Tried thiis last night w/ Susan:
1. BabcockVnyds GWT DryBarrelFrmtd (13.0%) 1988: Deep golden/burnished bronze color; slight oxidized/nutty/old Rhone some camphor/spicy/old GWT bit smokey/toasty/graham cracker/Cinnamon Krisp/rice pudding/nutmeg somewhat perfumed/fragrant complex nose; tart slight bitter camphor/old GWT/spicy/nutty/graham cracker/CinnamonKrisp fairly smooth some oxidized/nutty complex flavor; med. slight oxidized/bitter lightly spicy/old GWT/nutty/graham cracker/CinnamonKrisp/nutmeg complex finish; a rather interesting old GWT that still whispers of its GWT origins but pretty low-key on the palate and somewhat oxidized; interesting & clinging to life but has seen better days; not unpleasant but not very hedoniistic; allowing to warm to room temperature negates the bitterness on the palate. $10.30
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And a wee BloodyPulpit:
1. Back in the early days of his wnry, BrianBabcock was very passionate about Alsatian-style GWT & Riesling and made some quite good ones that aged rather well I thought. But the realities of the marketplace and the necessity of selling those wines drummed that folly out of his head in short order. Too bad. I find it interesting that there's a resurgence in interest in Alsatian varietals these days in the SantaYnezVlly. Maybe Brian will take up the flame for these wines once again.
The wine was showing some oxidation/nutty character but was not a bad wine to drink and only offered glimpses of its former glory. Sorta like stopping in at the nursing home and striking up a conversation w/ this vaguely classy old lady, only to find that she once danced in the FolliesBergere in the '30's. You can sorta visualize the twirling tassels and high heels w/ fishnet stockings if you stretch your imagination, but it's a bit of a stretch. But the ole lady is filled w/ stories of her glory days and entertaining CharlesDeGaulle and a hoot to visit with. This Babcock GWT was that sort of lady.
Tom