled phase in it's life. Delicious and very well made, so I'll be interested to see the wonderful things that show up as it fleshes out.

Walter Hansel, Pinot Noir, The North Slope, Russian River, 2006

It's bigger and riper than many other Hansels I've had. I like it, but can't handle too much. It has a wonderful textural quality but a tart, tangy cranberry character to the finish. Again, I think that this will be 3 times better with just 2 years in the bottle. A great bottle, but not in its prime phase.

I've been drinking a bit of Walter Hansel lately and really enjoy the wines. I like the Pinots, but these fresh ones seem to be a bit too ripe for me. I think that the Chardonnays out perform Pinot's, at least in my limited experience. All the wines are really good though, and very fairly priced. I'm excited to see how they develop over the upcoming years. I hope that they keep the hits coming for decades. What a treat at this affordable price point!

Sunday through Tuesday

Big Shocker - I didn't drink any wine leading up to Christmas. We've been too busy at work, and have enjoyed the reprieve.

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

Same as yesterday, plus-

Hanzell, Pinot Noir, Sonoma, 1989
This was pretty amazing. I had it a few weeks ago as well, and it's just so pretty but with bright red fruit and a ton of really interesting secondary characteristics. Age your Hanzell!!!!

Friday, December 19th, 2008

A Year in Review Tasting
Hollis, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2005
Costa del Sol, Red Wine, Napa, 2005
Homefire, Zinfandel, Dry Creek, 2006
Fieldstone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2005
Enkidu, Humbaba, Sonoma, 2006

Bill and Chuck's Christmas Party
Orin Swift, Papillon, Napa, 2005 (deep and plush, very impressive)
Arietta, Quartet, Napa, 2006 (Definately the wine of the night)
Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa, 2005

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

PGL Dinner at S

Weinrieder, Gruner Veltliner, Weinviertel, Austria, 2007
Weinrieder, Riesling, Kugler, Austria, 2006
Alondra, Chardonnay (No Oak!), Middleton Ranch, Mendocino Cty, 2007
Domaine du Mourchon, La Loubee Rosé, Cotes du Rhone, France, 2007
Catalina Sounds, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2006
Chateau de Vaugaudry, Chinon, Loire Valley, France, 2005
Batic, Cabernet Franc, Vipava, Slovenia, 2006
Kopke, 10 Year Tawny, Porto
Rosenhof, Chardonnay, TBA, Austria, 2004

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

December Pinot Classic

Gardet, Brut Rose, Saignee, Champagne, 2002
Szoke, Pinot Gris, Hungary, 2006
Domaine de Gry-Sablon, Beaujolais Villages, France, 2007
Waterstone, Pinot Noir, Carneros, 2007
Nobilo, Pinot Noir, New Zealand, 2006
Barra, Pinot Noir, Mendocino, 2006
Catalina Sounds, Pinot Noir, Nelson, 2006
Belle Pente, Pinot Noir, Estate Reserve, Willamette, Oregon, 2004
Chateau Puligny-Montrachet, Monthelie, Burgundy, 2006
Domaine Saint-Martin, Marsannay, “Champs Solomon”, Burgundy, 2005
San Germano, Pinot Noir, Monferrato, Italy, 2005
Edmond Briotete, Vieux Marc de Borgogne, Dijon, France

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008

2004 Napa Cabernet, revisited

These are 2 of my favorite wines from the 2004 vintage so we decided to revisit them to track their evolution.

Kapcsandy, Proprietary Red, State Lane Vineyard, Yountville, 2004

This was very good. It's a Parker 95 and we all agreed that it had hallmark, Parker-styled, expression. It had beautifully intergrated, spicy oak, a lot of depth, and just all around enjoyability.

Corra, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2004

WOW! I had high expectations for this wine, and it lived up to them, and possibly exceeded my expectations. Every little pulse had a different flavor nuance, and it had the trademark Celia Masyczek velvetly, supple tannin. It has very distinct purity, and possesses an un-ending length. It just sails on, and on. I'll be anxious to see Robert Parker's scores on this wine in a few weeks. I'm claiming that it receives 97-100 points. It's very near perfect. The only difference between this wine and other Parker 100's that I've had is that is lacks just an ounce or two of density. It's a little more light-footed. However, all that being said, I enjoy it just as much, regardless of Parker. It has everything that I want in Napa Cabernet. I would buy this by the case if possible . . . but of course, it isn't. Get it while you can, before the score hits.

We also drank a bottle of-

Jax, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2004

It was very good, but overshadowed by the other, far riper, Cabs.

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

French Wine and then Fleming's.

A. Margaine, Champagne, NV
Chateau Puligny Montrachet, Monthelie, France, 2006
Montille, Nuits St George, France, 2006
Chateau Vaugaudry, Chinon, France, 2005
Chateau Falfas, Cotes de Bourg, Bordeaux, 2005
Chateau le Pape, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, 2005
Chateau Simmard, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, 1998
Chateau la Canougue, Cotes de Luberon, Rhone, 2005
Domaine du Banneret, Chateauneuf du Pape, France, 2005
Chateau de la Oratore, Chateauneuf du Pape, France, 2005
Domaine Piquemal, Muscat, Languedoc, 2007

Fleming's
-Some sore of Reserve Shiraz
-Rinaldi, Reserve Syrah, Lodi, 2005
-Husic, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap District, Napa, 2004
-Frank Family, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Rutherford, Napa, 2004

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Torley, Fortuna, Sparkling, Hungary, NV
Skylark, Pinot Blanc, Orsi Vineyard, Mendocino, 2007
Samsara, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2007
Broadside, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margerita Vineyard, 2006
Kopke, 10 year Tawny, Porto

Hess Collection, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder, 2002
Some Merlot from San Diego, 2003
Ferrari Carrano, Black Muscat, Sonoma

DROPPED THE BALL!

I've obviously fallen behind with keeping this updated. I've had some great wines in the past few weeks and I'll just list them here from memory, but not according to date or any sort of grouping.

Friday Night at Napa Rose
-Far Niente, Chardonnay, Napa, 2006
-William Seylem, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2006
-Faust, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
-Plumpjack, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2005
The Plumpjack completely outclasses the field this night. It was great, and really sort of surprising.

A Friendly Thanksgiving
-Hanzell, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 1985
-Hanzell, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 1997
-Hanzell, Pinot Noir, Sonoma, 1989
-Hanzell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 1981
All these wines were amazingly good. The '85 Chard wasn't over the hill, it was just lackluster. The '97 Chard was beautiful, but still 10 years too young. The '89 Pinot was my favorite wine of the night, and perfectly aged. The '81 Cab was also very good. It's a contender for the best '81 Napa I've had yet, along with the Heitz Martha's and Grgich.

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

-Rombauer, Chardonnay, Carneros, 2007
Heavily oaked. Movie-theatre butter, pineapplely, rich and uctuous. One dimensional. Very stylistic, but no sense of place or nuance.

-Leo Steen, Chenin Blanc, Saini Farms, Dry Creek, 2006
Lean and precise. Lovely and very refined. Excellent Chenin.

-Quinta dos Roques, Encruzado, Dao, Portugal, 2006
Lean but also possessing richness. Nutty, toasty and herbaceous. Really unique and interesting wine.

-Waterstone, Pinot Noir, Carneros, 2007
Very light and elegant in style, but delicious.

-Paro, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2006
Possesses a lot of zestiness and youthful exhuberance. Enjoyable but will be best in 1 year.


-San Luigi, Chianti Classico, Italy, 2005
Barnyardy and classic example of the style. Good.

-Pro Corde, Vranac, Montenegro, 2005
Interesting little wine from Montenegro. Drinks like a inexpensive Bordeaux in terms of rusticness and cedary character. Very good.

-Esca, Syrah, Napa, 2004
This was the best the wine has ever tasted. It was just awesome. 2 days later it was reduced down and tasted stewed.

Friday, November 22nd, 2008

WOW, Talk about customer generousity! This was one of those nights where everyone was just sharing great bottles. I was thrilled to be on the receiving end. We had 5 bottles open for the usual tasting, and then 10 different bottles opened by customers and graciously shared. And check out the wines, some really awesome stuff.

Donated Bottles

-Valley View, Tempranillo, Applegate Valley, Oregon, 2005
This was a shocking little wine. It wasn't particularly sophisticated, but it was thoroughly enjoyable.

-Martinelli, Pinot Noir, Bella Vigne, Russian River, 2006
Very delicate and pure. The wine is tightly wound, but not at all big. Just light-footed, soft and very pure flavors, very polished. Delicious.

-Scherrer, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2006
I prefered this to the Martinelli. It more richness and detail. The aromatics continually changed from one sip to the next. Very impressive. Kudos to Fred Scherrer.

-Tre Viti, Pinot Noir, Central Coast, 2006
I thought this was a bit too big and flamboyent for my liking, but other customers seemed to love it. It was darker, but not saturated, and the flavors were intense and candied. A very nice effort from this unknown producer.

-August Briggs, Pinot Noir, 2001
Wow, this was interesting. This seemed much more evolved than 7 years would indicate. The wine had savory flavors and orange peel, without much left of the signature Pinot Noir youthfulness. Very interesting wine and a great example of age.

-Palmina, ?????, Santa Barbara, 1997
This was cooked, unfortunately.

-Kukkula, Lagniappe, Paso Robles, 2006
This is a ripe, high-alchohol, zesty, flamboyant red wine. It's good, but not my style.


-Torrin, Syrah, Paso Robles, 2006
Only 80 cases, produced. This was black in color and ultra-concentrated, but ultra pure. Really dense, but has tremendous potential for the opening and fleshing out.





-Blankiet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paradise Hills, Napa, 2005



This is a pricy wine. I don't want to like it, but unfortunately, I do. It shows real pedigree on a level that few producers in Napa do, and dare I say it, even a sense of terroir from the Paradise Hills vineyard. It was densely tight and almost certain not to open for another 3+ years. The wine is a contender for a "First Growth" estate if Napa ever has a classification. Watch out for this producer, while they aren't new, each year they reaffirm their status as a dependable and superlative producer.



-Saxum, Broken Stones, Paso Robles, 2006
Saxum has established a firm place in my heart as perhaps my favorite producer in Paso Robles. The 2006 Broken Stones reaffirms what I already know, and that is, don't open these wines for at least 3 years from the vintage date on the label. It was good, but just wirery and out of control. While I know it's way too young, I still enjoy trying it and assessing the situation early on. One notable difference with this vintage is that the alcohol is even higher than normal, over 16%! I'll trust that Justin Smith has an objective with this higher level and look forward to seeing how this wine evolves. As for now, it's all intense and un-harmonious.

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Stonehouse, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 2005 (Aweful)
Stonehouse, Merlot, Mendocino, 2005 (pretty bad)
Stonehouse, Cab Sauv, North Coast, 2004 (also bad)
Woodenhead, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2006 (good but overpriced)
Talisman, Pinot Noir, Adastra Vineyard, 2005 (good)
Tofanelli, Charbono, Napa, 2005 (interesting wine, I like it, it's just too pricey)

Hodge Podge

Mr. Riggs, Viognier, Adelaide, 2005
Modus Operandi, Vicarious Rose, Napa, 2007
Pey Marin, Pinot Noir, Marin County, 2006
Auteur, Ophelia, Oregon and California, 2007

Stag's Leap, Petite Sirah, Napa, 1997
Ornito, Brunello di Montalcino, 1999
The Other, Syrah Blend, Lodi, 2005
Valley of the Moon, Cabernet Blend, Sonoma, 2005

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

Lopez de Heredia

This is the most important Bodega in Rioja Alta, very possibly all of Rioja, and arguably all of Spain. They have the oldest vineyards in Rioja Alta and produce wines that are made in a very historic, traditional style. They hold wines back for as long as 60 years before they release them to the market. That means you can currently purchase wines from the 40's!

In October we drank a bottle of 1981 White Rioja which was still alive and kicking. This was a great tasting and I'm honored to have the opportunity to taste these wines.

Lopez de Heredia, Vina Cubillo Crianza, 2002

3 years in oak and 3 in the bottle. It's lighter on the palate and tastes more like a Reserva than it does a Crianza. Fresh and savory character.

Lopez de Heredia, Vina Bosconia Reserva, 2000

80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and Manzuelo. This has been in the barrel for 5 years so the wine looks a lot older than it really is. The palate has tremendous character because of its oxidative style, but still a lot of freshness.

Lopez de Heredia, Vina Tondonia Reserva, 1999

75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and Manzuelo. In the barrel for 6 years, and in the bottle for 3. This wine drinks more like Bordeaux with structure and depth. Great bottle.

Monday, November 17th, 2008

Futo, OV Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2005
$225 per 3-pack sold exclusively via mailing list


Interesting bottle. Futo is the critically acclaimed project of Tom and Kyle Futo who employ Mark Aubert to make the wine and David Abreu to manage the vineyards. The property was previously known as Oakville Vineyards (I believe) and wasn't a stellar producer. The property, however, neighbors Harlan and some other major players so when the Futo's took over, they spared no expense in turning it into Napa's next Cult Cab. Good for them. We're excited. Parker and Laube both like the wines. The packaging of the Futo bottle is sexy (see below) so it will be interesting to see how that bottle is, but it's too early.

The wines are sold exclusively via their mailing list.

Much to the mailing list suprise, in the summer of 2008 they offered a "second label" called OV in homage to their vineyard sites heritage. Drinking the 2005 Futo would be considered infanticide, but we figured drinking the OV would satiate the urge. We were wrong. It only intensified the urge.

Opened for 3 hours before poured. The 2005 OV Cabernet Sauvignon was very good. At $70 per bottle, I think it was perfectly priced. The wine was BLACK in color! It was almost too dark to believe it was Cabernet. Very expressive aromas of sweet cassis and other black fruits. On the palate it was ultra-ripe, and incredibly creamy. Every single tannin molecule was oxygenated and polished into a round little bead because the wine drank like blueberries and cream. I loved the mouthfeel. The only thing I would hope for with addition age is that the fruit flavors flesh out and become more interesting. We consumed it over the course of 2 hours and it never really improved, it just stayed the same. Perhaps we only cracked the surface with this one, but it was a delicious surface. $70 is the appropriate price, anything over $100 would be overpriced.

This is a photo of Futo's flagship wine. The first release sold to the mailing list for $600 a three-pack, which, oddly came to $666.66 after shiping and tax. The only thing scarier than multiple sixes is paying that much for a first release of Napa Cab!

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Same as yesterday, plus . . .

-Booker, The Alchemist, Paso Robles, 2006
Dominately Syrah, with 18% Cabernet. I've had the 2005 wines, and while I liked them, I'm staying pretty reserved in my buying. The wines are enjoyable, but raging high in alcohol, above 16%.
The punchy, racy character in the wine is enjoyable, but the alcohol overwhelms the fruit and purity of the wine. I would like to think that the wine will wind down in a couple of years, but that's not usually the case with alcohol.
At $40, the wine is very appropriately priced. This winery has a ton of potential and I hope that the wines become more restrained in future vintages.

Friday, November 14th, 2008

Can't remember this producer
-Cotes du Rhone Blanc
-Cotes du Rhone Red
-and another Rhone Red

-Nickel and Nickel, Zinfandel, Ponzo Vineyard, RRV, 2005
-Orin Swift, The Prisoner, Napa, 2007

-Slingshot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
-Mantra, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 2005
-Waterstone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2004
-Schulz, Red Wine, Napa, 2006
-Four Sons, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap, 2005

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

-Geyerhof, Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal, 2007
-Szoke, Pinot Gris, HUngary, 2006
-Juris, Pinot Noir, Austria, 2006
-Plantaze, Vranac, Pro Corde, 2004
-Torley, Grande Cuvee, NV

-Chateau Gigone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Clos du Roi, 2005
-Chateau Gigone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vigne du Regent, 2005
-Chateau Gigone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Clos du Roi, 2006

These were awesome CdPs, especially the white. I'm very excited about this producer.

-Diatom, Chardonnay, Babcock Vineyard, 2007
-Hoopes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2005

-Kenneth-Crawford, Syrah, Blue Fin, Santa Barbara, 2004
-Sequel, Syrah, Columbia Valley, 2004
-Huber, Dornfelder, Sta. Rita Hills, 2004
-Pride, Cabernet Franc, Spring Mountain, 1999 (Wine of the Night)
-Donati, Cabernet Sauvignon, San Benito, 2003

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

Bacio Divino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
Janzen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006
Janzen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cloudy's, 2005
Janzen, Cabernet Sauvignon, To Kalon, 2005
Pazzo, Napa, 2006
Vagabond, Napa, 2006

Altozano, Verdejo/Sauvignon Blanc, Spain, 2007
Heartland, Viognier/Pinot Gris, Australia, 2007
Angeline, Chardonnay, RRV, 2007
ABC, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2007
J. Heinrich, Blaufrankisch, Austria, 2006
King, Petite Sirah, Lodi, 2006
Quinta dos Roques, Tinto Rouge, Dao, 2005
Vieux-Os, Zinfandel, Tofanelli Vineyard, 2005

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008

Terry Theise
-Dom. Fouet, Cremant de Loire Rose, NV
-Chon, Muscadet, Clos de la Chapelle, 2006
-Nikolaihof, Gruner Veltliner "Hefeabzug", Austria, 2007
-Hirsch, Riesling, Zobing, Austria, 2006
-Dom. Rouge-Bleu, Dentelle, 2007
-Dom. Rouge-Bleu, Mistral, 2007

Paul Bullard
-Ancien, Chardonnay, Carneros, 2006
-Walter Hansel, Chardonnay, Russian River, Cahill Vineyard, 2006
-Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, 2005
-Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, 2006
-Saxon Brown, Syrah, Parmalee-Hill, 2005
-Saxon Brown, Zinfandel, Parmalee-Hill, 2006
-Cornerstone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mtn. 2004

Cabs at Kleinheins House

-Hoopes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2005 (This was probably the top 2 of the night)
-Mayacamas, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder, 2005
-Hartwell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap, 1999
-Quintessa, Cab Blend, Napa, 2003 (Magnum)
-Quintessa, Cab Blend, Napa, 2000
-Paul Hobbs, Cab, Stagecoach Vineyard, 2004
-Paul Hobbs, Cab, To Kalon Vineyard, 2004 (Wine of Night)
-Del Dotto, Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena, 2005
-Elderton, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa, 2005

Monday, November 10th, 2008

Port

-Kopke, White port, NV
-Ramos Pinto, Adriano, Douro 2006
-Quinta dos Roques, Dao, 2005
-Prager, Petite Sirah Port, Lodi, NV
-Kopke, 10 Year Tawny, Port
-Kopke, 2000 Vintage Port
-Kopke, 1997 Colheita, Port
-Kopke, 1997 Colheita, Port
-Prager, Aria, 2003

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

Frog's Leap Vertical

-Frog's Leap, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, 1997 (Lackluster. Disjointed and not great)
-Frog's Leap, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, 1999 (Excellent. Best wine of the night.)
-Frog's Leap, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, 2002 (A little abrasive, perhaps will evolve into something similar to the '99)

November 5th, 2008

I lost track of this for the last week or so.

Ca' Stella, Pinot Grigio, Fiuli, 2007
Brezza, Chardonnay, Langhe, 2007
Max Ferd. Richter, Riesling Estate, Mosel, Germany, 2007

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

Dinner at Arturo's in New York

-Gaja, Spress, Barolo, 1994 (So great. Not a great vintage, but still an amazing wine.)

Saturday, November 1st, 2008

Same Australian wines as yesterday.

-Scholium Project, Petite Sirah, Babylon, Napa, 2004 (Very enjoyable, but over-priced.)

Friday, October 31st, 2008

-Heartland, Stickleback White, South Aus, 2007
-Heartland, Viognier/Pinot Gris, South Aus, 2006
-Heartland, Shiraz, South Aus, 2006
-Glaetzer, Wallace, Barossa, 2006
-Heartland, Shiraz "Director's Cut", South Aus, 2005

-Seasmoke, Pinot Noir, Botella, Sta. Rita Hills, 2005 (Good but still not evolved. Don't open it for another 2 years)

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

Benjamin Going Away

-Riesling, Spatlase, Germany, 1995 (Don't know the producer, but this was awesome!)
-Rochioli, Chardonnay, Russian River, 2006 (Good but not unique)
-Hanzell, Pinot Noir, Sonoma, 1996 (Excellent, but still 10 years too young)
-Vega Sicilia, Unico, Ribera del Duero, 1994 (Insane! Near perfect. It was so good, but not fully developed. I'd suggest that this will be perfect in 10-20 more years. I hope that I can drink it again.)
-Silver Oak, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1995 (Good, but not great or particularly exciting. Just good, dependable, classy Cabernet)

Monday, October 27th, 2008

Wise Wise/Terry Thiese Tasting, oh yeah, and Arietta Release Party with Fritz Hatton

-Arietta, On The Keys White, Napa, 2007 (Excellent)
-Arietta, Quartet, Abreu Vineyard, 2006 (Bright red fruit. Higher toned and more purity of fruit. Very good)
-Arietta, Merlot Hudson Vineyards, Napa, 2006 (Excellent and plump with a lot of depth and structure)
-Arietta, Variation One, Napa, 2006 (My favorite of the line-up. This possesses the most depth of all the wines. It also shows the most long-age capability. It was remindful of Bordeaux in pedigree and class. Very impressive.)
-Arietta, H Block Hudson Vineyard, Napa, 2006 (Also awesome. I lost track of tasting notes at this point)
-Arietta, Red Wine, Napa, 1999 (Excellent and fresh as the 2006's!!!!)
-Arietta, Merlot H Block, Napa, 2002 (Awesome.)
-Arietta, Variation One, Napa, 2002 (Awesome)
-Arietta, Merlot H Block, Naoa, 2003 (Awesome)

I think that was all of the wine, but there may have been 1 or 2 more that I forgot. Needless to say. It was great evening. Fritz and Karen Hatton were a pleasure to meet and I hope that they continue to have success with Arietta so that we might have more great wines in the future.

Saturday, October 25th, 2008

Same as yesterday

Friday, October 24th, 2008

Grenache

-Beckman, Grenache Rose, Purisima Mtn. 2006
-Vina Borgia, Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain, 2007
-Sorellina, Grenache, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Chateau de Morgues, Costeres de Nimes, France, 2006
-Broc Cellars, Grenache, Ventana Vineyard, Monterey, 2006

Thursday, October 23rd, 2008

Central Coast

-Beckman, Grenache Rose, Purisima Mtn, 2006
-Kenneth Crawford, Syrah, Four Play, 2005
-White Dog, Syrah, Larner Vineyard, 2005
-Saxum, Broken Stones, Paso Robles, 2005 (Everything I want in wine)

-Le Cuvia, Primento, paso Robels, 2005 (Corked)
-Ferrari-Carano, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 2006 (Baked, Oaked, and not varietally correct, but still enjoyable)

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

Star Lane

-Star Lane, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Star Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez, 2005

Monday, October 20th, 2008

151 Wines on a Monday Afternoon

A Retrospective of wines from the late Didier Dagueneau

*denotes the best wines

-1994 Silex
-1995 Pur Sang *
-1996 Silex (magnum)
-1997 Buisson Menard*
-1998 En Chailloux*
-1999 Pur Sang
-2000Buisson Renard
-2001 Silex
-2002 Silex (magnum)*
-2003 Buisson Renard *
-2003 Pur Sang *
-2004 Buisson Renard
-2005 Silex (magnum)
-2006 Pur Sang (magnum)
-2006 Buisson Renard **
-2005 Jurancon, Jardin de Babylon

What can anyone say about these wines? This is a cross-section of the finest Sauvignon Blancs ever made. Period.

While the Silex bottling is the most expensive, it is also the leanest and most laser-like. I prefer Pur Sang and Buisson Renard for their concentration and array of flavors. Further, one notices how the house style has developed over the years. While the mid-90s bottlings are still beautiful, I don't think they were ever as great as the 2006s or even the 2003s. I'll look forward to drinking the 2006's 12 years from now and reflecting back on this day of tasting and comparing memory notes.

Beaujolais
Dominique Piron
-2006 en Beaujolais, Gamay
-2007 Beaujolais Villages*
-2006 Brouilly, Domaine de Combiaty*
-2006 Morgon, Cote du Py
-2006 Chenas, Quartz*

Red Burgundy
Domaine Camus-Bruchon
-2006 Bourgogne Rouge*
-2006 Savigny-Les-Beaune*
-2006 Savigny-Les-Beaune, Les Pimentiers**
-2006 Savigny-Les-Beaune, Aux Grands Liards
-2006 Savigny-Les-Lavieres, 1er Cru
-2006 Savigny-Les-Narbantons, 1er Cru**

Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot
-2006 Bourgogne Passetoutgrain
-2004 Vosne-Romanee
-2005 Vosne-Romanee
-2004 Nuits-St. Georges
-2004 Chambolle-Musigny
-2004 Vosne-Les Suchots

Chateau Puligny Montrachet
-2006 Monthelie Rouge
-2004 St. Aubin-En Remilly, 1er Cru
-2006 Nuits St. George-Clos des Grandes Vignes, 1er

Maison Deux Montille
-2006 Chambolle-Musigny, Les Babilleres

Domaine de Montille
-2006 Bourgogne rouge
-2006 Beaune, 1er Cru, "Les Sizes" *
-2006 Beaune, 1er Cru, "Les Perrieres"
-2006 Beaune, 1 er Cru, "Les Greves"
-2006 Nuits St. Georges, "Les Saints Juliens"
-2006 Nuits St. Georges, 1er Cru, "Les Thorey"
-2006 Volnay, 1er Cru, "Les Brouillards"
-2006 Volnay, 1er Cru, "Les Champans"*
-2006 Volnay, 1er Cru, "Les Tailepieds"
-2006 Pommard, 1er Cru, "Les Pezerolles"

White Burgundy
Domaine Goisot
-2006 Bourgogne-Aligote
-2007 Saint-Bris, Sauvignon
-2007 Bourgogne, Cotes d'Auxerre

Domaine Herve Azo
-2006 Petit Chablis
-2006 Chablis*
-2007 Chablis, Vau de Vey, 1er Cru

Paul Chapelle
-2006 Bourgogne Chardonnay
-2005 Meursault
-2005 Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Cru, Champgain

-Maison Deux Montille
-2006 Rully-Les Clous, 1er Cru
-2006 Montagny-Les Coeres, 1er Cru
-2006 Pernard-Vergelesses
-2006 Pouilly-Fuisse
-2006 Meursault, Casse Tete
-2006 Meursault, Tessons
-2006 Meursault, 1er Cru, Les Boucheres
-2006 Meursault, 1er Cru, Les Chames
-2006 Chassagne-Montrachet, 1er Cru, Les Chaumees
-2006 Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Cru, La Garenne

Chateau Puligny Montrachet
-2006 Meursault
-2006 Chassagne Montrachet
-2006 Puligny Montrachet
-2006 Meursault, 1er Cru, Les Poruzots

Bordeaux
Chateau Sainte Marie
-2007 Entre deux mers, Vielles Vignes*
-2006 Bordeaux Superieur, Vielles Vignes

Chateau Falfas
-2006 Cote de Bourg, Les Demoiselles de Falfas
-2005 Cotes de Bourg, Chateau Falfas

Loire Valley Dry Reds
Rene Noel Le Grand
-2006 Saumur-Champigny, Les Lizieres

Clos Rougeard
-2004 Saumur-Champigny

Pierre Gauthier, Domaine Bel Air
-2007 Bourgueil, Jour de Soif*
-2006 Bourgueil, les Vingt Lieux Dits

Chateau Pierre Bise
-2005 Anjou-Gamay, Sur Spilite
-2005 Anjou-Village, Sur Schistes*
-2006 Savennieres, Roche aux Moines*

Southern France
Mas de Daumas Gassac
-Guilhem Blanc, 2007*
-Mas de Daumas, Gassac Blan, 2007
-Guilhem Rouge, 2007*
-Mas de Daumas Gassac Rouge, 2006

Mas des Brousses
-Chasseur des Brousses, 2006
-Terraces de Larzac, Coteaux de Languedoc, 2006

Domaine Piquemal
-Cotes Catalanes, Cuvee Pierre Audonnet, 2006
-Cotes du Roussillon, 2005

Domaine de l"Hortus
-Classique Blanc, 2007
-Classique Rouge, Pic St. Loup, 2006
-Grande Cuvee, Pic St. Loup, 2006

Domaine La Cabotte
-Cotes du Rhone Rouge, 2006

Cave de Chante Perdrix
-Condrieu, 2007
-St. Joseph Rouge, 2006
-2005 St. Joseph Rouge, La Madone

Domaine de Fauterie
-2006 St. Joseph Rouge
-2005 Cornas

Chateau de Montmirail
-2006 Vacqueyras, Cuvee de l'Ermite
-2006 Gigondas, Cuvee de Beauchamp

Chateau de Gigognan
-2006 CDP Blanc, Clos du Roi
-2005 CDP, Cuvee du Regent
-2005 CDP, Clos du Roi

Domaine Richaud
-2006 Cotes du Rhone Rouge
-2006 Cairanne

Clos Marie
-2007 Manon Blanc
-2006 Simon
-2006 Metairies du Clos

Domaine de Trevallon
-2004 VdP des Bouches du Rhone Rouge
-2005 VdP des Bouches du Rhone Rouge

SPAIN
Xavier Clua
-2006 Mas d'en Pol Blanco
-2006 El Sola d'en Pol Tinto

Pere Guardiola
-2007 Floresta Blanco
-2006 Floresta Tinto

Carballal
-2007 Albarino, 7 Cepas
-2007 Albarino, Cepas Viejas

Josep Maria Vendrell
-2006 Montsant, Sere

Bodegas Zuazo Gaston
-2006 Rioja, Vendima Seleccionada
-2005 Rioja, Crianza
-2004 Rioja, Reserva

Loire Valley Dry Whites
Domaine Henry Pelle
-2007 Menetou-Salon, Morogues

Sylvain Bailly
-2006 Quincy
-2007 Sancerre Blanc, Terroirs
-2006 Sancerre, Prestige

Christian Thirot-Fournier
-Sancerre Blanc, 2006

Francois Chidaine
-2006 Montlouis, Les Choisilles*

Alsace
Domaine Roland Schmitt
-2007 Pinot Blanc
-2007 Riesling Glintzberg
-2007 Pinot Gris
-2007 Riesling, Grand Cru, Altenberg de Bergbieten, VV
-2007 Pinot Gris, Altenberg de Bergbieten
-2006 Gewurztraminer, Altenberg de Bergbieten*

Sparkling Wine
Dominique Piron
-NV Cremant de Bourgogne

Rimarts
-NV Cava Brut Reserva

Francois Chidaine
-NV Montlouis Brut

Domaine de la Fontainerie
-2005 Vouvray Brut

R.H. Coutier
-NV Brut Tradition Champagne, Grand Cru

Agrapart & Fils Champagne
-NV Brut Blanc de Blanc Champagne, Les 7 Crus
-NV Brut Blanc de Blanc, Terroirs, Grand Cru
-NV Brut Rose, Demoiselles, 1er Cru
-2002 Brut Blanc de Blancs, Mineral, Grand Cru
-2002 Brut Blanc de Blanc, l'Avizoise, Grand Cru

Domaine Balivet
-NV Bugey Cerdon

Ciders
Eric Bordelet
-2006 Sider Doux
-2007 Poire l'Authentique
-2006 Sidre Argelette
-2006 Poire Granit

Demi Sec & Sweet Wines
Francois Chidaine
-2006 Montlouis, Les Truffeaux
-2006 Montlouis, Clos Habert*

Domaine de la Fontainerie
-2003 Vouvray Moelleux

Chateau Pierre Bise
-2006 Coteaux du Layon, Les Rouannieres
-2005 Quarts de Chaume*

Chateau de Suronde
-2005 Quarts de Chaume

Domaine Piquemal
-1988 Rivesaltes Ambree, Age de Raison

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

Nickel & Nickel Tasting

-Searby, Chardonnay, Russian River, 2006
-Truchard, Chardonnay, Carneros, 2006
-Darien, Syrah, Russian River, 2005
-Dyer, Syrah, Carneros, 2005
-Harris, Merlot, Oakville, 2005
-Sori Bricco, Merlot, Diamond Mtn, 2005
-Branding Iron, Cab Sauv, Oakville, 2005
-Rock Cairn, Cab Sauv, Oakville, 2005
-Vogt, Cab Sauv, Howell Mtn, 2005
-Martin Stelling, Cab Sauv, 2005

All the wines were surprisingly good. They aren't made in the same style as most of the Napa Cabs that I've grown to love. The "Cult Cabs" are ultra ripe, plush and rich and opulent with a velvety. By contrast, these wines are pure, focused and ultimately lighter in style. I was pleased with them across the board. They were enjoyable.

Friday, October 17th, 2008

Same wines as yesterday, plus 1 or 2 more. Can't really remember.

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

-Stephen Vincent, Pinot Noir, Four Sisters, Sonoma Coast, 2006
-Martin Alfaro, Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mtns, 2006
-La Playa, Merlot, Colchagua, Chile, 2006
-Te Awa, Merlot, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 2005
-Chateau du Coulat, Lussac-Saint-Emilion, 2005

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

Peter Franus

-Peter Franus, Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, 2007 (I love this crap! Is so good.)
-Peter Franus, Cabernet Franc, Napa, 2005 (Okay)
-Peter Franus, Cabernet Sauvinon, Napa, 2005 (Excellent)
-Peter Franus, Red Wine, Napa, 2005 (Very good and creamy)
-Peter Franus, Mourvedre, Brandlin Vineyard, 2005 (Awesome)

Loire Valley
-Ch. de Vaugaudry, Chinon "Clos du Plessis-Gerbault", 2005 (Awesome)
-Chon, Muscadet, Serve-et-Maine Sur Lie Vielles Vignes, "Clos de La Chapelle", 2006 (Great)
-Dom. Aux Moines, Savennieres, "Roches aux Moines", 2004 (Loved it, super interesting)
-Dom. Deletang, Montlouis Demi-Sec "Les Bastisses", 2005
-Vincent Raimbault, Vouvray Sec "Les Roussieres", 2006

California
-Red Car Wine Co., Box Car, Pinot Noir, California, 2007
-Barlow, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

-Tr Elliot, Pinot Noir "Queste", Russian River Valley, 2006 (Very pure, elegant, and good. Just a touch too much alcohol for the elegance of the wine, but not off-putting)
-Schulz, Zinfandel, Mount Veeder, 2006
-Schulz, Syrah, Oak Knoll, 2006
-Schulz, Samuel's Cuvee, Napa, 2006

Great Burgundy's
These wines get a little confusing. They are all very good, none of them are bad, but they are very different that the wines that I'm accustomed to tasting. So there is a lot of nuance that my brain has trouble processing, but still understands that it is very good. The wines that I select to purchase are the wines that stand out as being the best, and as being the best values. They are a pleasure and delight to be able to taste.

-Domaine de Montille, Beaune, 1er Cru, "Les Sizies", 2006
-Domaine de Montille, Beaune, 1er Cru, "Les Greves", 2006
-Domaine de Montille, Nuits St. Georges, Les Saints Juliens, 2006 (Awesome, and great value)
-Domaine de Montille, Volnay, 1er Cru, "Les Mitans", 2006
-Domaine de Montille, Volnay, 1er Cru, "Les Champans", 2006 (Also awesome)
-Domaine de Montille, Beaune, 1er Cru, "Aigrots", 2006

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

-Bonny Doon, Ca del Solo, Muscat, 2007
-Bonny Doon, Le Cigare Blanc, California, 2005
-Bonny Doon, Le Pousseur, Syrah, California, 2005
-Esca, Syrah, Napa, 2004
-Esca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005

-Myriad, Syrah, Carneros, 2005

Friday, October 10th, 2008

Chris and Dana Gi's Wedding

-Aubert, Pinot Noir, Reuling Vineyard, 2004 (This was pretty stellar. My first Aubert Pinot Noir. I was impressed)
-Aubert, Pinot Noir, Reuling Vineyard, 2005 (Also very good, but a little bigger and slightly more clumsy than the 2004. Just not quite as elegant nor as well balanced.)

-Kenneth-Crawford, Syrah "Four Play", Santa Barbara, 2005
-Rinaldi, Petite Sirah, ?, ?

Tuesday, October 7th, 2008

Terry Thiese

-Undhof Salomon, Gruner Veltliner Hochterrasen, 2007
-Hirsch, Gruner Veltliner, Heiligenstein, Austria, 2006 (This was awesome stuff! I can't wait to share with others and see if they love it as much as I did)
-Hirsch, Gruner Veltliner, Lamm, Austria, 2003 (Clunky and disjointed. Very interesting terrior but out of whack)
-Lehrner, Blaufrankisch Ried Gfanger, Austria, 2006
-Glatzer, Zweigelt "Riedencuvee", Austria, 2005

Spain
-Alto Zano, Verdejo, 2007 (Buy it)
-Conde Valdemar, Rose, Rioja, 2007 (Buy it)
-Vina Borgia, Grenacha, 2007
-Paso a Paso, Tempranillo, La Mancha, 2006
-Conde Valdemar, Crianza, Rioja, 2004
-Conde Valdemar, Gran Reserva, 2001
-Emilio Moro, Ribera del Duero, 2005
-Mas Mallola, Marco Abella, Priorat, 2005
-Mas Mallola, Clos Abella, Priorat, 2004
-Ordonjez, Muscadelle, Malaga, 2005 (Buy 3 6-packs)
-Gonzalez Byass, Oloroso, Solera, 1847 (buy it)
-Alvear, Pedro Ximenez, Solera, 1927

Monday, October 6th, 2008

Just 1

-Charles Heidsieck, Rose, Reims, 1985 (this was a little flawed. Perhaps stored improperly and accelerated aging. It just didn't have great finesse and balance. It was dominant in burnt bread or burnt creme brulee smell. Not appealingly burnt, just too much burn. We still drank it.)

Sunday, October 5th, 2008

Frenchy's Bistro

-A Champagne whose name I can't recall

-Vinas Toredonia, Rioja Blanc, 1981 (very odd, but intriguing. I enjoyed tasting it, but not drinking it)
-Domaine de La Solitude, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2000 (This was awesome! Great stuff)

Saturday, October 4th, 2008

Same Spanish Wines as Yesterday, plus . . .

-Kuleto, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2003
-Cliff Lede, Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mtn., 2004 (This was awesome. Really, really awesome!)

-Stonestreet, Fifth Ridge, Alexander Valley, 2005

Friday, October 3rd, 2008

Glaetzer Lunch

-Stickleback White, Austrailia, 2007
-Heartland, Pinot Gris/Viognier, Langhorne Creek, 2007
-Heartland, Shiraz, Langhorne Creek, 2006
-Heartland, Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek, 2006
-Heartland, Director's Cut, Shiraz, Langhorne Creek, 2006
-Glaetzer, The Wallace Shiraz, Barossa, 2006
-Glaetzer, Bishop Shiraz, Barossa, 2006
-Glaetzer, Anaperenna, Barossa, 2006
-Glaetzer, Amon Ra, Barossa, 2007 (This was perhaps the greatest Shiraz I've ever had.)

-Darioush, Cabernet Franc, Napa, 2005
-Wolf, Cabernet Franc, Napa, 2005 (This was clearly the better of the two. Softer, supple and great purity and length)

Spain
-Mont-Marcel, Cava, NV
-ZaZa, Grenache Rose, Campo de Borja, 2007
-Torremorron, Ribera del Duero, 2007
-Ramos Pinto, Adriano Red, Portugal, 2006
-Falset-Marca, Grenache, Monsant, 2004

-Copain, Pinot Noir, Cerise Vineyard, Anderson Valley, 2006

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

The Celebration Continues . . .

-Bogle, Phantom, California, 2005
-O'Shaugnessy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mtn., 2005 (great, very dependable)

-Owen Roe, Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla, 2005 (Excellent!)
-Ampelos, Syrah-Grenache, Sta. Rita Hills, 2005 (Over-ripe. We thought it was from Paso. Underwhelming.)
-Produtto, Barberesco, Rio Sordo, Italy, 2001 (very good)
-Pedestal, Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2005 (Excellent. The best wine of the night for me.)
-Mount Veeder, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005 (excellent)
-Far Niente, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2004 (This was good, but not worth the price, at all. It was shockingly fruit driven. Almost void of backbone. The fruit was so tightly packed that it actually created a little structure for the wine, but it wasn't really from grape tannin. I enjoyed it and it was interesting. But I'm be happy to pay $40 for it, nothing more.)
-Valley of the Moon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 2003 (no need for notes on this one)
-Valley of the Moon, Port, 2001 (good)

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

-Gobelsburger, Riesling, Austria, 2007

-Laurent Perrier, Grand Siecle, Champagne, NV
-Bernkasteler Wolf, Riesling ?????
-Kosta Browne, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2005 (A great example of why people complain about California wines. The Alcohol and the fruit were overwhelming. It smelled beautiful and complex, but that intense aroma was carried by the heavy alcohol. And on the palate it was just too much. I totally understand why it appeals to people, but I don't understand why James Laube scores these wines so highly. I actually didn't like it. We left half a glass on the table.)

-Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, 1999 (perhaps the finest wine on the planet! It's just so freakin good. I've it a handful of times and it always evolves, from youth to aged, it always gets more compelling and complex in the absolute most intriguing ways. It is something that must be tasted to be believed. It's surreal and unlike any other beverage I've ever tasted. Get some!)

-Levendi, Late Harvest Chardonnay, Napa (This sucked compared to the d'Yquem)

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

Pinot Noir

-David Bruce, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2006
-Calera, Pinot Noir, Ryan Vineyard, 2005
-Dierberg, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, 2005
-Robert Craig, Zinfandel, Howell Mtn, 2006

-Graham Beck, Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa, 2007

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

The Magical 1981 Vintage

Louis Roederer, Blanc de Blanc Champagne, 2002 (very, very excellent)
Ricther, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel, Germany, 1982 (also excellent)
Chateau Nairac, Barsac, 2001 (another excellent wine)
Trotanoy, Merlot, Pomerol, 1981 (this was my favorite red of the night. Plenty of plumpness and fullness with silky tannin and fruit. It was just great.)
Chateau Montrose, Cabernet Blend, Saint Estephe, 1981 (Slightly off. It was probably cooked at some point in its life. However, Stetson thinks it was corked.)
Heitz Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bella Oaks, 1981 (this was good, but fell short after the Marth's)
Heitz Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Martha's Vineyard, 1981 (this was great and a great example of what California has to offer.)
Freemark Abbey, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1981 (This was good but not stunning)
Berard Pere & Fils, Cuvee Prestige, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 1981 (this was very good, and a nice change of pace from the Cabernet's)
Beringer, Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1981 (this wine wasn't very good)
Grigich Hills, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1981 (one of the best California wines of the night)
La Conseillente, Merlot, Pomerol, 1981 (probably my second favorite wine of the night. Super floral with potpouri aromas, it as delicious)
Ramos Pinto, 1983 Porto (this was a great end to the night)

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

Boys and Girls Club OC Wine Festival

Tangent, Sauvignon Blanc, Edna Valley, 2007
Diogenes, Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, 2006
75 Wine Co, Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, 2006
Ladera, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2006
Justin, Chardonnay, Paso Robles, 2006
Mirasou, Chardonnay, California, 2006
Aquinas, Chardonnay, Napa, 2006
Baileyana, Chardonnay, Grand Firepeak Cuvee, Edna, 2006
Justin, Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles, 2006
Alondra, Chardonnay, Mendocino, 2007
Tangent, Ecclestone, Edna Valley, 2007
La Playa, Chardonnay, Colchagua, Chile, 2007
Slingshot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
75 Wine Co., Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County, 2005
Ladera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
Justin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2006
Mirasou, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2006
Aquinas, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006
Louis Martini, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 2006
Red Rock, Merlot, California, 2006
Benessere, Costa del Sol, Napa, 2004
Mantra, Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, 2005
Orin Swift, The Prisoner, Napa, 2006
Prager, Petite Sirah Port, Lodi, Non Vintage
Palmina, Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara, 2007
Palmina, Rosato, Santa Barbara, 2007
Palmina, Barbera, Santa Barbara, 2006
Palmina, Arneis, Santa Barbara, 2006
Consilience, Syrah, Santa Barbara, 2006
Consilience, Petite Sirah, Santa Barbara, 2006
Bridlewood, Syrah, Central Coast, 2006
Baileyana, Syrah, Grand Firepeak Cuvee, Edna, 2006
Whitehaven, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, 2007
La Playa, Sauvignon Blanc, Chile, 2007
La Playa, Merlot, Chile, 2006
La Playa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, 2006
Martin Codax, Albarino, Rias Biaxas, Spain, 2006
Rojo Mojo, Shiraz, La Mancha, Spain, 2006
El Burro, ‘Kickass’ Garnacha, Navarra, Spain, 2006
Pico Madama, Monastrell/Petit Verdot, Jumilla, Spain, 2004
Gulfi, Rossojbleo, Nero d'Avola, Sicila, 2006
Farnetella, Tuscany, Italy, 2005
Castello di Farnetella, Chianti, Colli Senesi, 2005
Farnese, Sangiovese, Italy, 2006
ZaZa, Garnacha Rose, Borja, Spain, 2007
Domaine Hourchart, Rose, France, 2007
Domaine de Mourchon, Rose, France, 2007
La Playa, Cabernet Sauvignon Rose, Chile, 2006
Ramos Pinto, Adriano Blanco, Portugal, 2006
Ramos Pinto, Adriano Red, Portugal, 2006
Domaine de Mourchon, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, France 2006
Delas, Merlot, Vin de Pays, France, 2006
Domaine Wardy, Shiraz, Lebenon, 2005
Farnese, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy, 2005
Zonin, Chianti, Italy, 2006
Protocolo, Tempranillo, Spain, 2006
Ariel, Blanc, California
Ariel, Rouge, California
Ariel, Merlot, California
J. Lohr, Riesling, California, 2006
J. Lohr, Valdeguie, California, 2006
J. Lohr, Syrah, Central Coast, 2005
J. Lohr, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2005
Bogle, Sauvignon Blanc, California, 2006
ZD, Chardonnay, California, 2006
Aquinas, Pinot Noir, Napa, 2006
Mirasou, Merlot, California, 2006
Roundhill, Chardonnay, California, 2006
Tiera, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, 2006
Werner, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel, Germany, 2006
Guigal, Tavel Rosé, France, 2004
Domaine Dinjac, Peljesac, Croatia, 2006
J.Heinrich, Blaufrankish, Austria, 2006
L & L, ‘Goodchild’ Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 2006
L & L, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2006
L & L, Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Valley View’, Santa Barbara, 2005
L & L, Petite Sirah, Santa Barbara, 2005
King, Chardonnay, Monterey, 2006
King, Viognier, Lodi, 2007
King, Merlot, Solano, 2007
King, Cabernet Franc, Central Coast, 2005
Hope, Sauvignon Blanc, California, 2006
Hope, Chardonnay, California, 2006
Hope, Merlot, California, 2006
Hope, Zinfandel, California, 2006
Las Olas, Chardonnay, California, 2006
Las Olas, Merlot, California, 2006
Las Olas, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2006

Friday, September 27th, 2008

-Gobelsberg, Riesling Kabinett, Austria, 2007
-Codax, Albarino, Rias Biaxas, Spain, 2007
-King, Syrah, Solano, California, 2007
-Zonin, Nero d'Avola, Sicily, 2006
-Bridesmaid, Red Wine, Napa, 2004

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

-Pare Guar Diola, Floresta, Spain, 2007
-Sete Cepas, Albarino, Rias Biaxas, Spain, 2007
-L'Alleu, Montsant, 2004
-Sere, Montasant, 2006
-Clua, Terra Alta, Spain, 2006

-Agrapart, Les Demoiselles, Rose, NV
-Agrapart, B de B, Mineral, 2002
-Agrapart, Les 7 Crus, B de B, NV
-Agrapart, L'Avizoise, B de B, 2002
-R.H. Coutier, Grand Cru, Champagne, NV
-Chidaine, Rose Touranine, NV

-Weinrieder, Gruner Veltliner, Late Harvest, Austria, 2006
-Portuguese White
-S.C. Pannel, Sauvignon Blanc, McLaren Vale, 2006
-Quintas des Roques, Tinto Rouge, Dao, 2005
-Quarterback Red, McLaren Vale, 2005
-Mr. Riggs, Shiraz, AU, 2005
-Mr. Riggs, Shiraz/Viognier, AU, 2005
-Kopke, 10 year Tawny Port
-Kopke, 20 year Tawny Port

Monday, September 23rd, 2008

-Harlan Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1998
-Staglin, Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Napa, 1999

Sunday, September 21, 2008

-Baileyana, Pinot Noir 'Grand Firepeak Cuvee', Edna Valley, 2005

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

-Hill Family, Chardonnay, Carly's Cuvee, Napa, 2006
-Acacia, Pinot Noit, Lone Tree Vineyard, 2006
-Cade, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005 (Very good. Dense and fine grainy tannin.)
-Lindstrom, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap District, 2005 (This was another superstar from Celia Masyczek. I hate to jump on her bandwagon, but each time I have her wines, they are very unique, pure and just in a class all their own. Her wines encompass all the beauty that other high-end and Cult Napa Cabs have, but they also have an additional "wow" factor. Supremely plush, supremely rich, deep, complex, very pure. Not quite as perfect as Corra, but still a pretty impresive showing. Get some!)

Friday, September 20th, 2008

Chuck Norris Wines

-La Forge Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Languedoc, France, 2006
-Chateau Courlat, Cuvee Jean Baptiste, Lussac-St. Emillion, France, 2005
-Chateau Mourgues du Gres, Galets Rouge, Nimes, 2006
-Kenneth Crawford, Syrah 'Four Play', Santa Barbara, 2005
-Bogle, Phantom, California, 2005

-Sloan, Asterisk, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa, 2003 (This wine was absolutely shut-down. No flash at all. No aroma at all. I'm not sure what to think of this wine.)
-Shelter, Headwater, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005 (Very good. Consistently over delivers)
-Blackjack, Harmonie, Santa Barbara, 2003 (This was surprisingly good. Plenty of depth, length, fully ripe. Excellent.)

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

-Vrtlunsko, Posip (grape name), Kara, Korcula (Region), 2005 (excellent)
-Gue Rilla, Pinela, Slovenia, 2006 (Interesting but not particulary tasty)
-Sommer, Gruner Veltliner, Burgenland, 2006 (Excellent, richer and great)
-Kaesler, Avignon, Barossa, 2006 (Excellent, concentrated, deep, not overly ripe)
-Kaesler, Stonehorse, GSM, Barossa, 2006 (Good but not unique)
-Kaesler, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa, 2006 (Ripe, Opulent, not my style but not bad)
-Glaetzer, Wallace, Shiraz/Grenache, Barossa, 2006 (good but tired. It's been open 3 days)

-Z-Mor, Gewurztraminer, Russian River, 2006 (Excellent. Better than a Zind-Humbrecht I had recently)
-Z-Mor, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2006 (Odd, sugary aromas on the nose, like candied apple, but more than is normally exhibited from this region. Not sure what the character was that I smelled. It was light and thin, and overall lacking complexity.)
-Bucklin, Old Ranch Zinfandel, Bambino, Sonoma, 2006 (This was good. It had 10% Alicante Bouchet which was indentifiable to me in a cotton-mouth type of drying tannin, not a gripping abrasive tannin.)
-Covenant, Red C, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006 (Not great)
-Nadeau, Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, 2005 (Really ripe, but pretty darn good)

-Dominique Piron, Beaujolais Village, 2006 (corked)
-Chateau Puligny Montrachet, Monthelie, 2006 (excellent)
-Chateau La Canorgue, Luberon, France, 2005 (Very good)
-Goiset, Sauvignon, Saint-Bris, Burgundy, 2007 (excellent, tons of minerality)

-Terry Hogue, Grenache Syrah, Paso Robles, 2004 (excellent, smelled like Alban Syrah)
-Benesseree, Sangiovese, Napa, 2004 (also excellent)

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Ovid and Duckhorn

-Ovid, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005 $175
(Not sure what think. The wine was good, but not the best Cabernet I've had. It is a new "Cult" project but I'm not convinced it is as good as the other Cult Cab's on the market. It did not compete with the Hundred Acre on Friday evening, not the Harlan from the week before. This is only my preliminary opinion and I'll gladly retaste and re-evaluate my opinion in the near future. I did like the wine and I will buy it, but I'll need to be reassured before purchasing future vintages. )

Duckhorn Vineyards Tasting
All these wines sucked. There was not a "great" wine in the line-up. Some were overripe and remindful of Paso Robles Cabernet. Of all the wines, the Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot Noir's were the best, but still overpriced. While the wine always sells itself, I know feel morally conflicted about selling them.

-Duckhorn, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2007
-Duckhorn, Pinot Noir 'Migration', Anderson Valley, 2006
-Goldeneye, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 2005
-Duckhorn, Merlot, Napa, 2006
-Duckhorn, Merlot, Three Palms, Napa, 2005
-Duckhorn, Merlot, Estate Grown, Napa, 2005
-Duckhorn, Red Wine, Howell Mtn, 2004
-Decoy, Red Wine, Napa, 2006
-Duckhorn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
-Duckhorn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown, 2005
-Paraduxx, Red Wine, Napa, 2005
-Goldeneye, Pinot Noir, Confluence Vineyard, Anderson Valley, 2005
-Goldeneye, Pinot Noir, Gowan Creek Vineyard, Anderson Valley, 2005
-Duckhorn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Monitor Ledge Vineyard, 2005
-Duckhorn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Patzimaro Vineyard, 2005

This was a sad tasting.

Sunday, September 15th, 2008

Gibbeses . . .eses

-Dom Perignon, Champagne, 1990 (magnum) (This was excellent out of the proper stemware, but my stem sucked. It was thick and clunky. The wine was flat and not very good. I was sad.)
-Fiddlehead Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Hirsch Vineyards, Pinot Noir, The Bohan Dillon, Sonoma Coast, 2006 (Surprisingly great. Thoroughly enjoyable. Better than I remember.)
-Rivers Marie, Pinot Noir, Occidental Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, 2006 (This lived up to it's potential, but I wish I hadn't opened it. I won't open another until 2010.)
-Owen Roe, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washintgon, 2005 (also very good, but a little bit light.)

Friday, September 13th, 2008

A Big Night

-Hundred Acre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Kayli Morgan Vineyard, 2004 (This bottle was dissapointing. It was very good, but not phenomenal. The one redeeming quality, for the price, is that was unique. It had a Bordeaux-ness to it and after a day or two, I read Parker's notes, who likened it to Pomerol producers Le Pin and Petrus. I don't have much experience with any of those producers, but the bottling was very good and unique. Not good enough to buy it again at $200+ a bottle, but I'm glad that I do own some a couple of bottles to drink over the years.)

-Chateau Monbouquet, Saint-Emilion, 2005 (This was phenomenal! It blew away the Hundred Acre Cab, and it is 1/3 the price. It smelled of coffee and dark chocolate. While I loved it, I won't be opening another bottle for 10 years. It's going to be a highlight wine of the vintage, if it isn't already.)

-Te Awa, Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 2006
-Domaine de Mourchon, Cotes du Rhone Rose, 2007
-Eradus, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2006
-Te Awa, Merlot, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 2004
-Vina Gormaz, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2006
-Gina, Merlot, California, 2005
-Gina, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2005

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

Domaine de Mourchon, Cotes du Rhone, 2005
Quinta dos Rouques, Tinto, Dao, 2003

I know that there were about 5 other wines this night that I didn't write down, but we did taste this night.

Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Special Selection, 2002
Chasseur, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2006
Fisticuffs, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
Esca, Zinfandel, Napa, 2005

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

Mixed Wines

-Famega, Vinho Branco, Portugal, 2007
-Hacienda Don Ramon, Rioja, 2006
-Torremayor, Tempranillo, Ribera del Guadiana, 2004
-Pago Florentino, La Mancha, 2005
-Arzuaga, Ribera del Duero, 2005
-Finca Abril, Rapsodia, Malbec, 2005

-Reverdy, Sancerre, 2007
-Servin, Chablis, Cuvecles Pargues, 2006
-JC Cellars, The First Date, California, 2006
-JC Cellars, Zinfandel, Arrowhead Mtn, Sonoma, 2005
-White Cottage, Risa, Napa, 2004
-Gridley, Cabernet Franc, Napa, 2005

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

-Crocker & Starr, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2007 (Good)
-Whitehall Lane, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2007 (Good)
-Harlan, The Maiden, Napa, 2000 (Excellent. Lighter than expected. Cedar box and graphite character, almost reminescent of 2003 Left Bank Bordeaux.)
-Harlan Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2001 (It lived up to the hype. Super opulent and plush, but layered and velvety. Tremendous length. You can almost overlook it's greatness, that is until you taste another wine and realize how much better the Harlan is.)
-Dalle Valle, Maya, Napa, 1998 (This bottle was flawed. It wasn't corked, but it had a weird slight fizz and just felt disjointed)
-Alban, Syrah 'Lorraine', Edna Valley, 2003 (This was the 2nd best bottle of the night, after the Harlan. It was a spicier, racy style, and a little more fun to drink. Certainly didn't have the refinement of the Harlan, but offered a great, unique experiance.)

-Pali, Pinot Noir, Turner Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, 2006 (very good)

Saturday, September 6th, 2008

Weinrieder, Gruner Veltliner, Weinviertel, Austria, 2007
Bridesmaid, Proprietary White, Napa, 2006
J.Heinrich, Blaufrankisch, Austria, 2006
Siete 7, Navarra, Spain, 2007
J.L. Chave, Cotes du Rhone, France, 2006

Friday, September 5th, 2008

Diogenes, Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, 2006
Bridesmaid, Proprietary White, Napa, 2006
Rockledge, Primitivo, St. Helena, 2006
Ridge, Three Valleys, Sonoma, 2006
J.L. Chave, Cotes du Rhone, France, 2006
Kamen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 2005
D.R. Stephens, DR II, Napa, 2005

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

San Marcos Creek Winery

-Zinfandel
-Petite Sirah
-Nebbiolo
-Syrah
-Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
-Epiphany

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

-Domaine de Solitude, Cotes du Rhone Rose, France, 2007
-Maison Champy, Bourgogne Chardonnay, 2006
-Maison Champy, Bourgogne Pinot Noir, 2006
-Domaine de Solitude, Cotes du Rhone, 2005
-J.L. Chave, Cotes du Rhone, Mon Coeur, 2006

Monday, September 1st, 2008

Labor Day

Palate Builders, Biodynamics vs. Organics vs. Conventional Farming

-Domaine Ostertag, Pinot Noir 'Fronholz', Alsace, France, 2006
-Robert Sinsky, Aries, Pinot Noir, Carneros, 2006
-Chesebro, Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, 2006
-Copain, Pinot Noir, Cerise Vineyard, Anderson Valley, 2006
-Bonny Doon, Albarino, Monterey, 2006
-Zind-Humbrecht, Gewurztraminer, Alsace, 2005
-Frey, Zinfandel, Mendocino, 2006
-Batic, Cabernet Franc, Vipava, Slovenia, 2006
-Jim Barry, Cabernet Sauvignon, The Cover Drive, Australia, 2006
-Owen Roe, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA, 2006

Sunday, August 31st, 2008

8 Year Anniversary @ A.O.C.

Just 1 glass

-Didier Dagueneau, Silex, Pouilly Fume, France, 2004 (it was good, but probably in a little bit of a dumb phase. Not as concentrated as when it is fresh, but not as layered and deep as when it is aged)

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

Same wines as yesterday

Friday, August 29th, 2008

-Blackjack, Chardonnay '21', Santa Barbara, 2006
-Beckman, Grenache Rose, Purisima Mtn. Santa Ynez, 2006
-Beneseree, Costa del Sol, Napa, 2004
-Edmunds St. John, Rocks and Gravel, California, 2005
-Cuvelier Los Andes, Mendoza, Argentina, 2005

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Hudson, Chardonnay, Carneros, 2006
Frank Family, Chardonnay, Napa, 2006
Kamen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 2005

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

-Ternato, Some Sort of Riesling, Austria, 2006
-Kurt Angerer, Gruner Veltliner, Wachau, Austria, 2006
-Adelaida, Pinot Noir, SLO, 2005
-Adelaida, Schoolhouse Crush, Paso, 2005
-Chateau Margues du Gres, Les Galet Rouges, Nimes, 2006
-Nadeau, Zinfandel, The Bouncer, Paso, 2005

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

Lunch at Lucques with Etienne de Montille

Obviously, this is a great tasting, and one that very few people are ever exposed to. I elected to omit tasting notes because these wines teach you how little you actually can define about them. They constantly evolve and tasting notes become irrelavent, and almost miss the point of the experiance entirely.

Instead, I've enlarged and bolded the text on the wines that I liked most, the wines that I found to be most complete and intriguing. The lesser known appellation of Pernand-Vergelesses really stood out, as did the Grand Crus and the older vintages (surprise, surprise).

Lastly, the 2004's stood out as a particularly poor vintage next to the 2005 and 2006's. The 2004 reds smelled rotten and while the whites didn't smell offensive they were fat and did lack acid and structure.

-Deux Montille, Montagney, 1er Cru, Les Coeres, 2005
-Deux Montille, Rully, 2006
-Deux Montille, Rully, 1er Cru, Les Clous, 2006
-Deux Montille, Montagny, 1er Cru, Les Coeres, 2006
-Deux Montille, Saint Romain, 2006
-Deux Montille, Pernand-Vergelesses, 2006
-Deux Montille, Auxey-Duresses, 2006
-Deux Montille, Pouilly-Fuisse, 2006
-Deux Montille, St. Aubin, 1er Cru, Sur Gamay, 2006
-Deux Montille, St. Aubin, 1er Cru, Murgers des Dents de Chien, 2006
-Deux Montille, Pernand-Vergelesses, Sous Fretille, 2006

Whites
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Monthelie, Blanc, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, St. Aubin, 1er Cru, En Remilly, Blanc, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Blanc, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Blanc, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Blanc, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, 1er Cru, Les Poruzots, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Cru, Les Chalumeaux, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Bourgogne Rose de Pinot Noir, 2007
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Bourgogne, Clos du Chateau, Blanc, 2005
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Monthelie, Blanc, 2004
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, St. Romain, Blanc, 2004
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Blanc, 2005
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, 1er Cru, Les Poruzots, 2004
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Cru, Les Chalumeaux, 2005

Reds
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Monthelie, Rouge, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Monthelie, 1er Cru, Les Duresses, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, St. Aubin, 1er Cru, En Remilly, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Pommard, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Nuits Saint Georges, 1er Cru, Clos des Grandes Vignes, 2006
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, St. Aubin, 1er Cru, En Remilly, 2004
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, Pommard, 2004
-Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, St. Aubin, 1er Cru, En Remilly, 2005

Reds
-Domaine de Montille, Beaune, 1er Cru, Les Greves, 2006
-Domaine de Montille, Volnay, 1er Cru, Les Taillepieds, 2006
-Domaine de Montille, Pommard, 1er Cru, Les Rugiens, 2006
-Domaine de Montille, Corton, Grand Cru, Clos du Roi, 2006

Library Wines
-Domaine de Montille, Bourgogne Rouge, 2002
-Domaine de Montille, Volnay, 1er Cru, Les Champans, 2000
-Domaine de Montille, Volnay, 1er Cru, Les Mitans, 2002 (Magnum)
-Domaine de Montille, Volnay, 1er Cru, Les Taillepieds, 1998
-Domaine de Montille, Pommard, 1er Cru, Les Pezerolles, 1999
-Deux Montille, St. Aubin, 1er Cru, Sur Gamay, 2004
-Chateau Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, 1er Cru, Les Perrieres, 2004
-Domaine de Montille, Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Cru, Le Cailleret, 2004
-Chateau Puligny Montrachet, Chevalier Montrachet, Grand Cru, 2001

Monday, August 25th, 2008

Palate Builders - A Class on Clones

-Hilltop Winery, Cersages Fuserege, Hungary, 2007
-Manciat Poncet, Macon Charnay, France, 2006
-Cobblestone, Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, 2003
-Alban, Viognier, Central Coast, 2007
-A.P. Vin, Pinot Noir, Gary's Vineyard, 2005
-Flying Goat, Pinot Noir, Clone 667, Rio Vista, 2005
-Aston, Pinot Noir, Clone 777, Sonoma Coast, 2006
-Aston, Pinot Noir, Clone, 115/667, Sonoma Coast, 2006
-Domaine du Mourchon, Cotes du Rhone, France, 2005
-Massena, Midnight Run, GSM, Barossa, Australia, 2006

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008

Same as yesterday

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008

Same as yesterday

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

-Hilltop Winery, Cserzszegi Fuszeres, Neszmely, Hungary, 2006
-Weinrieder, Gruner Veltliner, DAC Weinvertal, Austria, 2007
-Svirce, Plavac Hvar, Croatia, 2006
-J. Heinrich, Blaufrankisch, Mittelburgenland, Austria, 2006
-Juris, St. Laurent, Neusiedlersee, Austria, 2006

-Blackjack, Harmonie, Santa Barbara, 2003

Thursday, August 21st, 2008

Mixed Bag

-Teira, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, 2006
-Hirsch Vineyards, The Bohan Dillon, Pinot Noir, 2006
-Fieldstone, Convivio, Alexander Valley, 2006
-Villa Creek, Mas de Maha, Paso Robles, 2005

-Some odd Hungarian red

Tuesday, August 19th, 2008

Lee Hudson dinner at Palate Food + Wine

This was a pretty stunning meal. Lee brought a pig down from Napa in a suitcase and the resturant used it as a base to plan the meal around. The night was long, lavish, and the wines and food were excellent. I highly recommend the restaurant.

Wine
-Some nameless Bandol Rose that was excellent
-a nameless Lambrusco
-Hudson, Chardonnay, Carneros, 2006
-Hudson, Syrah, Carneros, 2006

Food
-Assorted charchutrie plate
-Potted Pork
-Potted Poulet
-Olives, citrus, thyme + e.v. olive oil
-pickled lemon cucumber
-pickled apricot
-coddled duck egg, shaved summer truffles
-szechuan pig eags on finley lettuce, melon, shallots
-Wild sea bass, tomatoes, stewed octopus
-Lee's Suitcase Pig, whole roasted, yellow + green beans, roasted garlic
-assorted cheeses
-stone fruit crumble + lemon verbena ice cream

Monday, August 18th, 2008

Palate Builders, Vineyard Practices

-Hook & Ladder, Gewurztraminer, RRV, 2006
-La Playa, Sauvignon Blanc, Colchagua, Chile, 2007
-Orin Swift, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2006
-Babcock, Pinot Gris, Santa Ynez, 2007
-Bernard Morey, Maranges, La Fussieres, 2004
-Camus Bruchon, Savigny-les-Beaune, Burgundy, 2005
-Babcock, Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Stolpman, Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2001
-Tokaji, Furmint, Hungary, 2003

Friday, August 15th, 2008

Dinjac, Peljesac, Croatia, 2006
Scavino, Dolcetto d'Alba, Italy, 2006
Homefire, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, 2006
Ridge, Three Valleys, Zinfandel, 2006
Mantra, Zinfandel, Alexander, 2005

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Lagar de Cervera, Albarino, Rias Biaxas, Spain, 2006
Casamaro, Tempranillo, Rueda, Spain, 2006
Tilia, Sauvignon Blanc, Vipava, Slovenia, 2007
Slingshot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
Naiades, Verdejo, Rueda, Spain, 2005

Wednesday, August 13th, 2008

-Phantom Rivers, Sauvignon Blanc, Barnwood Vineyard, Santa Barbara, 2006
-Te Awa, Chardonnay, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, 2007
-Phantom Rivers, Pinot Noir, Wolff Vineyard, Edna Valley, 2006
-Costa del Sol, Red Wine, Napa, 2004

-Robert Oatley, Sauvignon Blanc, West Oz, 2008
-Robert Oatley, Pinot Grigio, South Oz, 2008
-Robert Oatley, Chardonnay, Mudgee, AU, 2007
-Robert Oatley, Shiraz, Mudgee, AU, 2007

-Domaine Roland Schmitt, Gewurztraminer, Alsace, 2007
-Syvain Bailly, Sancerre, Terroirs, France, 2007
-Manciat-Poncet, Macon-Charnay, France, 2007
-Bergerie l'Hortus, Rose de Saignee, Coteaux du Languedoc, 2007

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

-Schmelz, Gruner Veltliner, Loibner Garten, Wachau, 2007
-Some Italian Grignalino that was okay

-Alexana, Pinot Gris, Dundee, Oregon, 2007
-Alexana, Pinot Noir, Dundee, Oregon, 2006
-Revana, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005

-Substance, Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, 2007
-Substance, Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, 2007
-Vizcarra, Ribera del Duero, Roble, Spain, 2006
-Segries, Lirac Rouge, Cuvee Reserve, 2005
-Palazzo, Red, Napa, 2005

August, 11th, 2008

Palate Builders, Hyper-Tasting

-Guigal, Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, France, 2005
-Magnus, Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia, 2004
-Weinrieder, Riesling, Kuglar, Austria, 2006
-Blind Trail, Pinot Noir, Central Otago, 2003
-Sonoma Cuvee, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2006
-Chateau Margene, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2004
-Fieldstone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander, 2004
-Catalina Sounds, Pinot Noir, Nelson, 2006
-Hollis, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2005
-Sylvain Bailly, Sancerre Rouge, France, 2005

Saturday, August 9th, 2008

Same as yesterday.

Friday, August 8th, 2008

-Cantine del Taburno, Falanghina, Campania, 2007
-Werner & Sohn, Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany, 2006
-Terrunos, Siete 7, Navarra, Spain, 2007
-Vina Cobos, Merlot, La Garto, Mendoza, 2006
-Rockledge, Primitivo, St. Helena, 2003

-Harris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Jake's Creek, Napa, 2005
-Caravan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

-Manciat-Poncet, Macon-Rouge, 2006
-Chidaine, Vouvray, Les Agiles, 2006
-Chidaine, Montlouis, Les Choisilles, 2006
-Chidaine, Montlouis Clos Boudoin, 2006

-Gruet, Blanc de Noir, Sparkling Wine, New Mexico
-Hook & Ladder, Gewurztraminer, Russian River, 2007
-Paro, Sketches, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 2006
-Owen Roe, Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla, 2005

-Prevail, Back Forty, Sonoma, 2004

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008

-Markowitsch, Gruner Veltliner, Carnuntum, 2007
-Ostatu, Rioja Blanco, Spain, 2007
-Pey-Marin, Riesling, Marin County, 2007
-Domaine Grands Bois, Cotes du Rhone, France, 2006
-Fieldstone, Convivio, Alexander Valley, 2005
-Grinning Man, Grenache, Barossa, 2004

Tuesday, August 5th, 2008

Just 2 again,

-Robert Craig, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder, 2005
-Robert Craig, Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mtn, 2005

Both wines were very good. The Veeder had considerable more tight, tannin structure, with a fine graininess to it. While the Howell was more opulent and fleshy. Both were excellent and represent great potential for aging.

Monday, August 4th, 2008

Palate Builders, A History of Wine

-Hollis, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2005

-Chateau Jihau, Brewed Malt, Hawthorne, Honey, and grape concentrate
-Szoke, Irsai Oliver, Matsai, Hungary, 2006
-Agrapart, Les 7 Crus, Blanc de Blanc, Champagne, NV
-Yarden, Chardonnay, Katzrin, Galilee, Israel, 2003
-d'Arenberg, Shiraz, The Footbolt, McLaren Vale, 2004
-La Cigarrera, Manzanilla, Sherry, Jerez, NV
-La Playa, Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 2005
-Kalin, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 1994
-Dinjac, Peljesac, Dalmatia Coast, Croatia, 2006

Saturday, August 2nd, 2008

-Chesebro, Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, 2006
-Lemelson, Pinot Noir, Jerome's Reserve, Willamette, 2005
-Windward, Pinot Noir, Monopole, Paso Robles, 2005
-Chasseur, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2006
-Truckee River Winey, Pinot Noir, Best Man, Gary's Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highland, 2003

Friday, August 1st, 2008

-Elvenglade, Pinot Noir, Yamhill County, 2006
-Grochau Cellars, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2006
-Quercus Cellars, Harmonia, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2006
-Martin Alfaro, "A", Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz, 2006
-Stephen Vincent, Pinot Noir, Four Sisters Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, 2006

-Linne Calodo, Sticks and Stones, GSM, Paso Robles, 2006
-Orin Swift, Mercury Head, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

-Hedges, CMS White, Columbia Valley, 2006
-Las Vals, Rousanne, Corbieres, France, 2004
-Batic, Cabernet Franc, Slovenia, 2006
-Larkmead, Firebelle, Meritage, Napa, 2005

-Chateau St. Jean, Cinq Cepage, Sonoma, 2001

Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

Just 2

-Conviviale, Pinot Grigio, Pavia, Italy, 2007
-Paro, Pinot Noir, Sketches, Anderson Valley, 2006

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Qupe and Adelsheim

-Qupe, Marsanne, Santa Ynez, 2007
-Qupe, Bien Nacido Cuvee, Santa Ynez, 2007
-Qupe, Chardonnay, Block 11, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Qupe, Rousanne, Santa Ynez, 2005
-Qupe, Syrah, Central Coast, 2006
-Qupe, Los Olivos Cuvee, SMG, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Qupe, Syrah, Bien Nacido, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Qupe, Syrah, Hillside Estate, Santa Ynez, 2004

-Adelsheim, Chardonnay, CH, Willamette, 2006
-Adelsheim, Pinot Gris, Willamette, 2006
-Adelsheim, Rose Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2007
-Adelsheim, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2006
-Adelsheim, Pinot Noir, Elizabeth's Reserve, 2006

Monday, July 29th, 2008

Bure Release Party at Campanile

-Bure, Nuit Blanche, Sauvignon/Semillon, 2007
-Bure, Majesty Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
-Chateau Boswell, Chardonnay, Dutton Ranch, Martens Vineyard, 2006
-Jacquelynn, Cuvee Blanc, Napa, 2007
-Cuthbert, Carignan Blanc/Grenache Gris, Rousillon, 2007
-Chateau Boswell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Reserve, 2005
-Chaeau Boswell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Vineyards, 2005
-Jacquelynn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2006
-Jacquelynn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Tokalon, 2006

Bob Saget was here for some reason.

Sunday, July 28th, 2008

Gnarls Barkley Concert

-Henriot, Brut Souvereign, Champagne, NV
-Allen Scott, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, ?
-Demetria, Papou, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Rose, Tavel, 2006?
-Jaffurs, Grenache, Verna's, 2006

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

Same wines as yesterday, plus

-Marchesi Alfieri, San Germano, Pinot Noir, Monterato, Italy, 2005

Friday, July 25th, 2008

M Grapes

-Clos du Caillou, Cotes du Rhone Blanc, 2006
-Pucho, Mencia, Bierzo, 2006
-Cassamaro, Tinto, Rueda, 2007
-Bodega Benegas, Don Tiburcio, Mendoza, 2006
-Chateau Mazeris, Canon Fronsac, Bordeaux, 2005
-Chateau de Pibarnon, Restanques de Pibarnon, Bandol, France, 2003

-Bricco, Meritage, Columbia Valley, 2005
-Maybach, Materium, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2005
-Postup, Peljesac Peninsula, Croatia, 2005
-Barrell 27, Syrah, Santa Maria, 2005

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

Mostly Aussie

-Craftsman, Cserszegi Fuszere, 2007
-Poonwatta Estate, Riesling, Eden Valley, 2006
-Quinta dos Roques, Touriga Nacional, Dao, Portugal, 2002
-S.C. Pannell, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2005
-Kaesler, Shiraz, Stonehorse, Barossa, 2005
-Glaetzer, Annaperenna, Shiraz, Barossa, 2006

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

Napa Rose Dinner

-Laurent Perrier, Grand Siecle, Champagne, NV (phenomenal. I kept coming back to this wine throughout the meal because it was so good)
-Dr. Berekin-Wolf, Riesling, Alsace, 2006 (good, petrol nose, nice full body and zesty acidity)
-Nora, Albarino, Rias Biaxas, Spain, 2007 (nice)
-Feudi San Gregorio, Falanghina, Italy, 2007 (okay)
-Trimbach, Gewurztraminer, Alsace, 2001 (excellent!)
-William Ferve, Chablis, Fourchame Premier Cru, 2006
-Les Pallieres, Gigondas, 2005
-Felsina, Chianti Classico Reserva, 2004 (loved this wine. Not sure of the price, but I thought it was excellent)
-Lasseter, Meritage, Sonoma, 2004 (great wine. Didn't work with the meal, but a great wine.)
-Inniskillin, Cabernet Franc, Icewine, Niagra, 2005 (Ripe, strawberry compote flavors, but pretty one dimensional)
-Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, 1999 (such a good wine. Secondary characteristics are starting to show. Developed a lot more complexity since the last time I taste it last February.)
-Louis XIII Cognac (the nose is so intensely alcoholic. The palate is ultra smooth and has tremendous length, but I have a hard time overlooking the heat. I'd rather drink wine.)