1. Larkmead Cab Sauv 2001, Score=3+Everybody agreed this is a classic California Cab Sauv., although nobody could identify this to be 2001 Larkmead. This wine was one of our old favorites. We especially liked 2001 vintage. Classic Cali Cab nose of Black cherry with vanilla and caramel. Fruits froward palate, nice structured tannin but not too strong and long finish. We must be getting jaded. Although we thought this is a good Cali Cab, we did not go "WOW" like we did few years ago.
2. Charles Creek "La Sonrisa del Tecolote" Cab Sauv 2002, Score=3+Many guessed this wrong. Australian Syrah, Italian or Spanish were mentioned but no mention of Cali Cab. The nose is rather intense and interesting with cedar, oak and something very unique but can't quite describe it. The palate is also good with lots of black fruits, chocolate. Nice well structured tannin and long finish. Some of us considered this best in the tasting.
The name "La Sonrisa del Tecolote" (The smile of the Owl) is said to come from the family's grand mother who was nick named "Tecolote". If she has tasted this wine, she would have smiled.
3. Château Les Tours de Peyrat 'Vieilles Vignes' (Premières Côtes de Blaye) 2005, score=2+Because of distinctive cave or wet basement smell, European especially Bordeaux origin was suggested. The palate is actually very nice with good fruits, relatively mild but nice tannin and pleasant finish. Nothing wrong with this wine. Actually, this was featured in WSJ as "Value wines in prized (i.e. expensive) vintage of 2005". Their description goes " Good fruit, lots of minerals and earth. Blackberries. A touch of licorice, especially at the end, and maybe a little bit bitter on the finish, but classy and more austere than most. Could age a bit." We did not feel this was more "austere" than any Bordeaux we have tasted. Some thought this could not be Bordeaux because of rather forward fruits. We agree this is a good value for 2005 Bordeaux.
4. Joseph Phelps Cab Sauv 2005, Score=3+Again all agreed this is a good Cali Cab. Complex nose of cherry, cassis, chocolate, caramel, and minerals. Nice palate; smooth mouth feel with complex black fruits with chocolate, mocha and vanilla. Nice strong tannin and oak is not overwhelming because of these complex tastes. Jo knows how to make a good red wine.
5. Domain des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays 2001, Not scoredThis is Uncle-E's contribution; after some hesitation of serving up this wine, he decided to taste blindly. He insisted to rinse glasses, wash mouth and cleanse our mind, before tasting. From the pale color and nose of raspberry and earthy minerals, we immediately thought Burgundy. The palate is rather nice with some fresh fruits, mineral and surprisingly tight tannin. Knowing how we feel about Burgundy and Pinot, it is not fair to score this otherwise wonderful wine. As far as Burgundy goes, it is a very nice one.
2 comments:
I was very impressed with the Larkmead and the "unscored" burgundian. The latter was supprisingly fruity, with kiwi, dill and deep-fried lake trout from Newfoundland, which I caught in my youth (last year).
To add insult upon injury, we went to visit friends and I brought a bottle of 2005 Clio. Wow! a 4 for sure, though when I tasted this for the first time it was not as good. Which gets to show you that tempora mutantur et nos mutamus in illis. An aspirin before bed prevented side effects of so much goodness.
Having such an intellect as a friend, who can wield Latin like nothing, makes me humble. I agree, though, we change as time goes by (as Sam the pianist/singer used to sing in Rick's Café).
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