TN: Hanging with Mike Hirby 4/5/2009

WINE TALK
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HANGING WITH MIKE HIRBY - Sbicca, Del Mar, CA (4/5/2009)

Mike was kind enough to travel to San Diego to have dinner with a few friends. We enjoyed great wines, food and terrific company on a picture perfect late afternoon and evening in Southern California.

  • 2006 McPrice Myers Viognier Larner Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
    Popped and poured. Very fragrant nose of exotic fruits. Thick, rich mouthfeel, mango, peach, apricot. Feels more like a red wine than a white in the mouth. Gorgeous.
  • 2007 Wind Gap Wines Pinot Gris - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
    Popped and poured. Cloudy, pale yellow/golden color. Smells like a Northern Italian white wine. Not showing much at this time.
  • 1992 Sean Thackrey Orion - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
    Popped and poured. Vibrant deep red color. Very little bricking. Leather, beef and dirt on the nose. Dark fruit, spice in the mouth, smooth. Fully integrated, drinking very well. Wish I had more.
  • 2007 Relic Wines Ritual - USA, California, Napa Valley
    Popped and poured. Note is almost identical to my previous one. Very dark purple. Nose of black fruits, earth, baking spices. Rich mouthfeel, envelops the palate. Spicy, peppery, plums, black raspberries, dark chocolate.
  • 2006 Relic Wines Artefact - USA, California, Napa Valley
    Popped and poured. Deep purple color. Thick and rich, legs gripping the glass and refusing to let go. Nice mix of fruit, earth and floral components.
  • 2001 Kongsgaard Syrah Hudson Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley
    Popped and poured. Inky purple/black color. Grilled meat, bacon fat, dark fruits on the nose and palate. An undercurrent of dirt, leather and spice. Thoroughly enjoyable.
  • 1998 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
    Popped and poured. Soy sauce, mirin on the nose. Very smooth, dusty, earthy, fruit, flowers, herbs de provence. Long finish. Nice bottle, not quite as powerful as my last bottle.
  • 2007 Relic Wines Syrah Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley
    Popped and poured. Black color, very viscous. Smoky nose. Very tight upon opening, after 90 minutes started to reveal dark fruits, roasted meats. Needs time.

Posted from CellarTracker

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Great notes.
Mike’s an awesome guy. He has agreed to visit with the CLONYC group in the Fall and showcase all of his new releases. Needless to say, I’m excited… [big_boss.gif]

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Thanks.

I couldn’t agree more. I worked for Mike this past harvest and it was a life-changing experience. He’s a fantastic winemaker and a good friend.

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do you hate the rest of us in san diego now =( I thought we were oakbuddies for life

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Charlie,
Nothing but love for my fellow San Diegans. Was a last minute thing. Vanilla oakshakes for us! [drinks.gif]