A couple of friends came over, bringing a fabulous Coq au Vin.
The 2010 Carillon was beautiful, fully mature with white peaches, a touch of smoke a bit floral and a lovely finish. 92
I have to say after several Bonneau verticals, I prefer the unfashionable cooler vintages. The 2004 is a favorite, still a short time from being ready, but even so, it was in full gear after an hour in the glass. Rich, dark easy fruit, violets, spices and a lot of pepper. I have gone through a case+ of this, and it has always been around 95. This too 95
The outrageously good Cabernet was a 1978 Stelzner. This was marginally the wine of the evening, showing beautiful mature cassis and a touch of red fruit, mushroom, cedar and leather. Warm, inviting, and totally integrated, it was quite lovely. 96
Cool revelation on Steltzner, I think you missed the 2nd T, regardless 1978 has produced some really fine under the radar Cabs for me too, including Villa Mt. Eden and William Hill Reserve.
Thanks Mark. The Steltzner was a beauty, with herbs and leather. My WOTN. I think my first wine from producer, though I’ve had wines ('77 Martin Ray most recently) that used fruit from the vineyard.
I liked the Bonneau a lot, but it suffered from being Chateauneuf, even if an excellent CdP.
Fun night, great company.
I’ve had a few outstanding 1978 Napa Cabs that really aged beautifully. The William Hill Kris mentions comes to mind, and a Pine Ridge bottling. Fun to hear that the 1978 Stelzner stole the show.
Yes, Francois. I got a mixed case of 1ers on Commerce Corner a few years ago, were in offsite, realized I was risking premox, but 3 (Combettes, Perrieres, Referts) I’ve tried this month were fine. But drinking well enough I’m planning on plowing through.
