October 18, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Grace Family - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2006 - $265 - (Classic, Ager, Showpiece, Food Wine) - My first time tasting Grace, and I really like this wine's style. Not typical of Napa Valley, and reminded me more of Dunn than anything else. Aromas of black cherry kirsch liquor, cut pine, red plum, black tea and currants. Enters with chalky tannins (a sure sign of an, Ager) up front, then follows through with a wash of black plum and other black fruits. Old World in that aspect only. Retains high acidity through the finish, as well as its chocolate-tea tannins. I used the word, "lean" to describe this wine when comparing it to the others amongst it (Hillside Select, Vise-Versa, Spottswoode), but not a lean wine itself. Hold for 2012 to 2020.

Vise-Versa - Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon - $90? - (Modern) - A "New" Napa Cab, made by Paul Hobbs from 50% Stagecoach Vineyard & 50% Beckstoffer Tokalon Vineyard, so all Oakville but from both sides of the valley(thus the name). These two vineyards don't make bad wine, ever, and rarely does Paul Hobbs. I reviewed it because I'm sure you'll hear more about it in the future. There's a Syrah too (notes to come). Well built in that modern, ripe black cherry, cassis, black plum, chocolate toast, light caramel way. Moderate acidity, but moderate high alcohol. Easily consumable now, but best from 2009 to 2015, I'd suspect. The mouth matches closely the bouquet.

Spootswoode - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2005 - $140 - Tasted for a second time today, this wine was consistent with my previous notes. See: September 29, 2008 Tasting Notes.

Roessler Cellars - Peregrine - Pinot Noir - St. Rita Hills - 2005 - $43 - (Modern, Food Wine) - Opens with clove, cinnamon bark, brown sugar, black cherry, and red plum. All spice before fruit. A modest 13.5% alc. makes this wine a great choice with food while maintaining balance. Medium bodied with moderate acidity. The fruit drives the palette with boysenberry, Bing cherry and all that spice in the boot. Drink now through 2012. I enjoyed it with duck confit, lentils du pays and frisee with a warm vinaigrette.

Lachini - Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley - $59 - (Modern) - Floral, peppery, spicy, saw dust, leather, ripe blackberry, & light mocha...if this sounds like a something you'd like pick this wine up! I found it a bit too heavy and expensive for it's delivery, but most enjoyed it. A high octane (14.5% alc.) well made wine that was ahead of itself today. Tannin level was high, while the body was full and acid was moderate-low. Best from 2009 to 2017. Note: I detected a bit of TCA here, the bottle may have been a touch off. The staff did not agree...