A NIGHT OF MOSTLY CABERNET - (12/5/2024)
- 2018 Beta Chardonnay Chuy Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Moon Mountain District
From a group tasting, this was the first still wine, and overall a decent if not overly interesting wine. Tropical fruit tones, basic feel - no complexity. Re-tasted the next day, and the mid-palate picked up a distinct sour fruit note much like unripe pineapple that obscured everything else in the wine. Odd. - 2018 Ramey Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
From a group tasting, this showed typically for single-vineyard Ramey Chardonnays, with a dash of baking spices that then led into crisp apple and bright citrus fruit. Medium to full bodied on the palate the finish echoed the initial baking spice element and carried bright acidity. Re-tasted the second day, and the wine had remained very consistent and enjoyable. - 2016 John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley
From a group tasting, this was the first Cabernet poured, about 3 hours after it had been opened (no decant). Riper style, with slightly jammy dark cherry fruit, tannins initially obscured by the depth of fruit, but then emerged on the finish. Good balance of fruit and barrel aged elements, and a solid value play for riper-styled Napa Cabernet. Re-tasted the second day it had developed an almost volatile quality to the acidity that was not at all in evidence the first night. If opening one drink it up the first night. - 2017 Pott Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley
From a group tasting, and opened (not decanted) about three hours before serving, this was in a weird spot as it followed a much riper wine (John Anthony Cabernet). When we re-shuffled things a bit, and put it with the more "classic" style wines it showed very well within that group, and on re-tasting the second day it was just as good and maybe even a bit better. Crush raspberry fruit, solid acidity, firm but not overbearing tannins - solid stuff that is drinking pretty well now, and is balanced for several more years of aging. - 2018 EMH Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cat - USA, California, Napa Valley
From a group tasting, this was opened (not decanted) about three hours before serving. Classic Napa in terms of palate weight and structural balance, this has somewhat riper fruit than a truly "classic" wine, but it's not heavy or overdone. Fruit and tannins are in balance, and it was still drinking very well the next day. Another solid wine that fits with a more restrained (but not austere) style. - 2017 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
From a group tasting, and opened (not decanted) about three hours before serving, this had a surprisingly obvious oak signature on the nose, but on the palate the wood was much more integrated into the overall package. Slightly more reserved than most recent vintages of Montelena (a reflection of the vintage perhaps) it still hits all the marks, and the palate depth and second day re-tasting where it was consistent with the first day, suggests moderate if not long-term aging potential. - 2006 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley
From a group tasting, this was opened (not decanted) about three hours before serving, and showed beautifully from the get-go. Surprisingly elegant, though still with plenty of weight/depth, the fruit was in the deep red range rather than anything black, and there was not trace of over-ripeness. Pretty fantastic, and not at all overdone. Re-tasting the second day the tannins were overpowering the fruit, so perhaps better to drink this one up in the near term. - 2008 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District
From a group tasting, this was opened (but not decanted) about three hours before serving. Served alongside the 2006 Phelps Insignia, these were two peas in a pod. Not identical wines, but very similar in weight/depth. The Shafer tended to darker, black fruit, but not overripe. Tannins more restrained as well, and on re-tasting the second day the fruit/tannin balance remained very good, so this can likely handle a little more cellar time if desired, though it's fantastic to drink right now. - 2004 Carl Schmitt-Wagner Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg Riesling Auslese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
From a group tasting, this was opened about 4 hours prior to serving. A classic "drinking Auslese" this might have been a Kabinett for many producers back in the day when bigger was better, but Schmitt-Wager was always smaller, finely detailed wines. From over 100 year old ungrafted vines there was substantial depth to the flavors (ripe apple, peach, cream), but never any heaviness or even overt richness. It just sailed across the palate without even a breath of wind behind it. Re-tasting the second night it was just as fresh and bright (ah 2004!), with no decline at all. Drink or hold!
Thanks to Steve Gellman for providing the Shafer Hillside Select!