I took the train to Croton yesterday for a tasting of 1984 & 1985 Calcabs. Perfect weather on John’s patio. Craig brought some great cheeses and a goose pate, I brought some charcuterie (prosciutto, Smoking Goose salami, mousse truffee, boar sausage, and bastourma that was way too salty/spiced (but good with eggs this AM)
A starter
2018 OO Wines Corton-Charlemagne
So apparently this is an Oregon producer with a French consultant who hooked them up with a vineyard source and facilities in Burgundy,. I quite liked this, though it was a little steely/tight. Apple, grapefruit peel, just a hint of oak. Young but promising. B+
On to the reds, in flights of two
1985 Clos du Bois “Briarcrest” Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
One person said they’d drink this on a Tuesday, not me. Maybe because train had passed SingSing, but this struck me as what Pruno probably tastes like. Stewed fruits, weedy, oxidized. DNPIM. D
1985 Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Sweet berry fruit, acid a little out of whack, not long or complex, but I liked more than some others. B-/B
1985 Girard “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
This was unpleasant, but not overtly flawed. Still apparent charred oak, macerated fruit, a bit hot, clipped. C+
1985 Burgess Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)
More nimble than any preceding, red fruit, bell pepper. B
1985 Joseph Swan Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)
I’ve had a bunch of Swan PNs & Zins from this era, but this is my first CS I think. Nice showing:blackcurrant, eucalyptuus/menthol, campfire. Fairly fresh. B+/B
1985 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)
Black cherry, vanilla, bell pepper, resolved tannin, tangy acids. B
John brought out beautiful plates of garlic shrimp with avocado with our palate breaks.
1991 Francois Jobard Meursault-Charmes
This was blind, I thought very old (60s?) white Burg, Craig declared dead, I thought there was some residual interest- quite nutty, touch of VA, but nice underlying texture. B-/C+
NV Fallet-Prevostat Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut Champagne
Never heard of producer, but will look for now. Apple, pear, bread yeast, with a nutty accent. Crisp and snappy, long finish. A-/B+
The two flagship flights were served with John’s bounty from the grill- pork tenderloin, andouille, peppers, squash, and an orzo with black truffle and mushroom- great food to go with great wines.
1984 Kalin Cellars “Potter Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Cassis, black plum, leather, pepper.rich soil. Full and firm, quite long, contender for WOTN. A-
1985 Kalin Cellars “Sonoma” Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
A bit higher toned profile, maybe a tad more mature, cassis and cigarbox, good length, would be a good ringer in a Bdx flight. A-/B+
1984 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder)
Black cherry, coffee, bell pepper, classy and long A-/B+
1985 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder)
Just wow, black plum and black cherry, smoke, menthol, excellent finish. A-
Really fun night with a good small crew (and Betsy picked me up so I didn’t spit on final flights)!
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C
drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.