Always great to have Jason come through town, and this week we were able to get him just before his birthday. So why not bust out a couple things that you don’t see every day. Fun wines. All strong showings. Very enjoyable in their own ways. Tough to beat.
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1973 Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/19/2009)
12.0% alcohol. Second time with this wine. Rick Forman’s first Sterling Reserve. And it’s still such a tasty wine. Mature nose of tobacco, dried currants, and a litany of earthy notes. In the mouth, slightly drying, but still holding together. This is a treat for those who love mature wines, with its dried fruit, leafy and earthy flavors, and gentle finish. Really gorgeous mouth feel. B+ -
1986 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (10/19/2009)
<14.0% alcohol. This is still very much alive and not the least bit oxidized. Solid red color, with some lightening at the rim of the glass. Gorgeous nose of delicate flowers, dried cherry, a hint of strawberry, mushrooms, tea, and earth. In the mouth, still somewhat velvety and showing solid fruit. It dries out a bit on the palate, with a clipped finish, but this is quite delightful. B+ -
1994 Shafer Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/19/2009)
13.5% alcohol. Third time we’ve had this and still showing beautifully. Excellent nose of herb-infused black fruit, with a delicate and compelling leafy tobacco note, as well as hints of chocolate. In the mouth, beautiful texture, just dancing across the palate with plenty of fruit and complexity. Lovely finish that isn’t harsh at all, just pure and smooth. A- -
1997 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (10/19/2009)
13.5% alcohol. Initially a touch of funk on the nose, which blew off quickly to reveal a somewhat strange bouquet. It was slightly stewed almost, but there was a glimpse of pretty red fruit and spice behind it. In the mouth, however, it was a completely different story. This was vibrant, rich, pure, and delightful on the palate. Explosion of red and black cherry, with floral, mineral, spice, and earth notes backing it up. Bright acidity remains and a smooth, plush finish. The finish is quite delightful. Very pleasant. A- -
1997 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Allen - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (10/19/2009)
13.8% alcohol. Light red color. Prettier nose than the Swan on this night. Lovely layers of red cherry, baking spice, earth, and mushrooms. This showcases the elegance of Allen Vineyard beautifully. In the mouth, not quite as focused and pure as the bottle of a year ago. Slightly muddled cherry fruit mixes with the spice and earth notes. Texturally beautiful, though, and compelling to drink. Long finish. Really just a classy, elegant, pretty wine. A- -
2006 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (10/19/2009)
14.2% alcohol. This is powerful and refreshing. Light yellow color. Big bouquet of oak, citrus, apple, and pear, with loads of minerals. In the mouth, concentrated and powerful, with great viscosity and texture, although the flavor profile is decidedly refreshing. A terrific lemony streak to the apple and pear fruit, with tremendous purity to the flavors. Loads of minerality and acidity. Long finish. This is just fantastic. A
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