So Many Tastings... So Little Time - 1/21/2009 - 1/27/2009

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Last week were two of the most important (and crowded) wine tastings the year... Thursday was the annual Terry Theise Porfolio tasting of 2007 (and some 2008) German & Austrian wines. Terry Theise is an enthusiastic importer of German / Austrian wines and he has some of the best wines from those regions. Friday was the annual UGC (Unions de Grand Crus) Bordeaux Tasing (2006 Bordeaux - Red, White, and Sauternes) Below are my brief impressions of the wines I tasted.

Note: I've employed a 5-Star system as I simply did not have adequate time to fully evaluate each wine with a full tasting note. First I listed the 06 Bordeaux, then some wines tasted at JJBuckley, and finally at the end you'll find the German & Austrian wines tasted courtesy of Terry Theise.

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1/23/2009 - UGC 2006 Bordeaux Tasting - San Francisco, CA
Although 2006 is not the best year in the history of Bordeaux, the wines are evolving nicely in bottle. Many are already approachable and certainly for early drinking (St Emilion), but a lot of wines (especially on the Left Bank- Pauillac and St Julien in particular) had some pretty massive tannins that need time to settle. I'm not quite sure every component will fully integrate. I was really impressed by the outcome of wines from St Emilion and Pessac Leognan (Reds and White)
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2006 Chateau Carbonniuex Rouge (Pessac Leognan) **+
Light Ruby color with nice bright red fruit aromas (currant, raspberry, & red cherry). Austere & tightly wound with some green undertones. This should turn out to be a very nice wine to drink over the following decade +... This may merit 3 stars next time I taste it

2006 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge (Pessac Leognan) ***
This was also tight but with some really nice fruit on the nose. In fact more fruit than the Carbonniuex. Supple and complex it should begin to drink well in its youth but age nicely for 10-15 years

2006 Hau Bailly Rouge (Pessac Leognan) ****
This was clearly the class of Pessac Leognan for me (along with a couple others)- I wrote in my tasting book "top tier". Delicious black fruits on the nose with creme de cassis and dark plum. Ripe and modern with moderate tannins. Shows great concentration and should be a candidate for long term cellaring. Simply delicious and well made

2006 Latour Martillac Rouge (Pessac Leognan) ***(+)
At this price this was easily the best wine at the tasting. Lots of dark fruits complimented by subtle oak. Soft and refined on the mid-palate with velvety tannins. I have been really impressed by this wine since the 2000 Vintage.

2006 Latour Martillac Blanc (Pessac Leognan) **(+)
Although I liked the white more than the red in 2007 (out of barrel) This time around I though the red had the edge. This blanc is however still a nice wine with lots of citrus, great acidity (almost overwhelming) and tons of chalk. Should be nice to keep for 5-10 years.

2006 Chateau Louviere Blanc (Pessac Leognan) **(+)
What a nice refreshing white wine (one of the only White Bordeaux currently under screw cap) Nice tropical fruit (guava and star fruit) with some grapefruit notes as well. This is lively and exciting on the palate with lots of citrus and some herbal tones as well. This is 2 stars plus

2006 Chateau Pape Clement Rouge (Pessac Legonan) ***
Another stellar wine. Although nowhere near the ripeness and complexity of 2005 this is a delicious wine with a lot of upside. Should be nice in 5 years and age easily for 15 more

2006 Smith Haut Lafite Blanc (Pessac Leognan) ***
This was the best 06 blanc I tried on this day. Beautiful purity of fruit. Fesh, lively, and exciting on the palate. Again lots of citrus, but the aromas are complimented by some pappaya and guava notes. Delightful wine!

2006 Smith Haut Lafite Rouge (Pessac Leognan) ***
I did not provide a tasting note but I recall really liking this wine a lot.

2006 Chateau Angelus (St Emilion) ****
TOP TIER- This is serious stuff. Although nowhere near the 03 or 05, this is a damn good wine with deep ruby color core with a brilliant ruby rim. Deep and complex armoas of coffee, pluot, and blackberry. This is a massive wine for the vintage, which should easily last 20 years. It will be showing brilliantly in the next few years for sure

2006 Beausejour Becot (St Emilion) ***
Wow this was stellar- Another great wine from this Estate. Big and complex, but remains fresh and refined. Simply great (and affordable)

2006 Canon La Gaffeliere (St Emilion) *** (+)
This is 3 stars +... A top class effot, the Canon La Gaffeliere is an elegant and pure expression of St Emilion. So clean, so well made, so hard to resist now. Those of you who can resist will be rewarded by a few years in the cellar.

2006 La Dominique (St Emilion) ***(+)
This is a show stopper - So different and plush compared to a lot of the 'hard' tannic wines I tasted from the left bank only minues earlier. This was one of the first St Emilion's I tasted today and it was a welcome deviation from the slew of underripe left bank wines. Lush and delicious with boysenberry liquor, dark cherry, and vanilla with a hint of mocha. Look out for this wine when it hits the shelves (if it hits the shelves- This is low production stuff)

2006 Chateau Larcis Ducasse (St Emilion) ****(+)
This was the best wine I tried on this day. Simply amazing that this is from the same vinatage and region as everything else I tasted. This is worlds apart. Stunning and complex aromas of black cherry, ripe blackberry, cassis, and vanilla creme. Dark and delicious - I assume this will cost less tan half of what the 05 costs. This is a definite buy! Bravo

2006 Pavie Macquin (St Emilion) ****
Although a bit shorter on the finish than the Larcis Ducasse this was also top tier. Very ripe for this vintage with some dried black currant on the nose, anise, and kirsch. The palate is full bodied but not overwhelming with raspberry and hints of underbrush. This is an exciting wine that again will cost a fraction of what the 2005 does. This is a wine-drinkers Pavie Macquin- Well done

2006 Troplong Mondot (St Emilion) ****(+)
Along with Larcis Ducasse this was my favorite of the evening. Lush and complex without any weedy / herbaceous character. Stunning nose of black fruits, plums, and chocolate with some espresso underneath. Tightly wound but already showing beautifully. This has an extra layer on the mid-palate. It is so smooth and appealing - Every sip calls for the next. I didn't want to spit this out. Pure and clean

2006 Brane Cantenac (Margaux) ***
Terrific wine- Maybe the best example I tried fro Margaux. This has beautiful fruit character with a nice soft mouth feel. Very little herbaceous quality that adds to the complexity of this wine. I would definitely put this up there with the 2003, and 2005. I think it's better than the 04

2006 Cantenac Brown (Margaux) **(+)
Not overly complex, but a nice wine nonetheless. Nice fruit on the nose with a subtle green quality about it. A bit tart and has some hard tannins towards the back but should be a great food wine within the next 5 years

2006 Chateau Giscours (Margaux) **(+)
Candied cherry on the nose withe some coffee and raspberry as well. Slightly vegital on the mid-palate but finishes strong and long.

2006 Chateau Kirwan (Margaux) ***
Like this Estate's 2004 the (oak) wood seems to stand out a bit. Slightly green but with some nice red cherry and coffee on the nose. A bit thin, but again finishes nicely

2006 Chateau Lascombes (Margaux) **(+)
Not sure how to evaluate this yet. Very closed and young, but admittedly less herbaceous than other wines from Margaux.

2006 Chateau Malescot St Exupery (Margaux) ***(+)
Perhaps the best 06' Margaux I tasted along with the Brane Cantenac. Lacks the intense herbal component that a lot of left-bank wines had. Shows some nice cherry along with other bright red fruits. This should be drinking nicely between 2010 - 2025

2006 Prieure Lichine (Margaux) ***
Excellent nose of ripe forest berries, dark chocolate, and coffee. Well integrated oak with fine tannins and nice concentration.

2006 Rauzan Segla (Margaux) **(+)
Slightly candied fruit on the nose. A bit tart and slightly green, but rather complex effort. Nicely made in a tough year where many of their neighbors wines were simple at best

2006 Chateau Beychevelle (St Julien) ***
Nicely done - 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Nice and round. Not overly hard and tannic as I found a lot of St Julien wines in 2006. It's not the 2005, but this will provide great drinking while that beast is in the cellar.

2006 Branaire Ducru (St Julien) ***
This is also good stuff here. Although slightly tannic at present I can tell there is some serious potential here especially when you consider the price point.

2006 Lagrange (St Julien) ***
Nice meaty nose of bing cherry & strawberry with some clove / anise underneath. A touch austere but I suspect it will come around. This is better than 2 stars but maybe not quite 3 stars. I would stick this in the cellar for 5-10 years for the tannin to subside

2006 Leoville Poyferre (St Julien) ***(+)
The saving grace for St Julien in 2006 along with Leoville Barton. Altough this is nowhere near the level of the 2005 (or 2003) it is very appealing with notes of coffee and dark blackberry. Super dark core color with a bright purple rim. Nice and round towards the finish and not quite as hard / tannic as its nighbors.

2006 Talbot (St Julien) **
Some nutty funkiness on the nose. This is definitely Talbot. Tight and austere with massive tannins toward the back. Not very well integrated at this point and I honestly have a hard time giving it 2 stars, but I know it is a lot better than 1 star!

2006 Clerc Mion (Pauillac) **
Hard and tannic- This is a massive wine but not my favorite due to the lack of fruit on the nose and on the palate. Definitely 2 stars and perhaps 3 stars with a few years of age

2006 Lynch Bages (Pauillac) ***(+)
This was a well made wine in 06... Almost on par with the 2005 at this point and better than the 2006. Not giving much on the nose but I can tell there is a lot of potential here. Great purity of fruit with soft tannins (in a hard austere vintage)

2006 Pichon Baron (Pauillac) ***(+)
Top tier Pauillac with aromas of chocolate, blueberry, and cassis. If there was a 'blockbuster' wine for Pauillac in 2006 this is it. Great concentration while remaining smooth and creamy. Long finish- Needs some time but try within 5 years and you'll be suprised

2006 Pichon Lalande (Pauillac) ***
This is one of the better Pichon Lalande I've tried in recent vinatges. This shows some great aging potential with the classic Pichon Lalande coffee and blackberry notes. Thinner than Pichon Baron but right up there

2006 Pontet Canet (Pauillac) ***(+)
This is right up there with Pichon Baron. Top tier stuff here with pure fruit flavors. Subtly weedy (but to the point where it gives complexity rather than taking away from the overall character). Dominated by nice red fruits. This is a dark colored wine without tasting too heavily extracted.

2006 Chateau Lafon Rochet (St Estephe) **(+)
Pretty fruit with a perfumed nose of sweet oak and tart red fruits. A bit thin, but could evolve into something really nice in the next few years

2006 Phelan Segur (St Estephe) **
Under-ripe and green... Needs some time to come together, but I'm not too sure it will ever be a complete wine

2006 Rayne Vigneau (Sauternes) ***
Absolutely delicious Sauternes. Lemon curd, creme brulee, and apricot on the nose. Light and crisp on the palate. I like this because it is not heavy nor cloying. Should age well, but those of us who enjoy young Sauternes will love this.

2006 La Tour Blanche (Sauternes) ***
Lovely wine with lots of peach and apricot on the nose. A little heavier than the Rayne Vigneau but it is framed nicely by brilliant acidity. Again this will be a pleasure to drink in its youth although I suspec no problems aging this for the next couple decades.

2006 Chateau Guiraud (Sauternes) ***
Excellent wine with a great balance of acid, fruit, sugar, and botrytis. Some oak shows now but I see that being overpowered by the stone fruit flavors very soon. A touch of honey and citurs present in this one as well.

2006 Suduiraut (Sauternes) ****(+)
Amazing- Great pure fruit flavors (apricot, nectarine, orange zest, and clove) with tons of acidity, which keeps this beautiful wine fresh and lively (almost drinks like a dry wine) This is D'Yquem-esque... Simply the most elegant and delightful Sauternes of the 06 vintage. This is first class stuff
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The following were tasted @ JJBuckley 1/27/2009

2005 Baltos Mencia (Bierzo, Spain) - This is only the second wine I've tried made from the Mencia grape, which is why I am bothering to write a review on this one. It has some bacon fat on the nose with a marked nutty / animale character. Deep down it has some nice juicy aromas as well. Tastes a bit like a cheaper Cotes du Rhone with a little more body. Tastes way better than it smells

2005 Prazo de Roriz (Douro, Spain) - Dark Ruby core with a violet rim. This is juicy stuff with some rose petals and cool red cruits on the nose. Forest raspberries come to mind. There is a green component as well (green pepper?) but the fruit dominates after all.
Blend: 35% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, 10% Tinta Barroca, 10% Tinta Roriz, 10% Tinta Cao

1999 Ferrand Lartigue (St. Emilion France) - I was a bit shocked by this one. I suspected it would be a cheap / over-the-hill St Emilion but asit turns out there is really nice red fruits followed by vanilla and cedar on the nose. It boasts a medium ruby core with a light ruby rim. Doesn't show overt signs of its age other than the mere fact that it is elegant and refined. A little coconut, anise, and dried herbs on the mid-palate followed by bright red fruits. Nice medium - long finish. This wine will be for drinking over the next 2-3 years. This is a great way to try a 99' Bordeaux for around $20

2006 Snowden Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Napa, CA) - This did not taste like a $50 wine to me nor did it taste like a 95 Point wine (Robert Parker) . In fact it seems a bit thin and somewhat weedy. The nose is dominated by dill with an underlying core of boysenberry and red currant. This wine seems to be made in a hands-on fashion rather than a hands-off one. Seems a bit overextracted and there is simply not the body or structure to hold it up. Definitely not a bad wine at all but not a $50 wine and not a 95 Pointer by any stretch of the imagination.
NOTE: I was able to re-try this open bottle the following day and enjoyed it a whole lot more than my note gave credit for. In fact it seems like this wine just needs either decanting or some time in the bottle

2006 Stonestreet Chardonnay (Sonoma, CA) - Nice ripe nose of papaya, guava, meyer lemon, and toasty oak. Everything seems well integrated with some really bright acidity towards the finish. Not overly thick or buttery. I really like this is a light aperitif Chardonnay or with light lunch fare.

Weekend Wine Musings 1/15/2009 - 1/19/2009

Cachagua General Store - Monday Nite Dinner 1/19/2009 (Carmel Valley, CA)
Monday Nite Dinner @ the Cachagua Store is always something to behold - This Monday was no different. My girlfriend (Ashley), Gabe Rosen (my personal Poet and Counsel), and I sat down at about 8:30 and didn't leave until 1:30am. In food and wine lingo we usually like to "kill it" or "blow it up" when we go to the Cachagua Store for Monday Nite Dinners (Monday is the only nite they are open), but this time seemed a bit restrained if you will. Nevertheless the live music was blaring, dogs a barking, and gourmet food a cooking in Carmel Valley.

First up we tried a 2005 Marsannay les Clos (white Burgundy) upon Lee L's reccomendation- This wine was crisp and acidic. Nice way to start the evening for around $25. This is a definite food wine (goes well with the Sardines) Next up we dove head first into the 2006 Vineyard 29 (Cru) from Napa, which we found to be young but approachable. A really enjoyable wine overall. The 2004 Rudd Oakville Estate Cabernet was also young, but showed nice cigar box, deep red fruits, and well integrated oak (perfect with Ashley's duck confit). We finished off with a suprisingly fresh and young tasting 1989 Silver Oak Alexander Valley (Courtesy of Mike Jones, Cachagua Store). This Cab was still young tasting with lots of red currant, cedar, and ripe strawberry. Showing exceptionally well (despite some heavy tannins) this should have another 5-10 years of life in it easily. I wish I still had some beef cheek Ravioli left to try this with, but there is only so much food left @ 1am in the remote hills of Carmel Valley.

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2005 Aromes de Pavie (St Emilion, Bordeaux France) Tasted @ JJBuckley 1/16/2009
This is the 3rd time I've tasted this wine. Once in the U.S. last Spring, once in Bordeaux in April 08' and now...Freaking delicious. This deep ruby colored full-bodied blend is the second label of St. Emilion's prodigal wine "Pavie". Complex fruit driven aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, dried currant, and cassis with a subtle coffee undertone. Plush and velvety in the mid-palate while remaining bright and lively. The finish is smooth and quite simply delicious. This is Pavie-esque without having to spend $200+

2006 Querciabella Chianti (Chianti, Italy) Tasted @ JJBuckley 1/16/2009
Let me preface this note by saying that I was in Chianti with my dad in November 2006 shortly after harvest so I have a tough time bagging on any wine from that vintage / area. With that said this is actually a pretty stellar wine from top to bottom. It boasts a real savory component on the nose with some dried plum, anise, and sage. Some meaty / gammy character as well with light salt-water. This is so clearly Italian (in a good way) - It shows what Chianti is all about when produced in a fashion wherein the Sangiovese grape can express itself without being over-dressed to mimic a more 'modern' wine, which it's not. This should age well, but it's so nice right now - Why wait?

2006 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma, CA) Tasted @ JJBuckley 1/16/2009
Dense purple core with a fuchsia rim. This Cab shows great concentration with a delightful nose of powdered chocolate, blackberry, and vanilla extract. This has some serious fruit character on the nose with some subtle undertones of extra ripe plum and dill as well. Soft going in but builds towards a big tannic finish. This should be open for business in a year or two.
NOTE: This is one of the more solid wines you'll find in a restaurant at a reasonable price

2006 Conn Valley Right Bank (Napa Valley, CA) Tasted @ JJBuckley 1/15/2009
I've always liked Conn Valley because the quality is there and the price is right. This 06' Right Bank is no exception. This 70% Merlot, 30%Cabernet Franc blend is fashioned in the same vein as a Right bank Bordeaux (hence the name)... Dark plum-ruby core. The nose exudes Merlot characteristics of plum, blackberry, and light cardamon. Some subtle herbaceous notes settle in after the fruit including bell pepper and red cabbage. This wine is by no means 'vegital' however (Fruit is still the dominant component) On the mid-palate it is smokey and powerful with red plum, Asian spice, and nutmeg. Long but tart finish. Nice wine overall - I would give it a couple of years in bottle.

Back to Work... 1/5/2009 - 1/10/2009

Here I am back at JJBuckley after a little Holiday break full of family fun, eating, drinking, hiking, and mushroom hunting. Below are tasting notes for a few wines I tasted at work this week... Please note even though I am in the business, my tasting notes are in no way biased by what we sell. I will tell the world when I think a wine truly sucks...

2005 Chateau de Rochemorin Blanc (Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France) Tasted 1/5/2009
Pale golden yellow hue with a brilliant 24k rim. The piercing minerality reveals itself early and up front on the nose of this full-bodied and well balanced Bordeaux Blanc. If offers supptuous aromas of lychee fruit, peach marmalade, and fresh cut citrus with a hint of fresh grass. Well structured up front with Meyer Lemon curd and grapefruit with a beautiful streak of minerality that finds its was through the lengthy finish.
NOTE: Bordeaux Blanc seems to be one of the best values in the wine world today. This wine costs about $10 and drinks beautifully now, but can withstand a few years in the cellar as well in order to tone down the raging acidity/minerality (two things that I really enjoy in white wines)

2006 Chateau Ste Michelle Chenin Blanc Horse Heaven Hills Ice Wine (Washington State, USA) Tasted 1/6/2009
Deep Golden yellow in color with a translucent gold rim. This is a lovely dessert wine replete with notes of honeysuckle, dried pineapple, golden raisin, and gala apple, which settle in nicely with some brilliant orange quince aromas. Very clean and fresh. On the pallate awaits well delineated flavors of quince and honey with a distinctive botrytis component. There is good acidity towards the back, which gives this beauty a refreshing character as the sweetness takes hold. Long finish of golden fruits. Perfect compliment with blue cheese, nuts, and crisp apples.
As far as a domestic sweet wine goes this is top notch... Although it seems to be ageworthy, I'd drink it up while your Yquem is asleep in the cellar.

2007 Rudd Sauvignon Blanc (Napa, CA) Tasted 1/9/2009
Compared to previous vintages this is obnoxious, oaky, and flabby in the mid palate for a Sauvignon Blanc, which I usually like lean, crisp, and acidic. Totally disjointed... However, there is something to be said for people who enjoy barrel fermented SB, which I actually do on occasion. If you're one of these people then you're in for a treat. This 07' has a rich golden color with a oaky nose complimented by lots of tropical fruit (mango, guava, and nectarine)... Probabaly at its best in the next year or so. Drink with something rich and buttery.

1999 Clos de L'Oratoire (St. Emilion, France) Tasted 1/10/2009 @ Luca Restaurant Carmel
Luca is a spectacular Italian restaurant in the heart of Carmel. We're talking wood fired pizzas, house made salumi, truffle parpadalle, risottos, and exquisite desserts. It has an Italian-only wine list, but we decided that it was time to try a 99' Clos de L'Oratoire. The 1999 Clos de L'Oratoire boasts a deep purple core. Brilliant dark fruits on the nose including blackberry kirsch, blueberry, and black cherry. Wow this is ripe and delicious with some chocolate and coffee as well. Such a modern style Bordeaux with lots of life left in it. There was absolutely no 'funk' in this ultra-clean Right Bank Bordeaux. I personally think this wine has hit its stride and is drinking exceptionally right now... If I had a case I would drink 6 this year and save 6 for another decade. Just beautiful and well worth the $35 Christian Adams spent on it.

Old Fashioned Holiday Fun: 12/24/2008 - 1/1/2009

1966 Beychevelle (St Julien, Bordeaux, France) Tasted 12/24/2008
Brick red core with a light ruby/rust red rim. Aromas of scorched earth, burnt marshmallow, and mushroom compliment subtle ripe boysenberry on the nose. A slight meaty / savory character emerges after a few minutes in the glass then the scorched earth takes over. The palate is defined by red fruits with obvious earth driven overtones. Although this wine must have hit its peak over a decade, it remains stunningly fresh and lively with nice pure flavors.

2006 Vieux Donjon (Chateauneuf du Pape, France) Tasted 12/24/2008
Light to medium red core with a bright ruby rim. This beautifully structured CdP is lighter in body but powerful in presence. It has all the characteristic ground pepper of Chateauneuf with raspberry and cola, which keep it intriguing on the nose. Loads of spice and meaty character throughout the mid-palate with none of the old-world funk associated with many Rhone wines. The flavors are true and refined without being over the top in any respect. This is quite simply a well made wine with a lot of promise. Long peppery finish...
Note- this was the second time I tasted this wine in about a month and this time it was so distinctly the same as last time that I nailed it on the head when I double-blind tasted it at a friend's house

1982 Prieure Lichine (Margaux, Bordeaux, France) Tasted 12/25/2008
Surprisingly dark red core with a brick red rim. Shows good fruit still despite what I had heard about the evolution of this wine. This one still has some stuffing showing the character of the stellar 82' Vintage. Lots of mushroom, damp earth, and plum with an array of herbs. Builds nicely on the mid-palate towards a somewhat lean but attractive finish. Not stellar, but not terrible in any respect. Goes great with something meaty and savory

2006 Schloss Schonborn Riesling Kabinett (Rheingau, Germany) Tasted 12/29/2008
Deep golden color. Nice aromas of herbal tea, green apple, and ripe citrus. Seems a bit thicker than many Kabinett. Stays true with the green tea through the finish. This could actually use some time. Nice aperitif - I could drink this all night. Simple but delicious. I really like the 06s from Germany.

2001 Kistler Dutton Chardonnay (Sonoma, California, USA) Tasted 12/29/2008 (Cachagua Store, Carmel Valley)
This one had the color of golden raisin juice. Perhaps it was a storage issue but I initially thought this was just heading over the hill. One person in our group commented that she really liked the wine and it made me reevaluate it. It still had good acidity but was not as fresh as I expected it to be after tasting a 97 recently from the same vineyard. This actually went nicely with an array of appetizers including grilled sardine and beat salad.

1983 Lynch Bages (Paulliac, Bordeaux, France) Tasted 12/29/2008 (Cachagua Store, Carmel Valley)
Deep blood red core with a brilliant red rim. I didn't get a chance to evaluate this one for too long a time because four of us killed this wine in about 15 minutes (I guess it was good) Nice French Plum on the nose with a dominant aroma of underbrush, iron, and stone. Showing refined tannins with lots of fruit up front. The fruit fades quickly towards the back but the wine still finishes strong. Elegant - This reaffirms what I've always known about Lynch Bages in that they tend to age gracefully despite their 'lowly status as a fifth growth'... This Estate is no real secret as well aged examples tend to always sell for more than $100... Thanks to Mike Jones, Lee Lightfoot, and The Cachagua General Store for this one...

1989 Beychevelle (St Julien, Bordeaux, France) Tasted 12/29/2008 (Cachagua Store, Carmel Valley)
This beauty still has a lot of life left. Super dark color with loads of black fruits, cassis, and graphite. Not showing its age too much (Imagine a housewife in the O.C, but not quite as flashy). Well balanced and like the 83' Lynch Bages, consumed all too fast. This went brilliantly will the Wild Venison (sashimi?)

1980 Durney Cabernet Sauvignon (Carmel Valley, CA, USA) Tasted 12/29/2008 (Cachagua Store, Carmel Valley)
More fruit than the 1983 Lynch Bages but also a bit more oak present. This wine is still dark (true to its California roots) showing nice plum, coastal sage, extra-ripe dark blackberry, and oak on the nose. Shows extremely well next to the Bordeaux at our table. I do not only like this wine because I worked at the Estate (now called Heller Estate), but also because it is a stunning example of Cabernet grown within a micro-climate. Monterey County is cooled by the coastal fog, but Carmel Valley wine pioneer Bill Durney knew this was not the case in this area which later became its own AVA. Durney realized the distinct temperature and soil difference from the 'Monterey County' and thus he grew Cabernet instead of Chardonnay or Colombard, which were popular at the time in Monterey County. It doesn't hurt that this wine had never left Cachagua (Carmel Valley) prior to us tasting it.

2005 Loring Gary's Vineyard Syrah (Hospice du Rhone Acution) - Tasted 12/29/2009 (Cachagua Store, Carmel Valley)
NOTE: This is the only Syrah Loring will ever produce!!! Made especially for the Hospice du Rhone
Dense and concentrated with a great array of dark fruits and meaty Syrah character. Stylish and delicious effort from a remarkable Pinot producer. This has nice floral aromas with some strawberry and spice. Framed by nice toasty oak and vanilla. Such a delicious wine... This is a BUY - If you can find it....

1999 Bollinger Grand Annee (Champagne, France) Tasted 12/31/2008
So young and fresh with tight little bubbles. Some nice yeasty character with lots of citrus, pear, and crisp golden apples. This needs time but did the job in providing a nice toast between friends to ring in the new year. Try this in a few years...

2004 Domaine Ponsot Clos de La Roche VV (.375ml) (Burgundy, France) Tasted 12/31/2008
Bright crimson red with a red/violet rim. This was also so young but starting to show its class already. Restrained nose of menthol, mint, and tar with very little fruit poking through. (I assume the fruit will reemerge with some time) Tight and thin. Almost difficult to evaluate as it is so young. This along with the Bollinger kind of evoke feelings of freshness and youth on the eve of the New Year.

2000 Chateau La Tour Martillac (Pessac, Bordeaux, France) Tasted 12/31/2008
This was tasted alongside a roasted rack of lamb with rosemary and potato au gratin. I first tasted this wine in Bordeaux at La Tour martillac (April 08) and I remember it being of the same ilk as tonight... Tonight this taster notes a dark red core with an only slightly lighter red rim. Brilliant nose of bright black fruits including blackberry and ripe black cherry. A hint of cassis, oak, and tar lend to some intrigue. This is so markedly Bordeaux in character. A good balance between savory earthy notes and dark fruit notes backed by well integrated oak and well framed tannins. Everything is in gear and this wine is drinking brilliantly now. Note- In Bordeaux in April 08' we tasted an older La Tour Martillac (from the 70s I believe) and it was more than alive... It was rocking.. Props to this estate - The wines are reasonably priced and very graceful. One of the best deals in Bordeaux (especially for a wine you can age) Also consider this estate's 'Blanc', which I considered to be one of the best 07s in Bordeaux

2005 Peter Michael Belle Cote Chardonnay (Sonoma, California, USA) Tasted 1/01/2009
Toasted oak and roasted marshmallow come to mind. This wine smelled and tasted like a campfire filled with oak kindling. I must admit that I liked it far more the second day around. Tightly wound but with not quite as much acidity as I expected. This is still high class California Chardonnay and it shows. It could use a couple years before revealing its full potential. Nice grapefruit with vanilla extract on the nose. Long voluptuous finish.