We had dinner at a casual beach place with friends last night, and everyone brought some casual wines.
2005 L'Aventure Roussane, Paso Robles: The first sip sent us back to the bottle in search of the alcohol content. So strong was the hot, vodka flavor in the finish that though the bottle only admitted to 15.1, most of us thought 16.0 possible, or even likelier. Additionally, there were heavy, plodding flavors of peach nectar and baked apples. Six thumbs down.
2005 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington: Medium bodied with solid black cherry and blackberry cabernet notes. Slightly higher than average acidity for Washington cabernet makes this new release fresh and lively. A wine I've enjoyed a lot in the 02 and 03 vintages, but this one disappointed me with a vinegar note (VA, I presume). Five thumbs way up, one down (mine).
2005 Crystal Basin Cellars Reserve Syrah, El Dorado County, California Black and dense with extracted texture and a heavy oak glove, and flavors of blueberry and Fig Newtons across the midpalate dovetailing into a strong bandaid note on the finish. Very odd, but weirdly pleasant with the salad course because of an affinity between the bandaids and the blue cheese on each. Two thumbs up, two thumbs down, and two eh's.
2000 Bellegrave, Pomerol A fleshy, modern, oaky, California style of Bordeaux upon release, this one has aged gracefully enough and is now more distinctly French, but it's simply past it's prime and fading. Best wine of the night for me because the others committed worse crimes, but I'm in the minority. One thumb up (mine), five eh's.