So my city group decided to do mature Cali Cab, and a subtheme of Mondavi Reserve broke out (though person who started it had to cancel day of). Nice group at Balvanera on a drizzly night, we started by ordering bacalau croquettas, arancini, provaleta, yellowtail crudo, and salad
NV Vouette et Sorbee Blanc de Argile Extra Brut (2017 base, dg 2020)
Pear, just baked biscuits, hint of hazelnut, fuller texture. Big style, but not ungainly. B+/A-
NV Calsac “les Rocheforts” Blanc de Blancs
I didn’t love this at first, not very giving, and it was a bit warm. But tasting later I quite enjoyed. Chalky, with nectarine and apple, touch of marzipan, good finish. B- when first tasted, B+ later
For the reds we ordered a bunch of skirt steaks, carrots, fries, and salad.
1986 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon
Resolved tannins, moderate acids, beautifully complex with black raspberry fruit, pepper, herbs, and autumn leaves. Nice length, in a very nice place. First red is my WOTN. A-
1990 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon
Soft tannins, black cherry and currant, cedar, herbs, and a hint of chipotle pepper, Very nice, ready to go. B+
1977 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Fully mature, red and black currants, cigarbox, a little menthol. B+
1982 Diamond Creek "Volcanic Hill"Cabernet Sauvignon
I liked this a lot at first, dark berry fruit with pencil lead and cocoa, good length. Rivaled the 86 LG as my fave at first, but didn’t show as well on retaste at end of night, fading fast. B+
1985 BR Cohn "Olive Hill" Cabernet Sauvignon
Some maderization on the nose, better on the palate but still rather dull and simple. C/C+
Blind wine : much riper than anything so far, one person thought Oz Cab, but most of us figured on theme but post 1991. Sweet redder fruit, eucalyptus, moderate finish. If fruit had been toned down just a little I think this would have been great., 1994 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Fay" Cabernet Sauvignon B/B+
1992 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
I recoiled at maderized nose, I assume a storage issue, immediate dump.I’ve liked this before.
1994 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Ripe black plum fruit, mint, cocoa, this has smooth tannins but is quite low acid, which makes it lean a bit toward flabby. B/B-
1996 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Brighter than the ‘94, cassis and black plum, menthol, cedar. B
1997 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
The others were ripe but to me this is into overripe terrority. Kirsch and cassis, a little cigar smoke, mocha. Some others liked more than I did. B-
And a bonus bottle (open 2 days)
2020 Schloss Johannisberg, Silberlack Riesling Groisses Gewachs
Nice nose with plums and ginger, big extracts, a bit mouth puckering. B/B+
Voting (red only)
1986 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon 12 pts
1982 Diamond Creek Volcanic Cabernet Sauvignon 12
1990 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon 8
1977 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 6
1994 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 3
1996 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1
Fun night
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.