(Notes on wines others brought to follow later--notes will be brief.)
Notes on my wines are from CellarTracker.
2007 Vieux Telegraphe "La Crau" Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
Still hovering around 92 or 93 points in my estimation. I took this to MO'COOL picnic in Michigan. Pale mahogany color; semi-opaque. Rich berries and cherries highlight a mellow wine with some viscosity. Does not strike me as overripe from a very ripe vintage. This was my favorite of about ten CdP in a horizontal tasting in 2010. I will try to wait two more years before opening my fourth bottle of six. It may develop some meaty notes with more time.
2006 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul, Rhone red blend, France
I liked it but not as well as the previous bottle I opened in late June. That may be partly due to the bottle getting too warm before consumption. Grenache is the primary grape in this CdP.
2004 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone red blend, France
The color was close to umber with transparency. I found earthiness but no brett or barnyard notes.
From the off-theme table (not Rhone wines):
2004 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 Tempranillo Blend, Rioja, Spain
Mahogany color. Fig or prune on the nose. Raspberry, leather and earthiness on the palate--not quite into the "funky" category. I have two more bottles and I think I will cellar them for two or three more years. They would probably benefit from even longer cellaring.
2012 Ceritas Pinot Noir Escarpa Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California (Note: I had been pronouncing this winery name as
Serr rita's with the accent on the second syllable but learned from the website that it is pronounced Serr a toss' with accent on first and mainly third syllables) Pretty ruby color with transparency. Dark cherries on the nose and palate. I found this to be delicate, refreshing, and refined. I noted a slight tartness or sour cherry note but nothing off putting.
2011 Ceritas Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast, California Green-gold color with transparency. Hint of paraffin and subtle lemon note. Quite tasty.
It was good to see you again. Let us know when you are back in Maryland.