By: AJ McClellan
A night for big Cali Cabs, with most of the bottles showing well for their youth. As always, I was very impressed with the 01 Palmaz, but the really interesting wine for me was the 08 Pick Up Sticks as this year’s bottling is drastically different from the 07 and a grave improvement.
2006 Robert Foley Claret – This wine has calmed down nicely with some time in the bottle. The fruit is still big and ripe with black currants and soft plum notes. The real change has taken place on the palate with the tannins softening and picking up more weight.
2001 Palmaz – I cannot keep my hand off this bottle. Floral notes on the nose with candied grapes and a slight minerality. The palate shows great depth, character and complexity with a long finish.
2009 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc – A great pool wine with bright tropical flavors of grapefruit, pineapple, and papaya. The palate is very crisp with a light body and lingering finish.
2008 Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – With 98 points from Robert Parker, you might expect a big bold blockbuster, well you would be right. The tannins were massive and very hard with giant dark fruits and a slight heat on the back end. In time I think this wine might live up to its score but it will need at least 8-10 years in the bottle…
2007 Markus Molitor Kabinett Riesling – Another great pool wine. Searing acidity with a hint of sweetness backed by quince, lemon, and a huge minerality. This is just a fun bottle to drink.
2008 Pick Up Sticks – I was hesitant to try this bottle as I thought the 07 was less than spectacular. The 08 on the other hand was quite nice. The tannins were powerful but in balance with the wine, the fruit was bold but not over whelming, and the alcohol was held in check.
2006 BR Cohn Olive Hill Cabernet Sauvignon – A good bottle, the nose had notes of cedar, leather, black fruits, and nutmeg. The palate was soft and subtle in a great place for drinking right now.