2006 Cabot “One Barrel” Syrah comes from the project John told us all about colloquially called “Bacon Fat”; boy is that apropos as upon opening this bottle it is a bacon-upon-bacon soiree that makes you honestly wonder if you left the griddle on! with a multi-hour decant the wine becomes more typical cold-weather Syrah with good mouthfeel and fruit + pepper but still a bit tannic for me. will approach my remaining bottles in a year or two. thx John for this bargain!.
2005 Noceto Reward Ranch is so good right now. melange of cherries with disappearing tannins but still noticeable acidity. i think Reward Ranch is the only Sangiovese Noceto makes from non-estate fruit though these vines are within viewing distance from the tasting room - from the parking lot just look W and up the hill. again more proof Vino Noceto is California’s premier Sangiovese producer.
2006 Small Vines was opened as the Noceto was so light in color we just wanted a comparison, plus i need to room to lay down my 2007 Small Vines MK Vineyards Sonoma Coast PN bottles! this wine has improved substantially from my last visit and while not the equal of the 2005 RRV is quite good and very enjoyable now. you can tell these SV wines are hand-crafted and we really had fun going back & forth between the 1-day old Noceto and this PN decanted for 90 minutes - virtually indistinguishable color-wise but wildly different flavors! enjoyed with grilled swordfish from South American waters and sauteed green beans.
1994 Chappellet Signature is one of the very best Napa wines i have had from that lauded vintage, and so properly priced too! some color changes appropriate for the 16 years of age but such lovely, bold Cab Sav fruit and still some powdery tannins. simply better than the 94 Caymus and Joseph Phelps i have had in recent months. probably can’t hold its own against cult standouts but would not get crushed either, though most would find the prices of those cult bottles crushing! drink 'em if you got 'em!