Wine tasting on August14, 2009

We had a special guest Uncle-C who appeared for the first time. Others who participated were Uncle-N, Winepath (fresh back from Napa), Uncle-E, Jimmy and Piroca. This was a rather extravagant tasting (with the contribution of a special wine from Uncle-C) and we blind tasted 6 wines. All interesting and some surprising. We were also served mozzarella, tomato (Jimmy's home grown) with basil salad courtesy of Jimmy.

1. Antinori Toscana red 2004, score2+~(3)

Color is nicely dark ruby and nose has slight funk initially but was not bad. However, coming back to this wine after tasting others, pungent funky nose became strong. (If without this unpleasant nose, this wine got solid 3). Palate starts with nice complex but somewhat austere fruit leading to firm tannin but the tasters felt acidity was a bit too much. The structure is very complex and appears to support this acidity but the tasters felt acidity and nose were two detractors. The opinions were widely varied. One said this was NOT New World, another said this is definitely New World. California Cab, Spanish, Italian, maybe French probably Rhone (Uncle-E was convinced that this was Mourvedre). California Cab was thrown in for good measure.

This turned out to be a Super Tuscan, Antinori red with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot etc.

WS 92pts. - "tasting notes - very intense ruby red colour. nicely expressed varietal aromas with hints of black berry fruit. the palate is weighty, dense and vibrant with complex structure thanks to support of the acidity. long and lingering with hints of chocolate, coffee and marmalade in the aftertaste. the beautifully handled tannin from the wine and wood blend making tignanello a very complex, stylish and sophisticated wine. "

2. Sine Qua Non Raven Series Grenache 2006, Score=3+

Color is dark garnet. Nose is very nice (especially coming from Antinori) with predominantly black cherry and minty note. Palate is front loaded with nice fruit, layers of red and black fruit, nice full mid-palate leading to firm but well-integrated tannin and long lingering finish. Winepath liked this the best among the tasted wine (obviously he has an expensive and refined palate). Most of the tasters thought this was a high-end California cab. We also discussed any grapes (may not be ANY grapes) can be made into wines which looks and tastes like high-end Cab. Some of the Spanish wines fall into this category. For example we tasted in the past "Alto Moncayo Aquilon" (made of Garnacha) which, by all means, had all the characteristics of nice well-crafted Cab Sauv.

What a surprise! This was Sine Qua Non Raven 06 Grenache! This was the contribution of our guest taster. Although we are not sure this is worth the price but it is nevertheless a very nice wine.

RP=99 - "The 2006 Grenache Raven Series (92% Grenache and 8% Syrah with 26% whole clusters) was aged in 43% new oak, including both small barrels and demi-muids. It is a slightly smaller production (880 cases) than the 2005. The 2006 Raven Series exhibits chocolate character that very ripe Grenache can sometimes possess, along with black cherry and black currant notes. Full-bodied and seamlessly constructed, it offers hints of graphite, licorice, smoke, and meat. The chocolate component appears to be vintage specific as I have not noticed it in other SQN Grenache offerings. This beauty, a superb success in a challenging vintage, is another example of how intensive, radical work in the vineyard as well as meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and cellar can produce a prodigious wine in a less than stellar year." Wine Advocate, June 2008

3. 2001 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova, score=4

Color has a bit of brown tinge indicating the age but nose is very fresh with black fruit, plum, vanilla, caramel and dark chocolate, by far the best nose among the wines we tasted. No funk. Palate is rather fruit forward with lots of black fruit, black berries, blue berries, black cherries, plum, very impressive complex layers leading to very firm but nice tannin. Long finish. Everybody thought this is probably well-made New World wine, Cab, Syrah from California or Australia. Italian Amarone was also mentioned. Most of our tasters liked this one the best.

Another surprise! this is Casanova di Neri Brunello 01. #1 wine in the WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100, 2006. We tasted this wine on July 5, 2008. The comment was very similar and we also thought this tasted like high-end Cali Cab. no doubt, this is, by far, the best Brunello we tasted.

Wine Spectator 97 - "Dark color with intense blackberry, chocolate and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied and ultravelvety, with caressing tannins. Vanilla, chocolate and berry. Goes on for minutes. Best after 2010."

Stephen Tanzer's IWC 96 - "Medium-deep bright ruby. Beautiful, profound nose of sweet ripe cherry, pipe tobacco, almond and raspberry jam. Ripe, suave and juicy, with sweet flavors similar to the aromas, this is an absolutely seamless wine with lively harmonious acidity on a suave, never-ending finish. Though extremely concentrated, this is a uniquely refined Brunello with wonderfully suave smooth, classy tannins."

4. Clif Family Winery & Farm Kit’s Killer Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, score=2+

Color is nicely dark. Nose has some chemical or medicinal notes with protein (milk products as per Winepath), oak and vanilla. Palate is front loaded with mixed (predominately black) fruit leading to nice firm tannin. Some detected vegital aftertaste. Consensus was Cali Cab but one noted the possibility of brunello (sangiovese). This new and small winery is owned by a Clif Energy Bar guy. Not extraordinary but it is a good new world style California cab. The wine is made of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec.

"The wine is produced by Gary Erickson, the owner of Cliff Bar, of Energy Bar fame. The winemaker is Sarah Gott!
This tiny vintage is full bodied with a
very smooth finish".

"Round and expansive, the 2005 kit’s killer cab delivers aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate and hints of tobacco. Flavors of ripe black cherry, cassis and dark chocolate melt into a lingering fruit-driven finish. The tannins are complex giving this wine a strong presence and good age-ability."


5. Beaulieu - BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve 2002, Score=3

Color is nice with dark garnet. Nose is bit muted but whiff of floral scent. Palate is nice with upfront well-controlled fruit. Maybe a bit over oaked but nicely done leading to good chewy tannin. Consensus was nicely crafted classic Cali Cab. Solid 3.

winemaker's notes - "Dark, black-ruby color. The aromas reflect classic "Rutherford dust" notes of black cherry, loamy mineral-earth tones, and licorice, along with fine new oak vanilla highlights. Medium full-bodied, with deep cherry-mineral, currant –anise flavors, this vintage has a fine veneer of tannins combined with good acidity to support 10-15 years aging. Rich, supple fruit softens the texture. The sweet fragrance and taste of vanilla from the new oak add measurable length and structure in the finish. A fine wine to drink young with grilled steaks, roast leg of lamb with shallots, or a ripe wedge of Fontina or aged Vermont cheddar cheese.
In 2002, moderate to cool summer conditions gave way to a heat spell in mid-September that accelerated ripening. Fortunately, the first two weeks of October saw a return to lovely fall days, and the grapes achieved near perfect maturity, with excellent balance and bright, ripe fruit flavors."

92 pts. Enthusiast - "It’s young, dry, tight and tannic, although there’s obviously a core of ripe black currant and cherry fruit. To evaluate this wine properly, you have to know its history as one of Napa’s most agreeable Cabernets. Still, it’s not a great Georges. Hold until 2008 through 2010, but it could surprise."

6. Croze Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, score=2+~3

Color shows purple tinge. Nose is nice with cherry. Some thought it has metal or iron (blood) note. Palate is very pleasant with nice forward fruit and well-integrated tannin. Everybody agree that this is a New World and probably Cali Cab. This was the one Winepath brought back from his recent Napa trip.

"The 2004 Croze wine will surpass all your expectations of Napa Cabernet. There is finesse, balance, and yes, all the true old world charm a varietally correct Cabernet can offer. You are met with sunny wildflower and musk aromas that are structured together with a blast of fresh ground pink peppercorns. The flavors have incredibly harmonious elements of worn saddle leather and rivers of fresh, blood red cassis. "
"In keeping with the winemaker’s philosophy and style, 2004 Croze is very drinkable now, but this intriguing Cabernet Sauvignon has the ideal balance for a graceful and long lived wine. It may take years to reach full potential and is a natural with a thick steak or roasted meats. It’s also perfect with anything Chocolate. Croze is always at its best when shared with a friend."