Quick thoughts on a blind tasting from last night, April 13, 2023
1989 Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett Trocken (Mosel)
Grown and vinified by Hans Kramp and bottled by Weinhaus Lauer. AP number ends in 13, so obviously a very late release of purchased wine. Everything is correct about this, but it’s very quiet. It’s got some obvious Riesling elements, especially on the aromatics, but the palate is quite weak/dilute. Dry as a bone, which is a good point, as I think any residual sweetness would have overwhelmed what little flavor (mostly green things) was there. Interesting as an artifact of a time gone by, but nothing more. I eventually settled on Riesling, or a blend dominated by Riesling.
2012 Bokenhoutskloof ‘The Chocolate Block’ (South Africa)
This one had us all over the map. I eventually settled on older Argentinian Malbec, so I least got the Southern Hemisphere. Small consolation! The reveal was quite shocking, as the wine was nicely balanced and not at all over-the-top (which is my impression of what this wine was supposed to be, at least when young). Would have paired well with a juicy hamburger.
There was a 2010 Frescobaldi Tuscan wine, but it had an unfortunate combination of both TCA and heat damage. We quickly abandoned it.
Opus One ‘Overture’ Napa Valley Red Wine NV
Not a lot going on aromatically, other than some deep red fruit and oak. Palate had more depth but felt “anonymous California.” I don’t know the blend on this (don’t know which edition of this NV blend it was), so can’t comment on my accuracy of guessing California Cabernet. I will say that it’s ridiculously expensive for what it is.
2021 Idlewild Flora & Fauna Red Wine (North Coast, California)
Intended to stump me, and it did because I overthought the hell out of it. That said it did not come across nearly as well as this blend normally does for me. It lacked mid-palate depth and had a very prickly nature at first. Ultimately it calmed down and was better drinking (especially with the prosciutto), but I am not so sure that I care for the current blend of this wine with more grapes than the prior trio of Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo. Yes, there’s a lot of freshness (is that Freisa poking through?), but I think it has lost a step compared to prior editions. I have some of the 2022 and will have to check in on one soon to see if this is a continuing issue, or just that the 2021 doesn’t resonate for me. I sure hope it’s the latter, as I have been a dedicated fan of this wine for many years.
2018 Cakebread Cellars ‘Rubaiyat’ Red Wine (North Coast, California)
What the hell do you do with a wine like this. Well, I guessed Anderson Valley Pinot Noir with some stem inclusion, and at least there’s Pinot Noir in the blend (along with bits of many other things). It seems Cakebread also does some Anderson Valley Pinots, so maybe a closer guess than that. Bright red cherry fruit, and a hint of cola goes along with some crunchy green elements and floral notes which made me think stems. Well made wine, but I am not an Anderson Valley Pinot fan, so I would never seek it out.
2011 Ridge Geyserville Red Wine (Sonoma County)
Complete shift of gears for this, which has some of the cooler elements on the 2011 Northern California growing season on display, but nothing notably green. Instead, it’s bright red and black fruit, and a full but not weighty mid-palate. Geyserville in a slimmed down form. Oak has integrated, but there’s no real added complexity from aging. It tastes like a young mini-Geyserville. Delicious, easy drinking, but I would have expected a little more. Perhaps that’s just 2011 speaking. I actually guessed Ridge.
2009 Chateau Croix Figeac (St. Emilion)
Generic, and utterly forgettable. I even forgot to guess.
2014 Trimbach Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives (Alsace)
Lighter than this wine sometimes is, but tasty, and clearly Alsatian Gewurztraminer. Easy guess to wrap up the evening. Not very sweet, and delicious with some of the soft cheeses. Lychee and pineapple, and not too heavy on the palate. Nice way to finish.
