This past weekend, I met old friends in the Chicago area (Geneva), as usual the wines were great. Loren had met some of these folks last summer and sent a few of his pre-release bottles along to taste. All the wines were opened before dinner and later enjoyed during a grilled pork tenderloin dinner. It was good to be back in Geneva.
2002 Chappellet Signature Cabernet – This was popped and poured and was wonderful, right in the drinking window but can probably last longer. Deep fruit and smooth tannins. I am glad I have one more. WOTN for several people. 93
2004 Anderson’s Conn Valley Estate Cabernet – This was popped and poured but probably could have used some open time. It did not have the fruit depth compared to the Chappellet but a very nice wine. 92
1991 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet – Very smooth, I noticed no oxidation, this is how a mature cabernet should taste. Good fruit and I notice no tannins. Fantastic. 91
2005 Outpost Howell Mountain Cabernet – This did not show as well as the other cabernets tasted but was very nice. I suspect that it needs much more time or a long decant. 90
2001 Janasse Chaupin – Decanted through a venturi and it opened up over the evening. A great Grenache, beautiful raspberry/cherry taste. Certainly a change from the bigger cabernets tasted the same night. I loved it. 92
2012 Sonkin Cellars Unmasked – This was slow oxed for 6 hours before tasting and it definitely needed to be opened longer than that. A definite Cote de Rhone, mineral style, and the fruit came out on day 2 and even better on day 3. This will need a few year but it is a very nice wine. 89
2012 Sonkin Cellars Persona – This was slow oxed for 6 hours before tasting and it needed to be opened longer. It was very tight the first day, but on day two the wine opened up to show a deep dark fruit flavors. I enjoyed this a lot. This also needs several years of bottle time or a very long decant. 92+