WTN: La Serre, Gunderloch, Bin 707, Navarro Gewurz

Notes from dinner at the newly opened and imaginatively named "House of Wagyu" with Arnie, Helen and Kitt.

Gunderloch Nackenheimer Rothenberg Spatlese 2005 - A bit of burnt rubber on the nose. Lovely sweet fruit. Apples, grapey. There's a slightly bitter edge to this wine which adds to the complexity and interest. Excellent.

Chateau La Serre St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe 1990 - A bit minty and woody on the nose. Just the slightest whiff of VA. Well integrated. Soft, sweet fruit. At peak now. Elegant wine that has aged gracefully. Excellent.

Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 1996- Last time I had this just over a year ago it wasn't showing too well. Fortunately this bottle was quite good. Very dark, young looking. Doesn't look 12 years old. Gentle oak on the nose. Rich, but the acidity cuts through it. Very good and ready to drink. Unfortunately, a bit of a letdown after the La Serre.

Navarro Late Harvest Gewurztraminer Club Select 2006 - Very light gold. Nose of roses. Rich, burnt sugar, good balancing acidity. Peaches. There is a slight marmalade-like bitterness in the very long finish. Excellent.

Thanks for your notes. I've been curious about the Navarro Late Harvest Gewurztraminer which I've never tried and I am a fan of Gunderloch Nachenheimer Rothenberg.

[David M. Bueker]

That burnt rubber on the nose of the Gunderloch is a byproduct of the screw cap closure. Time will make that go away if prior bottles are any indication.

The Navarro is the Cluster Select Late Harvest, and it's a delicious wine. All the Navarro CSLH wines are outstanding, and they age well too.

Jay, you forgot to mention the vintage of the Bin 707, though your statement that it was a 12 year old wine should be a giveaway.

David, I have to agree that the Cluster Select wines of Navarro are excellent. I had tasted both when I visited the winery in Anderson Valley last January, and was telling Jay that while I am an out and out Gewurz fan and found the Navarro CSLH to be among the best I have tried, the CSLH Muscat was even better, showing more complexity. I am bringing a bottle of the Muscat to our lunch today, so Jay should have tasting notes out on it by tomorrow.

[David M. Bueker]

The CSLH Muscat is one delicious wine.