Wine tasting of August 1, 2008

Hot summer days are crimping our (at least my) style since sending wines becomes impossible and therefore getting interesting wines from Internet wine stores and auction have to wait until September when cooler weathers return. We had to resort to running to the local wine stores instead and take whatever is available.

Present were Winepath, Jimmy and Uncle-N with a guest appearance of a still-temporarily-bachelor Uncle Ozi. We tasted first 2 uncovered and the last, by Jimmy’s wisdom, covered and was opened 24 hours ago. Thoroughly missed were Piroca and Uncle E.

1. Anakota 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard Knights Valley, score=3

The color has slight brown tinge indicating the age (hope this was kept properly at the store). Nose is predominantly black cherry with vanilla. No appreciable funk. The palate is like good Bordeaux should be; nice restrained fruits mostly black fruits with nice chocolate, caramel and vanilla. There is some precipitate indicating softening of the tannin but still good supportive tannin with good finish. We can imagine when this was young; it must have been quite tannic. Overall, good balanced wine and we like it.

Quoting RP: 90-92 POINTS, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, August 2002 "...possesses terrific color saturation in addition to sweet, concentrated blackberry and currant fruit intermixed with underbrush and smoke characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, layered, and impressive, it is one of the finest Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignons I have tasted. Given its opulence, it will be accessible young, and should age well for 10-15 years."
Here is the description of the vineyard from their website: “Sourced from estate-owned vineyards, Anakota is a collection of single vineyard, single varietal, Knights Valley appellation wines that personify the rustic elegance and spirit of rural Sonoma County. Situated on the flanks and foothills of Mount St. Helena (at the heart of a complex volcanic zone that erupted several million years ago) the Helena Montana Vineyard is brought to life as stressed vines struggle with the rocky soils and challenging climatic conditions to create small, intensely flavored berries.”

2. FISHER COACH INSIGNIA 2001 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Score=3+

Again, there is slight brown tinge in the color of this wine. Nose is more intense with some smoky note and slight protein smell but nice. Taste is nice with more forward fruits than Anakota. With more complex layered tastes with good tannin. We liked this best. Although Anakota improved as it opened up. This is Fisher’s flagship red with small amount of Cab frank and Merlot mixed in. WE= 93, I think.

Here is the description of this vintage from the winery web page;

“Vineyard Sources: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from Fisher Napa Valley Estate. Vineyards in the North Eastern part of the Napa Valley along the Palisade mountain range. Cabernet Sauvignon from the Eastern hills above Oakville, Merlot from Sonoma Mountain.
Production Notes: 100% Whole berry native yeast fermentation, Native malolactic fermentation in barrel, Aged 19 months in 70% new French oak, 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.6% Merlot, 8.4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec. Bottle date of April 2003.
Tasting Notes: Bright blackberry fruit mingled with aromas of cedar and dark cherry. Smooth entry on the palate, flavors of ripe red fruits mingle with the earthy tones of tobacco and cedar as they combine with sweet tannins for a lengthy finish.”

3. Castano Hecula 2005 Monestrel, Spain, Score=2

The nose has peppery note and Uncle N though this to be syrah but he was wrong as usual. Taste is good but bit of acidic after taste and relatively mild tannin. This was Jimmy’s idea. Maybe one year ago, Uncle N bought 2004 vintage which got RP 91 and was less than $10. Our group did not like it that much but Jimmy took it home and tasted it next day and he thought it improved and really liked it. So this was the experiment; he opened it yesterday and brought it to the tasting. According to him, the improvement is not as significant as 2004 vintage. The 05 Hecula is still $10 and got 90 from Josh Raynolds - International Wine Cellar.

"Inky violet. Deep cherry and cassis aromas complicated by an array of floral, mineral and herbal nuances. Powerful dark fruit flavors are firmed by solid tannins and lifted by gentle minerality. Picks up smoked meat and anise notes on the long, chewy finish. This could be a Bandol. Is the average buyer at this price point ready for this? Another amazing value."