I invited friends over for a socially distanced dinner of grilled London Broil on one of the hottest days of the summer (85F). We began the evening with poached spot prawns and a chile mayo, plus this wine: 2019 Preignes le Vieux Grenache Vin de Pays d'Oc Paradis. 100% grenache blanc, and a reminder of why I've generally never liked grenache blancs. Perfumey, and too much residual sugar. Big fat NO.
With the steak, creamed purple corn and marinated cucumbers, we had a shoot-out between two powerful 2016 Cabernets, both decanted two hours prior and kept in the cellar until service. Representing Washington, the 2016 The Walls Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Curiositas Red Mountain Juicy black and red berry fruits gush with youth accented by a lactic note not unlike sour cream and a hint of VA. A gangly, awkward teenager, needs time.
And here comes California, the 2016 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Oakville Red Bordeaux Blend. Such was my prior regard for the above wine which I tasted when I bought and haven't tasted since, let alone drink a whole bottle, I kind of halfway expected the Bevan to be the emperor with no clothes. Alas, other way 'round! Hypnotic blackberry and graphite nose with concentrated bing cherry and cola spice on the palate. Cashmere texture with backbone, superb length. Very, very impressed.