Egelhoff Wines - 2003 - Napa - Cabernet Sauvignon - $75 - (Modern, Ager, Showpiece) - A monster nose of pure black cherry, cassis, black olive, green tea, peppery spice, kirsch and ground coffee. More closed on the palette but not shy about showing off its: black cherry, cassis, black plum, black tea and black olive arrangement. Moderatly high in alcohol; high in tannin and moderate in acid (typical of 2003).
We had a glass on Wednesday and drank the rest on Thursday...but it showed more breakdown than expected overnight. For such a tight wine I wonder about it's decant times? Any speculation?
Bryant Family Vineyards - 2001 - Napa - Cabernet Sauvignon - $350 - (Modern, Showpiece) - Dr Pepper-like aromas, teasanne, blackberry, eucalyptus/camphor, sage. Threw heavy sediment.
A medium bodied, moderate to mod low tannin, mod plus acid, Cabernet with a moderately short finish. An (14.1% alc) effort that doesn't come off as hot.
DB4 - Napa Cabernet - 2005 - $80 - (Showpiece, Modern) - The, "super second", wine of Bryant Family Vineyards. Smoky black cherry, chocolate, black olive, leather, tea, sage, and blackberries. A fullbodied, moderatly high in tannin, mountain wine with moderate acid and moderate high alcohol. A much spicier and more acidic version of the big brother. Shows off it's pomegranate, red plum and blackberry freely as it continues to open. I
Based on my tastings of recent Bryant Family wines I'd say this is very close to the Big-Brother wine, but at less than a third the cost...? It's well worth it if you're a fan.
Topaz - Late Harvest Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc - Anderson valley - 2005 - (Dessert Wine) - Orange peel, smoke, peach, florals, honey honeysuckle. Moderate acid and alcohol. Caramelized peach and nectarine as well as flambeed orange peel.
Chateau St. Michele - Grenache - Limited Release - 2005 - Columbia Valley - $28 - (Drink Now, Modern, Food Wine) - Strong cherry and cola to open, brown sugar, clove, ripe black berry and charred raspberry. A medium bodies wine which showcases moderat to moderate low tannin moderatly high acid and moderate heat from alcohol (14.5 alcohol). Blackberry almond and black raspberry lay side by side with bittersweet chocolate. Great with fresh made pissaladier of duck confit and broccolini with tomato sauce and mozzarella.
About Me
- Eric C. Maczko
- I've been part of Pine Ridge Winery's Culinary Staff for 7 years. In 2003 I took over the Executive Chef Position and have been pairing food and wine together in a creative environment every day since. I am a Certified Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers and hope to gain my Advanced in the coming year. My love of wine, food and literature are the fuel behind this little site and sharing my experience is my gift. Each year I take a little time to craft my own wine, so as to humble myself. It is a pleasure to sample the hard work and dedication of these so many talented wine professionals.
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