The first flight:
1995 Dalla Valle
Despite only 92-94 points from Parker, this was my favorite. Concentrated, dense, multy layered Cab.
"Wineries need more than luck to produce multi-dimensional wines with this concentration, ripeness, sweetness of fruit, and overall intensity and complexity" (--Parker)
1995 Abreu "Madrona Ranch"
95 points from Parker, #3 in my mouth. List price $350 per bottle. Even Tom who run away from the argument that price and quality not necessarily go hand in hand, would agree that they don't.
1994 Araujo, Eisele
Another 95 pointer from Parker which shared #3 spot in my mouth. Having 1995 Dalla Valle first influenced my impression, no doubt. Side by side Dalla Valle was just more impressive.
Colgin "Herb Lamb Vineyard"
96 points by Parker, #2 in my mouth. This wine had an unusual nose, green apples undertones and tasted profoundly different from other Cabs in this flight. In the words of one the tasters:
"This wine reminds me of an unusual paintings one sees at the museum, likes it but wouldn't wanna have it in one's home". I'd take it home....
Second Flight:
1997 Harlan The Maiden
94 points by Parker, #1 in my mouth in that flight. I found 1997 as a whole to be more alchoholic and less refined than 94 and 95 from first flight. I recall having 96 and 97 a year later of Heitz and Cellar cabs back in a day and noticing the same thing.
1997 Behrens & Hitchcock, Cuvee Lola
I would never guess this wine was 75% Cab Franc and 25% Cab Savignion and Merlot. 90-93 points by Parker, my markings on the tasting sheet are:
|
|
V
meaning - not as good as previous which was 1997 Harlan the Maiden.
1997 Lewis Reserve
We are familiar with this wine, we had a bottle of 1999 in NYC. I find 1997 to be more concentrated, more alchoholic and much better than 1999. 93 points by Wine Spectator, my markings on the tasting sheet are
"=" meaning as good as previous.
1997 Abreu, Madrona Ranch
This was the biggest mystery of the flight. My notes on the tasting sheet are "???" 100 pointer by Parker, my FIRST 100 pointer but....I still scratch my head "WHY"?????? That was the least impressive wine of the flight. Yeah-yeah-yeah,
I know you might say that I am not Parker, and this is "why" but...I DO NOT DRINK WINE WITH HIS MOUTH....This wine reminded me the scene from Trading Places when Louis the Third is trying to pawn his watch and explains the pawn store keeper that this is the finest watch of the 80's...to which the store keeper replies:
"Here in Philadelphia, it's only worth $50!"
Flight #3, the fun flight, blind tasting!
1999 Screaming Eagle
This one was the best. Blind best. Hands down best. 97 points by Parker.
Brought by Bob (I didn't catch his last name) from his cellar, $1000 bottle at the auction is a TRUE "cult wine", collectors outbid each other over it. That was an expereince to remember and share with the children....if they get me a bottle as a gift. Yes, "little darlings", you've heard me, daddy will be very pleased getting it on his 100th birthday. Now go finish colleges, get yourself a decent job/business, don't get divorced, so you can afford it in a few years! Don't ever say you didn't know...I e-mailed you all and left text/voice messages on your cell phones.
1999 Colgin, Cariad
was a step or two below, blind. Not as rich in the price tag as Screaming Eagle, only $375 list, but still an excelelnt wine, which reminded me of our best Spanish ones at 1/10th of the cost. 91 points by Parker.
1999 Diamond Creek, Lake
Verne, Kimmy, 12clicks, I thought of you tasting this one, because I couldn't guess blind that I was drinking the wine you like so much. One day when we get together, you explain me what you see in it and I don't.
"???" were my blind notes.
1999 Grace Family Vineyard
I liked this one with food (kobe beef, grilled) more than without it. Dry, "green apples" on the palate got me this one confused with 1994 Colgin,
so I thought wrongly that it was one. I wouldn't mind a few bottles of this 89 pointer by Parker. It's different and the Diversity I like. I have no idea how much is it, but will find out later on today.
Chard at the bar and 1982 Quinta do Noval, Vintage Port were completely wasted on me..
;(
When I finish trying all reds out there, Port and Chard are next....
Nota Bene
those are my IMPRESSIONS,
Tasting Notes for those wines are out there on the net and I am not good at taking them.
