We had some fun time with Matt Simpson who stopped by Graileys last Friday with the 2010 releases of Chateau Boswell and Jacquelynn wines. With a few members already poised to start their weekend, we opened the 2010 Jacquelynn Cuvee Blanc as a starter. Looking towards Bordeaux for inspiration, this barrel-fermented wine, equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, was very aromatic with intense fresh cut grass, lemongrass, apricot, and honeysuckle notes wafting from the glass leading to a palate that was medium-bodied with a textured mouthfeel. A riper fruit of melon, apricot, and nectarine marked the palate. Zippy acidity. The 2010 Chateau Boswell Chardonnay ‘Voyage’ Russian River Valley was popped open next. This was classic California in its hedonistic, rich, well-oaked style. Toasty, poached pear, brioche, and peach on the nose and palate. This is a mouthful of a Chardonnay that screams for food. The 2010 Chateau Boswell Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Rued Vineyard that we tasted next showed a crisper, more exuberant side with a pronounced minerality and citrus overtones that I preferred to the Voyage’s luscious style. The 2010 Chateau Boswell Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was poured next. There was no mistaking Napa’s trademark in this bold, forward fruit, supple Cabernet Sauvignon. Tons of vanilla, blackberries, black cherries, and cassis characterized this wine’s nose and palate. This was followed by the 2010 Jacquelynn Beckstoffer-Dr.Crane and the 2010 Jacquelynn Oakville. Beckstoffer Dr. Crane was rounder on the palate with silkier and more refined tannins on the entry before finishing with some grippy tannins. This was more approachable than the Oakville bottling which was firmly structured with big, grainy tannins. Personally, I liked the Oakville better. It showed more complexity and flavor depth adding savory notes of espresso, earth, and tobacco to the ripe black fruits. The Oakville Cabernet needs a long decant if not at least another decade of cellaring to resolve the tannins and allow the fruit to push forward.