Friday, March 6th, 2009

Another big day of superstars.

Vina Cobos, El Felino, Malbec, Mendoza, 2007
This was awesome. It's under $20 and it's awesome. It's the Paul Hobbs project in Argentina.

Flux, Tempranillo/Graciano/Mourvedre, Lake County, 2008 (Barrel Sample)
This is barrel sample made by Mark Herold. Opaque purple in color, with vibrant edges. It will not be bottled for 12 months. It had soaring aromatics and tremendous purity. It's tough to gauge at this young state, but suffice to say, it's delicious. Still has vibrant acidity, but lacks body and texture. It should retail for $35 when it is release in 18 months.

?????, Petite Sirah, St. Helena, 2005
This was good. It's just some small vineyard in St. Helena, small production, can't remember the name but it was fine.

Kobalt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006
Another stunner Kobalt. Same price as last year. To me it was more concentrated and rich than last year, but Kevin (the owner) claimed that it was more elegant than the previous vintage. Go figure. The wine rocks. It's all blueberries and creme, really finely grained tannin, richness but also plenty of finesse, their is just a touch of sweetness to the fruit, and the finish lingers with slight cocoa and vanilla bean nuances for over a minute. It's one of the great Napa Cabs in the $100 price range.

Bond, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vecina, Napa, 2002
WOWZA! Bond is one of the greats. Part of the Harlan Portfolio, Bond is also made by Bob Levy from highside vineyards in different parts of Napa. The wine showcases all the class and form of Harlan, but isn't as opulent. I dare say, I think I prefer Bond to Harlan. It is slightly more firm and poised. The wine is NEAR PERFECT. What is it missing? I'm not sure, but I hesitate to claim it's absolute perfection. I really wish I could afford these wines, because I would buy by the case. They are sensational!!!!!!! If you own this wine, don't be afraid to open it. Pervious experiences with Bond had me thinking that I should age the wine for 10 years, but this was different. It was absolutely singing right now. Get into them!

Lillian, Syrah, White Hawk Vineyard, California, 2005
Maggie Harrison is the owner, she was assistant winemaker at SQN for 10 years. Her entire training has come from Manfred Krankl, and it shows in the wine. This is a new contender for finest wine in the ultra-concentrated, super-ripe, but plenty of structure and tannin sytle of Sine Qua Non, Alban, Saxum, etc. I loved it. I loved smelling it. It's a great wine, and a seminal work of Mrs. Maggie Harrison.


PInot Noir Night
Dominque Morel, Beaujolais Village, 2007 - Awesome
Domain de Roche, Bourgogne Rouge, France, 2006 - Awesome
Grouchau Cellars, Pinot Noir, Toute de Suite, Willamette, Oregon, 2007
Chesebro, Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, California, 2007 - Awesome
Harmonia, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2007 - Awesome
Alma Rosa, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, 2007 - AWesome
Ken Brown, Pinot Noir, Cargassachi Vineyard, 2006 - Awesome
Au Bon Climat, Pinot Noir, Knox Alexander, 2006 - Awesome

Comment on the Pinot Noir?