I only managed to take notes on a few wines from an evening of excess Saturday night, but here are some impressions of some of the most interesting older wines (and of an interesting younger wine).
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1985 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Mountain - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain (6/24/2017)
From magnum - A savory mix of bell pepper, dark cherry and black currant fruit, and a compelling meatiness on the finish, supported by tongue-prickling acidity and tannin, it has definitely hit its peak but isn’t at all in decline. Magnificent. (94 pts.) -
1997 Domaine des Baumard Savennières Trie Spéciale - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Savennières (6/24/2017)
Honey and lanolin, the alcohol and richness create an illusion of sweetness, and a floral freshness lightens it up. Very nice. (92 pts.) -
1996 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (6/24/2017)
Olive, bell pepper, and wood smoke, atop a base of dark fruit, it still shows a fair bit of tannin that smooths out with air, drinking very well now but with a lot of gas left in the tank. Very nice. (91 pts.) -
1999 Franck Peillot Roussette du Bugey Altesse de Montagnieu - France, Savoie, Roussette du Bugey (6/24/2017)
Nutty and honeyed with some minerality, rich and tasty. (91 pts.) -
2014 Dirty and Rowdy Mourvedre Shake Ridge Ranch - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County (6/24/2017)
From magnum, loaded with spicy strawberry, raspberry, blackberry fruit, so easy to drink. Just exuberant and fun. (91 pts.) -
1990 Couly-Dutheil Chinon Clos de l’Echo - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (6/24/2017)
From a 3L, lots of red fruit with a bit of olives and just a dash of green pepper, it isn’t that complex but makes up for it in tastiness and drinkability. (90 pts.)