Opened to pair with butter poached lobster in a curried bisque sauce on grits:
2014 Dönnhoff Hermannshohle Riesling Großes Gewächs Nahe
A bottle 8 or 9 months ago wasn't ready, but this is showing superbly now. Meyer lemon, grapefruit, white flowers, plenty of minerals and just t a touch of petrol. Very concentrated with good acidity and a long finish. An absolute perfect pairing with the lobster dish.
2008 Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend
Very tight on first opening and not coming round in the glass, so recorked and refrigerated. Three days later, dense and almost black in color with ruby highights, concentrated syrah-ish notes of dark fruit and bacon with nudges of orange peel and bay leaf. Outstanding. I've only had three or four 08 CdPs, but this is by far the star of the lot (including Pegau).
2014 Andrew Will Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley
The velveteen character of too much new oak (not a normal problem for Andrew Will, why this vintage?) remains a problem for this vintage, but the wine's at peak and drinking well now.
NV Teutonic Wine Company Riesling The Bridge Willamette Valley
A 50/50 blend of American and German grapes in collaboration with a German vintner, this wine presents in a rich, dry 'GG' style but misses out a little on substance. Quince-like flavor with hints of yellow watermelon and spaghetti squash. Very good. Drink sooner than later.
At a dinner party on Thursday night:
2013 Rudius Syrah Stoney Vine Vineyard Walla Walla Valley
Vic's bottle. Black cherry and blueberry fruit, interesting spice, a smidge of that Rocks funk, silky tannins. Perfectly balanced with considerable elegance and refinement. Very impressive--one I'd pull to show off what Washington Syrah can be, and indeed I just may as I have two bottles of my own in the cellar (which I had not tasted yet).
2016 Cooper Wine Company Barrel Maker Red Red Mountain Red Blend
Brian & Kathy's house wine, a killer big bodied kitchen sink blend that's probably the best QPR red I've tasted in this state (members can buy for $15, though it's available for $30 to non-members in their tasting room).
2016 Cooper Wine Company Merlot Estate Red Mountain
As good as April's bottle. Another WA merlot that proves Miles was wrong!
2005 Le Pauillac de Pichon Longueville Red Bordeaux Blend
Needed an hour decant. Classic Paulliac with tons of cigar box and graphite, full-bodied, very dry and savory, needs prime rib.
2013 DeLille Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags Red Mountain
Did not decant. The four flags of the title are four vineyards considered the best in this state for cabernet. Beguilingly spicy on the nose and palate, blackberry fruit, great balance, long finish. Drinks fine now but further cellaring will reward patience.
