From a dinner with a dear friend in June. My friend had been to Napa in Summer 2010, and brought back some special wines, including the Watermark and the O'Brien. I made lamb burgers to go with. Really nice evening.
Louis M. Martini, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma 2001
From my cellar, sadly my last bottle. Medium-dark ruby. Lovely nose: black cherry, dried fruit, roses, game, leather/tobacco, earth. Similar on the palate, with plum, blackberry, and mint. Nice, rich, dried fruit. Chalky tannins still very much present but integrated. Later cranberry, gravel, and prunes emerge with air. The balance is perfect. Tannins actually become more prominent with air. Perfect classical Martini. Sailing now, with all the pieces in place for 5 or even 10 more years. A gracefull ager, like the Martini Cabs of old. *** [6/18/11]
Watermark, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2006
Medium-dark garnet, but clear and pure. Significant sediment (unfiltered?). Beautiful nose. On the nose and palate, a personality of cherry/berry, roses, plum/currant, cassis, tobacco, mocha, earth, and vanilla, with a very Tuscan note of tomato, orange rind, and herbs. Very Old World. Wonderful body, long finish. A special wine. 10 - 15 more years. **** [6/18/11]
O'Brien Estate, Seduction, Napa Valley 2007
Pure, medium ruby red. Excellent nose. Cherry, blackberry, and cedar upfront, with crystalized violets, roses, hint of tobacco, earth, and lots of vanilla. Elegant, chalky tannins with notes of dried fruit. A little herbal. Medium finish. Full bodied but not huge, with pretty good tone. 10 years or more to go. ***(*?) [6/18/11]
Bodegas Dios Baco, Pedro Ximenez, Oxford 1970, Jerez (Sherry) NV
Caramel-covered raisens, raspberry, and orange, coffee, and honey. Glutinously thick and otherworldly rich. Awesome stuff. *** [6/18/11]