World's End wines come east. (TNs)

WINE TALK
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Some time back there was a vote done on this site to send two lucky candidates a few samples from a new venture by Jonathan Maltus, the original ‘Garagiste’.

A few weeks back I had received these bottles. It had always been my intention to share with a few Cab-head friends; last night we did so. These are all well made wines that will give joy to those who seek them out.

A big ‘thanks’ to Jonathan Maltus for sending these east, as well as Jeff Leve who set this all up.

All wines were pop and pour.

2008 Good Times, Bad Times Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville, Napa
An interesting nose that was indeed ‘To Kalon like’ on pop and pour. I got some intense and focused black fruits of cassis and blackberries with just a hint of Kirsch. There was a very interesting creme brulee quality to this with maybe an exotic note of pickle (dissipated quickly) and some black olives. The tannins were firm with a bit of grip but with nice balance. As this sat its structure tightened bit and became a wee bit less fragrant. A nice little bottle of wine with its roots firmly into the To Kalon vineyard

2008 Crossfire Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard, Oakville, Napa
Initially I loved the way this busted from the glass into the nose. Slightly more black/blue in the fruit profile. This reminded me of a Coombsville Cab like say Realms ‘Farella’ offering. It was more plush and bigger/fuller in the middle. A very ethereal wine with lots to like. I also enjoyed the cola aspect it exhibited in the middle. As this sat it became a bit thin (1 hour. I popped and poured all of these). This placed as an early favorite. I really enjoyed this save for the behavior as it sat in the glass.

2008 Wavelength Sugar loaf Mountain, Napa
A 50/50 Syrah Cab Franc blend. As with its two siblings, this was fragrant and pretty on the nose. I can honestly say it was like nothing I have ever had in my life. It was nicely balanced and intense with plenty of flowers, red and blue berries, cherries and red plum. I got a hint of white pepper and spice-box. I would love to try this on its own as I think it has much to offer, just not alongside the fragrant and plushy Crossfire.

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Thanks for the notes Mike. It’s interesting that they sent the 2008’s since it appears that the 2009’s are to be release next month.

From a practical standpoint, while these were comped to you for the tasting, what pricepoint would you personally set for them as a price you’d pay for them?

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BP just ran an e-mail blast on these with the warning: Not For Burgundy Drinkers!

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Strangely enough, we had a 2001 Rochioli RRV Pinot on the table was was stupendous.

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To be fair, no one was going to mis-identify the Rochioli as a Burgundy.

I feel marginalized by all this divisive talk that assumes love of Burgundy wines and Napa cabs are mutually exclusive. I love both. Can’t we all just get along? grouphug

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I have been curious to see other people’s notes about these wines. I’ve had them once since my initial tasting and find them a bit more mineral-driven and structured and a little less fruity and fat that other wines from these vineyards, so I was curious what others might think. Glad to see they went over well.

What you mentioned about the Hopper starting strong then thinned out… I have found that with many 08 Cabs right now and I’ve never experienced anything like it before. I often find that they start strong, fade from 30min-2 hours, then re-emerge after 2 hours. Would like to know if others have experienced something like that as well.

Note, I would be awfully surprised if the 09s came out next month. I saw Blicker was selling the 2008 $40 wines from World’s End just last week and I think Jonathan would give a little more time in between releases. But you never know, just seems early.