Had two wines for lunch this weekend that were a little disappointing.
2006 Peter Michael Indigene Chardonnay - enjoy Peter Michael Chardonnay, but thought this wine was not very exciting. On the positive side, had some tropical fruits, creamy texture and light lemon zest, but overall it was very light, almost diluted. The acid seem to be a little sharp and overall disjointed. Any experience with the rest of the 06 lineup?
1998 Colgin Herb Lamb - Thought this might turn out to be a good wine, started out to have mountain blueberry, sweet fruit similar to other years of the Herb Lamb, but quickly moved into a rather dull pruny not so complex wine. Do not see this wine improving at all with age. Anyone have recent experience with other pre 98 Herb Lamb?
Not the 2006, but here is my impression of the 2007 Belle Cote from a month ago. Sounds similar
2007 Belle Cote Chardonnay - This is their estate Chard from their high elevation vineyard. It was very aromatic with peach, orange blossom, and honeysuckle notes. Mid-weight on the palate and the oak comes through pretty heavy here. It has a nice mineral streak and good fruit, but right now the oak is a little high and the alcohol is a little hot. Maybe check in a year or two to see how it integrates. Good, but not on par with the best Cali-Chards I have had. especially considering the price tag.
2006 Les Pavots - This is their premium Bordeaux blend, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice bouquet of graphite, plums, pepper, and once again…oak. Mid weight on the palate, I was expecting more from this known heavyweight. Ok complexity with a medium finish. The bottle was opened for about four hours.
Honestly, it was a nice suprise to taste these “cult” wines today, but the oak was a little heavy handed and both wines made me kind of wonder “where’s the beef”? These are some of the most revered and pricy wines in California and they don’t compare to some of the treats I have had lately. Of course, i wouldn’t turn down a glass of either, they are very well made wines and of high quality, but for me just lacking personality and depth to be great.