By: AJ McClellan
Simon and Dave went out to the baseball game yesterday but got rained out and decided to start drinking. Because of the weather we only had a few members stop by, but what we lacked in quantity we made up for in exuberance. Bottle after bottle came out of the back as the members decide that we could outlast the rain.
2004 Hartwell Cabernet Sauvignon – This bottle, made by Andy Ericson, shows all the telltale signs of quality from one of my favorite Californian winemakers. The first thing that comes to mind when you try the bottle is the superb balance a perfect harmony of fruit, tannin, and acid. I feel that this bottle is in its prime right now and will continue to get better for another 2-4 years.
2006 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – This wine is just starting to smooth out, showing semi-rough tannins and ultra ripe fruits it needs another couple of years in the bottle before ultimate drinking pleasure can be achieved.
2007 O’Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – I think this wine is drinking great out of the gate. In part this wines drinkability is due to the fantastic 2007 vintage but it is also due to the unique winemaking style of Sean Capiaux.
NV Ruinart – This bottle is always a treat to drink. Soft effervescence with rich pear and peach notes backed by a crisp acidity and finishing with a long mineral annotation of limestone and schist.
1993 Louis Jadot Batard Montrachet – This wine was showing slight signs of oxidization but still drinkable. The nose had the honeyed, nutty aromas of a wine beginning its decent into oxidization but the palate was still lively with a pleasant fresh fruit flavor and nice acidity.
1993 Louis Jadot Chevalier Montrachet – Drinking much better than its Batard brother the Chevalier was singing with tropical fruits and bright citrus on the nose. The palate was fresh and clean with a subtle yellow rose note and refreshing acidity.
1990 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Beringer is one of my favorite Cali Cabs that consistently performs with age in the bottle. This 90 was no exception to the rule showing a very Bordeaux-esque nose of barnyard and leather and a palate of dusty red and black cherries and old cooking spice.