SINGLE-BLIND CABERNET DINNER - Urbana, Washington, DC (5/24/2010)
Single blind tasting with the DC crew.
Welcome White
Quick white wine as everyone was arriving.
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2006 Matassa Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Cuvée Nougé - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes
Lots of sweaty socks and raw shellfish. Really nice mouthfeel despite the funky nose. (88 pts.)
Single-Blind Cabernet Tasting
Only rule was bring a cabernet with over 55% cabernet sauvignon.
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2004 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley
Rich nose of blackberry and ripe cherry. Has a very dense and rich palate that was a bit hot for me. Towards the end, there was some spiciness that was nice and the acidity was good. (87 pts.) -
2001 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cougar Ridge - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
Chocolate, purple paint, and black cherry. Nice dash of asian spices, with sweet tannis. Very rich with an intense palate… (86 pts.) -
2000 Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Superiore - Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Superiore
The oak came through a fair amount on this wine. Dense chocolate, dark cherry and an absolutely inky color. (87 pts.) -
2004 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River
Meaty, smokey, with strawberry reduction sauce. Sweet, dusty cocoa with a nice creaminess. Very nice acidity on the back. Great wine. (90 pts.) -
2007 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Very young wine that’s intensely hot. Backbone of this wine is apparent, with really nice baked pie crust tart cherry and beef jerky. (89 pts.) -
1997 Betz Family Cabernet Sauvignon Alpha - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Seemed relatively simple on the nose. Some blackberry and blueberries. Good mid-palate and finish…wondering whether this wine is getting a bit over the hill. (86 pts.) -
2006 Rulo Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
A much too young wine. Super tight on the backend with bitter tannis. Nose had some nice chocolate and cherry, but found this wine to be awkward. (85 pts.) -
2000 Gaja Langhe Darmagi - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC
Tobacco, roasted eggplant, and smoky cloves. Spicy mushrooms, with a velvety mouthfeel…strong backbone with a pronounced elegance. (92 pts.) -
2002 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River
Dusty blackberry with an ashtray. Great balance, sweet tannis, peppers and roasted brussell sprouts. This was my WOTN. (93 pts.) -
1998 Andrew Will Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
Sour cherry with spicy coffee and some pine needles. There was also a nice bitter chocolate component. (88 pts.) -
2007 Crushpad Vayniac Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley
Mulberries, cracked white pepper, with strong cranberries and sour cherry. A slight mintiness as well. Nice. (88 pts.) -
2003 Château Pape Clément - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
A very elegant Bordeaux. Very nice mushroom flavors with pipe tobacco, and a distinct roasted clove and spice box flavor. Seductive red berries in addition to some blackberry. (92 pts.)
Overall wine ranking (average score by all 12 tasters):
2002 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series 92.5
2004 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series 92.3
2003 Château Pape Clément 91.5
2000 Gaja Langhe Darmagi 90.6
2001 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon Black Cougar Ridge 89.8
2000 Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Superiore 89.7
1997 Betz Family Cabernet Sauvignon Alpha 89.6
2007 Crushpad Vayniac Cabernet Sauvignon 89.2
1998 Andrew Will Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard 89.2
2007 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 88.3
2004 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard 87.7
2006 Rulo Cabernet Sauvignon 87.6
Posted from CellarTracker
