THURSDAY NIGHT BLIND TASTING IN KW - Greg’s House (12/16/2011)
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2009 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
Popped and poured. Initially very closed on the nose, with a touch of honey and caramelized sugar. On the palate, not much flavour, but a very viscous, rich and textured mouthfeel. The finish was of moderate length, but mostly due to the alcohol/heat sticking out on the backend. I decided to give this the benefit of the doubt, and followed it over the course of the evening. At the 3 hour mark, things opened up a bit more, adding complexity on the nose with hints of florals and melon. On the palate, still quite hot, with some bittnerness, but acidity is fairly weak. Not enough here to really be enjoyable. (86 pts.) -
2008 Cave de Turckheim Riesling Brand - France, Alsace, Turckheim, Alsace Grand Cru AOC
Popped and poured. Nose of petrol, honeysuckle, beeswax, crushed stones, with a hint of lemon rind. Fairly light weight on the palate, with a zip from the acidity; nice tartness and sour note. Finish is lacking a bit of length. (89 pts.) -
2009 Domaine Vincent Paris St. Joseph - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph
Decanted for approximately 30-45 minutes. On the nose, dusty dark black/blue fruits, pepper, mineral, smoke, with hints of citrus and flowers. On the palate, more dark fruits, minerality. Nice length on the finish with moderate tannin and ample acidity. (90 pts.) -
2008 Mommessin Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Decanted for approximately 45 mins. Deep garnet with some bricking at the rim. Nose of kirsch liquer, raslberry puree, licorice, sweat, game. On the palate, dark red fruits, and a bit of heat from the alcohol. Still a bit of tannic grip on the lengthy finish, showing medium balancing acidity. We were quite surprised that this was only a 2008, given the bricking seen upon pouring. (90 pts.) -
2004 Pasquera Ribera del Júcar Tinto - Spain, Castilla-La Mancha, Ribera del Júcar
Decanted for approximately 1 hour. Nose of plum, black cherry, slight raisin, coffee, chocolate, baking spice, iron, leather and blood. Incredible complexity here on the nose. On the palate, black cherries, iron; drying tannin, acidity a touch higher than moderate, slight bitterness on the finish. The group was going Italy all the way on this one. Wrong! Upon reveal, it came to light that the exact bottle was returned 3 years prior by one of the other tasters. He sure is kicking himself now. A beautiful wine. (93 pts.) -
2009 Rhys Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, San Mateo County
Popped and poured, evolved in the glass over about 45 minutes. Dark black cherry, raspberry sorbet, wet stones, vanilla, with a hint of seaweed, giving it a sea water saline component. One the palate, more black cherries, minerality; exceptional balance, with racing acidity. Minimal tannic structure. A beautiful, elegant expression of pinot. Kicking myself now for only grabbing 2 of these, as the 2nd bottle isn’t going to last long. While young, this is open for business. (92 pts.) -
2007 Castelgiocondo (Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi) Lamaione Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
Popped and poured. Nose of plum, cherry, chocolate, candied cherry, coconut, vanilla. On the palate, dark fruits, plums, vanilla; tart, quite acidic and massive grainy tannins that dry the finish. (88 pts.)