Wine Tasting January 14, 2011

For the 2^nd tasting of the year, our gracious host, uncle P, hosted the event with an offering of some incredible wines. In attendance were Uncle P, Jimmy, Uncle E and Uncle E's special guest Auntie P. Most wines came uncovered, so no official score is given.

Obsidian 2007

In the glass, opaque red hues. On the nose, dark red berries, cherries, mint and cocoa. In the mouth, intense flavors of cherries, berries, herbs, chocolate, clove and cocoa. The grapes for this wine are grown at 2600 ft. making it one of the highest growths.

Joseph Phelps, Backus 2001

What a great wine. This is the first time we had tried the Backus. We liked this wine. It is well balanced with aromas of licorice, espresso beans, blueberry syrup and spices. The texture and silkiness on the palate are seamlessly interwoven with concentrated layers of perfectly ripe tannin

Bond, St. Eden 2006

With Uncle E being late, while waiting, we tasted the last of this Bond which had been decanted.Aromas of blackberry, crushed blueberry and menthol with stunning black fruits, roasted herbs, sweet cassis, graphite, and new oak. In the mouth fleshy and even opulent . Then powerful, thick and deep, with chewy flavors of blueberry and minerals. Finishes with big tannins and superb length.

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Yes the Beringer is in the background. The Araujo being previously decanted made a short but fabulous appearance.

The Beringer had smell and taste of smoky oak, espresso, blackberries, and graphite black-currant, plum, blackberry, tobacco.

Pride Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001

It reveals an inkier purple color along with a classic nose of graphite, creme de cassis, smoke, crushed rocks, and barrique. Surprisingly approachable, long, concentrated, impressive with flawless integration of wood, tannin, and acidity