We got together to watch the Pens game Friday night and a wine massacre ensued.
Peter Lehman Stonewell Shiraz, 2002
Smells of licorice from fram away. On further inspection licorice anise, and roasted fruits that were just not appetizing. I put this glass aside and a while later ran into it again…smelled and tasted of spaghettios…down the drain.
Mollydooker Boxer, 2005
Yeah yeah, MD sucks, Rubitussin yadda yadda. For the price, I love this bottle. Dark as motor oil. Nose of caramel and dark fruits. Huge palate of oak, figs, and bright berries that bring nice acidity in the back of the palate. Long, thick, lingering fruit finish. You know, this wine has softened some, the heat has mellowed and Ive liked it every time Ive had it lately. It was cellar temperature and I think that helped.
Mollydooker Carnival of Love, 2005
I think someone was talking about how you have to be a drunk to like this wine well… Nose of black and blue berries, a bit of sweat, and some alcohol evident. More so than the Boxer, interestingly enough. The palate is sweet and ripe with roasted plums, blackberries, and black pepper. Nice acid. Some alcohol evident. There are some drying tannins. Today I liked the Boxer better.
Caymus cabernet, 2006
Popped another one for Liotta
Great currant notes, vanilla and cinnamon on the nose. Great full palate of plums, dark berries and some oak. Great length. Silly good for the price still.
Carlisle Gold Mine Ranch Zinfandel, 2005
White flowers, spicy pepper, currants and cinnamon on the nose. Very perfumed wine. Medium to full bodied with more currant and a bit of chocolate on the palate. Great dose of acid and some tannins in the long finish. Not a blockbuster but very very good.
Penfold’s Grange, 1998
This was dissapointing to me. Bit of BBQ in the muted nose. The palate had some berries but also seemed muted. I let it air out in a Reidel Burgundy Sommelier glass but it still showed nothing other than some added smoke and grilled flavors. This was either closed or a bad bottle in some way. Not corked thought.
AND THE PENS WIN! So our awesome host cracks open:
Screaming Eagle, 2002
Such a pleasant nose. Cranberries and cinnamon but in such great balance. A tiny bit of sweat which usually I find intrussive in Cali Cabs, but it worked in this for me. Medium to full bodied palate with berries, chocolate and cassis. Again it were the balance and structure that shone for me. Sweet and soft finish that lingers. This is clearly a great cab. I was still wanting more for the reputation, and Id rather have a recent Schrader or a recent SQN Syrah for a wow experience (never mind the price) but its still a great bottle of wine.
Yesterday and today I couldnt find the wine balls to drink something full, which I obviously generally prefer, so I finally found a use for:
Williams Selyem Sonoma Pinot, 2005
These have an oily smell and texture that Im not crazy about but for a mild drink I like em fine. The nose has some bright cranberries, cherries and baking spices. The palate is medium to light and bright. Mostly cherries. My overtaxed GI system is thankful. Just a hint of heat. A nice medium lenght finish.