Way back at the IndyFest offline in 2011, Howie debuted his 2010 Bordertown Red, and we were all wowed. Then, being the generous man that he is, he sent a bottle with JuliaB on the occasion of my farewell (to Indiana) offline in 2012. Since Bill Morgan (a lurker around here) was at IndyFest and enjoyed the wine so much, I promised to save it until he and his family came to visit us. And so finally a few weeks ago they did, so you could say this was a night 5 years in the making. For comparison, we had a Chinon. And of course Howie's wine came out on top. In short, thank you so much how for affording us such a special treat!
Hart Wine Cellar, Bordertown Red, Niagara (New York / Ontario) 2010
70% New York Cabernet Franc, 30% Ontario Merlot. Medium ruby. Excellent nose: dark, dense, and aromatic, with black cherry, raspberry, dried blackberry, and current, with dried roses, cigar tobacco, a touch of orange rind, cedar, chocolate, earth, some mineral, and smokey notes, all with prominent green bell pepper notes. Similar notes on the palate, with the addition of some juicy red plum, and loads of slatey mineral, and sweet, slightly ashy tannin. Medium bodied, dark, and dense; becomes more harmonious with air. So graceful and lovely. Drink now. 3.5 Stars [7/13/16]
Domaine Sourdais-Taveau, Chinon 2008
Medium garnet, clear at the rim, with hints of brown. Takes a while to freshen up. On the nose and palate, black cherry, blackberry, prominent green pepper, tobacco, and overtones of roses, with cedar, black pepper, chocolatey earth, and abundant mineral/slate. On the full side of medium bodied; dark, dense, aromatic, and juicy; very peppery and savory in texture. Pushing it, but still excellent; drink now. 3 Stars [7/13/16]