Showing posts with label salmon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salmon. Show all posts

Friday, February 3, 2023

Stag's Leap Napa Chardonnay at McCormick & Schmicks

Stag's Leap Napa Valley Chardonnay at McCormick & Schmicks

Friday night dinner out, we dined at McCormick & Schmick in nearby Oak Brook Terrace (IL). 


Seeking seafood for a healthy dinner, we selected a classic Napa Chardonnay as an accompaniment. 

I was hoping for a Sole or similar delicate white fish, preferably in a Meunière or Beurre Blanc sauce, but the entree on offer had a pretzel crust and a mustard sauce. Hence, I opted for the Whiskey Glazed Salmon with Colcannon Potato Cake and Irish Whiskey Hollandaise on a bed of spinach. 


Linda chose the 10 Greens Chopped Salad with Bacon, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Olives and Tomatoes with baked Salmon

This classic Napa Valley Chardonny is from Stags’ Leap Winery, within the acclaimed Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, one of the oldest wine estates in the region, established in 1893. Stag's Leap sources grapes from their 80-acres of estate vineyards and from quality-focused growers.

Christophe Paubert is Winemaker and General Manager at Stags’ Leap Winery. His career has spanned the industry from sales to winemaking, and his impressive background includes positions at legendary Chateau d’Yquem and Grand Cru Classe' producer Gruaud-Larose in Bordeaux, as well as projects in Chile, Spain and Washington State. Eventually, the terroir of Stags’ Leap drew him to California and his current position.

The 2020 season was far from the typical harvest season. With a warm, dry winter, then rain and cooler weather that didn’t arrive until the end of March turning to a mild spring. Workers in the vineyards and winery were subjected to extensive safety protocols due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Summer brought cool mornings and warm days, but then harvest was interrupted by wildfires across California, which came as the harvest began. Stag's Leap were fortunate that none of their vineyards were impacted by the active fires.

Stag's Leap Napa Valley Chardonnay 2020

The grapes for this Napa Valley Chardonnay were sourced from the cooler southern appellations within Napa Valley, where fog from the San Pablo Bay helps cool the vineyards throughout the growing season, allowing for ideal preservation of freshness and acidity. 

The majority of the fruit came from the Carneros AVA which provides citrus, mineral, and crisp apple notes, with a smaller percentage coming from the Oak Knoll AVA, which contributes more tropical and stone fruit characteristics. These vineyards consistently produce Chardonnay ideal for the Stag's Leap style of winemaking with fresh fruit flavors and bright acidity and vibrancy.

The white wine showed a fine vintage year, while the red wine harvest proved to be one of the most challenging in history. The resulting 2020 wines were of high quality with concentrated flavors and excellent acidity, especially for varieties like Chardonnay.

This is 100% Chardonnay fermented and aged in 25% stainless steel, 25% new oak and 50% neutral oak barrels for 7 months.

This label was awarded 94points by Rebecca Murphy of WineReviewOnline.com.

Light straw colored, medium bodied, crisp, bright, clean, dried herbs with mineral and floral accents predominant over the subtle citrus and pear fruits. 

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4177139

https://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/

https://twitter.com/McandSchmicks  

@McandSchmicks

Friday, September 2, 2022

Chez Joël Authentic French Bistro Cuisine with High QPR Wine Selections

Chez Joël Authentic French Bistro Cuisine with High QPR Wine Selections

Back home from our road trip, Friday night dinner, we were treated to dinner with son Sean and d-in-law Michelle to celebrate their new home down the street from our in the Hobson Road corridor. 

We dined at one of our favorite eateries in the City (Chicago), Chez Joël on Taylor Street. As usual the service was outstanding, food was delectable and the price was agreeable.

Chez Joël is quaint, artsy, intimate, tasteful, comfortable,  authentic yet unpretentious in its French Bistro setting and faire. We had a perfect lat summer evening sitting outside in the adjacent courtyard.

I had my oft-time usual fare, the Duck Confit, Linda had the salmon, Sean the daily special Blue Fish, and Michelle had the lamb, Michelle's cousin Ola had the Coq au vin. 

Chez Joel Patio

Chez Joel Confit Duck

Chez Joel Lamb

All the entrees were excellent - well prepared, artful presentations, ample portions, and with appropriate accompaniments.

With the starters and seafood entrees we had a selection of WBTG (Wine By The Glass) offerings from the winelist, the Sauvignon Blanc, Daniel Olivier, Montravel, Bergerac and this California Chardonnay.

Bishop's Peak Tally Vineyards San Luis Obispo Chardonnay 2020

Bishop's Peak is the second label of wines are crafted by Talley Vineyards to capture the unique diversity of the greater Central Coast region. The goal with the Bishop's Peak Chardonnay is to produce wine that reflects the distinct aroma and flavor of cool climate chardonnay in the purest way possible. Consequently no new oak barrels are used for fermentation or aging. Produced from Chardonnay grapes grown sustainably in coastal San Luis Obispo County, predominantly in stainless steel with some neutral French oak barrels.

Vinous rated this 91 points reflecting high QPR in this entry level label. 

Straw colored, medium bodied, notes of pear and peach fruits with hints of lemon, floral with bitter citrus tones. 

RM 89 points.

For the main courses we ordered from the winelist this Northern Rhone red that we know well having enjoyed earlier vintage releases it on several occasions from the winelist at another one of our favorite French Bistro's Suzzettes' Creperie in suburban Wheaton

Repeating that earlier blogpost the notes about Domaine Chevalier and brother and sister team of Nicolas and Marlène Chevalier, tonight we tasted the newer, later 2020 vintage of this label.

Marlène & Nicolas Chevalier Les Voleyses Crozes Hermitage 2020

Once part of the cave co-operative at Tain-Hermitage, since 2008 the family vineyards of Domaine Chevalier are gradually being reclaimed by the brother and sister team of Nicolas and Marlène Chevalier. Nicolas tends the vineyards and crafts each cuvee, while Marlène handles all of the sales and marketing for Domaine Chevalier.

Following his formal agricultural studies in France, Nicolas spent four years honing his winemaking skills on estates in Australia, California and South Africa. After completing studies in agronomy and enology in France, he headed to South Australia’s Clare Valley where he mastered various techniques for fermenting Shiraz (Syrah). He then worked with Kendall Jackson in California crafting white winemaking skills. To further his post-graduate wine studies, he spent 2002 in South Africa working at legendary three-hundred-year-old Boschendal estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa, a winery renowned for its superb Syrah-based wines.

Marlène and Nicolas Chevalier farm three small vineyards at their meticulously tended family property comprising 3 1/2 acres in Crozes-Hermitage from which they produce on average 500 cases of red and white Rhône wines in tiny lots which are highly allocated. Their wines are found only in a couple of importer direct wine clubs and renowned restaurants in North American.

This is from Crozes, the village adjacent the more prestigious appellation that shares part of its name, but operates in Hermitage’s shadow. The Crozes-Hermitage appellation area extends about 10 miles (16 km) both north and south of Tain and Hermitage itself and is known to produce more approachable wines than its higher profile neighbor. By 2017, almost 4,200 acres (1,700 ha) of vines had been planted among the local cherry and apricot orchards. Unlike Hermitage, land in Crozes-Hermitage is relatively affordable and available providing an opportunity for enthusiastic newcomers, as well as a number of local growers, who want to bottle the fruit of their own labors, rather than send their production to the Cave de Tain co-op, the case of this wine too.  

Nicolas works with several distinct parcels for their wines: La Motte, Marius, Petite Pend, Les Pends and namesake source for this label, Les Voleyses. These vineyards have clay and limestone soils with excellent exposure, known to produce ripe, high quality grapes with great aromatic character and freshness. The Domaine Chevalier site has been producing grapes for notable wines gaining high praise and critical acclaim for more than three centuries.

Like the 2018 vintage we tasted earlier, the 2020 vintage was also top rated in the Northern Rhône. This represents a great value, high QPR (quality price ratio) wine.
 
Importer notes for the 2018 release: The 2018 Domaine Chevalier Les Voleyses Crozes-Hermitage sports a brilliant purple robe and a captivating aroma redolent with the scents of blackberry, plum, violets, and exotic spices. Sensuous and seductive in the mouth, the 2018 Les Voleyses graces the palate with a silky texture and pure floral, fruit, and forest floor flavors that have aptly been described as hedonism in a glass. Moreover, the 2018 Domaine Chevalier Les Voleyses is juicy and harmonious to the finish, as it makes an exit with joyful panache.
 
The Voleyses Cuvée is 100% Syrah made from younger vine fruit and aged in stainless steel.
 
Tonight's tasting was totally consistent with our earlier experiences with this label.

Deep inky purple colored medium-full bodied, full round layers of blackberry and plum fruits, notes of black tea, spice and leather overtake the fruits, turning to soft chewy textured tannins on a medium finish. 

RM 91 points.  

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4133858

The 2018 release - https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3495672

Earlier vintage release blogpost - https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2021/12/intimate-dinner-suzettes-creperie.html

With the dessert course Sean had the Tawney Port and I had another wine we know well from previous visits here as well as from our home cellar, this WBTG Sauterne offering. 

Château Suduiraut Lions de Suduiraut Sauterne 2016

This is the second wine of a well known prestigious Bordeaux Grand Cru. 

Resembling its flagship first label big brother this was delicious and a perfect perfect accompaniment to the Creme Brulee and Chocolate Lava Cake. 

The history of Château Suduiraut began in 1580 with the marriage of Nicole d’Allard and Léonard de Suduiraut. Classified as a Premier Cru Classé (First Growth) in Sauternes in 1855, it has always been known as a superb property (its neighbor is Château d’Yquem). 

In the 1990’s, the estate was sold to French financial insurance conglomerate AXA, who invested in the Château making significant investments in its vineyards and winemaking facilities. This eventually translated into a dramatic increase in the quality of the wines.

The Suduiraut vineyards span 92 hectares consisting of gravel, sand, limestone and clay soils on sloping hillsides. They are planted to 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is fermented in French oak barrels and aged on its lees in 50% new French oak for 18-24 months. Lions de Suduiraut, their third label, is produced from almost nearly 100% Semilon. This release was a blend of  93% Semillon and 7% Sauvignon Blanc. 

It was aged 50% in new barrels and 50% from barrels of one vintage, for 16 to 18 months

Dark golden, weak tea colored, medium bodied, sprites of sweet honey, apricot with note of peach and glints of pear, citrus and notes of lychee, stone fruit on a tongue coating unctuous finish.

RM 91 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3417749

https://www.suduiraut.com/

As usual and to be expected at Chez Joel, a wonderful, relaxing fun wine and dine evening.

http://chezjoelbistro.com/

 

 


Saturday, May 23, 2020

Vintage Napa Cab Trio mark celebration dinner

Trio of Vintage Napa Cabernets - Pride, Robert Craig and Silver Oak mark celebration dinner

For a gala family birthday celebration dinner, I pulled from the cellar some vintage Napa Cabernets to pair with grilled sirloin steak and sea scallops. Between thundershowers we were able to eat on the deck. It was a wonderful gathering of our seven grandkids.


Linda prepared grilled Salmon, chicken breasts and scallops in addition to the grilled sirloin steak. For dessert, Erin prepared a marvelous chocolate cheesecake with coffee crust and fresh berry coulis.





We had left over from the dinner selections the evening before a vintage Napa Cab and a Sauv Blanc. I started out looking to create a mini-horizontal tasting of the 2000 vintage to pair with the 2000 Craig Mt Veeder Cab we had left from last night. Digging through the cellar with son Ryan, we were evaluating a half dozen options when we came upon a selection '95 vintage releases. We opted for the older vintage as part of cellar management as well as just pure exploration. I still hold a half case of Pride Mountain cellars Cabernets from the mid-nineties as well as a broad selection of Silver Oaks from the era, so we pulled one of each.

Testament to the depth and breadth of our cellar, Cellartracker records indicate we have 86 bottles of 46 different labels from the 2000 vintage. Surprisingly, we hold 119 bottles from 41 different labels from the 95 vintage.

Linda prepared grilled sea scallops, salmon and chicken breasts, so, with eight adults drinking, I opened a magnum of Bouchaine Napa Valley Carneros Chardonnay.  We also had the remains of the Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc from the night before.

Bouchaine Napa Valley Carneros Chardonnay 2014

Bouchaine claims to be the oldest continually operating winery in Carneros dating back to the first vines planted in the 1880s by local legend Boon Fly. The property has passed through several hands to the current owners Gerret and Tatiana Copeland who purchased the property in 1981. They were among the early planters of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Carneros. 

Located down at the bottom of Carneros near the top of San Pablo Bay, Bouchaine produce about 22,000 cases of wine a year of Chardonnay and Pinots including , Pinot Noir, bright, spritzy Pinot Blanc, melony Pinot Gris and elegant Pinot Meunier, under the leadership of new winemaker Chris Kajani who was hired in 2015.


The Estate Chardonnay comes from 35-year-old vines and Dijon plantings dating to 1996, and more than a dozen blocks; 6,783 cases were produced. It’s 90 percent barrel fermented (15 percent new oak, Hungarian and French), and 10 percent stainless steel.


This release got 92 points from Robert Parker Wine Advocate.


James Suckling-Napa Valley, California- "Orange peel, lemon zest, slate, nectarines and spices. Very understated and pretty on the palate with a medium to full body, reserved but present acidity and a bright finish."

This 2014 Chardonnay Estate is straw golden colored, medium-bodied, notes of orange blossoms, apple tart and lemon meringue, bright, citrus flavors with a hint of oak and a toasty undercurrent, the fresh and elegant, with a wonderful intensity of citrus flavors and long, mineral-laced finish.

RM 90 points.  


https://bouchaine.com/

https://twitter.com/BouchaineWines

@BouchaineWines

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2465323

Pride Mountain Vineyards Napa Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 1995

We still hold several bottles from a case we purchased at the winery during a visit to the estate high atop Spring Mountain above St Helena back in the late nineties.

While past the apex of its drinking window, this is still showing very nicely with sound color, and resolute structure.

Consistent with earlier tasting notes, dark, full bodied, firm, the full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits are starting to give way to leather, mushroom, cedar, tobacco, smoke and earth still showing earlier hints of subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish. Still life left but should be consumed over the next couple of years.

I gave this 91 Points back in 2013 and 90 points in 2009. The Reserve bottling of this vintage got 98 points from Robert Parker and 97 points from Wine Spectator. 

RM 91 points. 


https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=6236

Silver Oak Cellars Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995

Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer founded Silver Oak Cellars in 1972 with the idea of making only one varietal – Cabernet Sauvignon. Meyer was a winemaker for Christian Brothers and Duncan brought his business background to the enterprise. In the nearly fifty years since, Silver Oak became one of the most successful in the state and has developed a cult following of folks who admire Silver Oak’s oak accented polished style of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, sometimes blended with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

The winery owned 200 acres of vineyards in Alexander Valley and 15 in Napa Valley producing about 50,000 cases a year. Justin Meyer sold his shares of the winery to the Duncan family in 2001, and a second generation of Duncans operated winery operations before selling off their holdings a few years ago. 

We hold a dozen and a half vintages of this iconic label dating back to the birthyear vintages of our kids in '81, '82, '85 and '90, of which we still hold in magnums. We also hold six liter bottles of the single vineyard designated bottling Bonny's Vineyard for son Alec's birthyear vintage, which we'll serve at his wedding this fall. So it is that we often open Silver Oak on special occasions.

Tonight this 1995 Alexander Valley Silver Oak Cab was showing its age as the color had taken on a slight browning on the rim and the fruits were starting to give way to some funkiness and earthy notes.

Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, has a garnet hue with some slight browning at the rim, the black fruits were giving way to aromas of cigar box, leather and herb flavors with notes of cherries and dark chocolate and anise.

RM 88 points.

This release got 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate  and 92 points from Wine Spectator.

Parker noted, "given proper cellaring, this wine can be enjoyed now through 2019".

Characterizing notes from Robert Parker, "Critics have argued that the wine does not age particularly well, but that has largely been proven a myth for some vintages. Silver Oak generally is not as long lived as Chateau Montelena, Dunn, or other Napa Cabernets with a 30-40 year aging potential, but they can have a broad window of drinkability, known to be delicious at release, and able to sustain their fruit and character for typically 15 or more years."

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2580




Saturday, September 22, 2018

Le Yaca Restaurant Wine and Dine Experience

Le Yaca Restaurant Williamsburg Wine and Dine Experience

During our weekend getaway to historic Williamsburg, Virginia, we dined at Le Yaca fine dining French Restaurant.

The Le Yaca story dates back to 1964/65 in the little village of Le Praz in the French Alps.

In 1968, a second “Le Yaca” opened in the southern French coastal town of Saint-Tropez. In 1980, the third Le Yaca moved to the United States and opened in Williamsburg, VA.

Daniel Abid was one of the first chefs at the Williamsburg location who was instrumental in growing the popularity and reputation. Abid acquired Le Yaca in 2001. A fourth location opened on High Street in Williamsburg in 2014.

We dined at the High Street location.  I took advantage of the Chef's Five Course Tasting Menu and selected the chef's wine pairing with each course (shown below).

Linda chose the LE SAUMON D’ECOSSE, poached filet of fresh Scottish salmon. Her dessert selection was the LA VERSION FRANÇAISE DU TIRAMISU, Chef's version of tiramisu, served with Espresso ice cream (shown below).

For her wine accompaniment we ordered from the winelist Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2014.






The Chef's Tasting Menu and Wine Pairings:

Menu Dégustation

COQUILLE SAINT-JACQUES ET HOMARD
diver sea scallop
maine lobster tail
truffle vinaigrette
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve, Champagne, Non-Vintage




LE CANARD ET FOIE GRAS
magret duck breast
seared foie gras
caramelized white peach
port reduction





Château Puy-Servain Haut-Montravel Terrement 2009

(Substituted for the Petit Guiraud Sauternes, Borde
aux, 2012)

 ❖
INTERMISO
Rosé sorbet granité




DOVER SOLE
imported
classic brown butter sauce


Domaine des Gerbeaux Pouilly-Fuissé, Burgundy, 2015

 

 and ... 


La Fleur D;Or Sauterne 2013
And finally for the dessert course, this decadent, over-the-top ...

SYMPHONIE
Grand Marnier soufflé
citron
chocolat
café


Pineau des Charentes (Rosé)


http://www.leyacawilliamsburg.com/

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

97 Napa Reds Highlight Steak Salmon Dinner

Tasty '97 Napa Reds Highlight Grilled Steak Salmon Dinner - 1997 Vertical Tasting

The plan was to attend the Wednesdays, Woods and Wine evening concert with friends Bill and Beth, part of the summer series at the Morton Arboretum where we've been members for decades. When we arrived the parking lots were overflowing to a remote lot with no transport to the venue. With lawn chairs and picnic dinner, it wasn't an option so we headed back home. The ever resourceful Linda pulled together an impromptu dinner of grilled steaks and salmon and we pulled from the cellar these tasty reds.


David Arthur Napa Valley Meritaggio 1997

Our tasting at the David Arthur winery overlooking Napa Valley was a highlight of our Napa Valley Wine Experience in 2013.

This was nice tasty easy sipping starter on the deck pre-dinner. CT says I still have six bottles of the case we bought on release but I think this may the last bottle from the lot.

Consistent with previous tasting notes, this may be at its apex as its showing well - bright and expressive, such that I extended the CT posted drinking window from 2010 to 2016.

Deep dark ruby colored with tinge of purple, medium to full bodied, elegant, polished, smooth and delicious full forward sweet currant, plum and red berry fruits accented by subtle smoke layer turning to silky smooth tannins on a full long finish.

RM 93 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=6106

Constant Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

This was a mini tribute to producer Freddie Constant. Bill and I both received our release mailer from Constant this last week and noted the picture of team Constant, sans the departed Freddie who passed away since last harvest. We recalled the tasting we did with him at the spectacular winery high atop Diamond Mountain.

Like the Meritaggio above, this is also showing well at eighteen years, indicating the aging ability and length of the '97 vintage - patience being rewarded! I modified this drinking window too, from 2012 to 2016, as its still hitting its stride.

Dark blackish garnet colored, tightly wound concentrated core of black berry and black raspberry fruits with tones of tobacco, graphite, black tea and hints of leather and allspice on the firm but smooth tannin finish. This was a perfect complement to the grilled steaks.

RM 93 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=36392

After dinner with fresh baked shortbreads and assorted chocolates we opened this other smooth easy drinking sipper.

Spring Valley Vineyards Uriah Walla Walla Red Wine 2005 

Bill asked for a Merlot based blend and we found this. Back in 2009 I wrote that this definitely needs some time. Well, its time! This was delightful and a perfect fit for the after dinner cake and chocolates. At that time I wrote, "Definitely needs some time - decant and let breathe. A bit harsh up front with cedar and tar overpowering black currant and black berry fruits - turns to vanilla with creme brulee burnt sugar on the long firm tannin filled finish. Still approachable and enjoyable - just not as smooth as the '03 or the '06."

Well, this has softened and become much more approachable in the five years since.

Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, smooth polished forward aromatic black currant and black berry fruits give way to hint of nicely integrated oak turning to tones of minerality, black cherry and dark mocha chocolate with hints of anise and tobacco.

RM 93 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=365759

Bordeaux varietal blend of 53% Merlot, 36% Cab franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec.

https://www.springvalleyvineyard.com/




Saturday, June 27, 2015

Big Cab Napa/Sonoma Trio Key Surf & Turf Dinner

Big Cab Napa/Sonoma Trio Key Surf & Turf Dinner

For an end of week Friday night surf & turf dinner, Linda prepared Sockeye Salmon and NY Strip steaks accented by rice pilaf, bacon wrapped green beans and baked potatoes and Beth brought a dinner salad. I pulled two 1995 Napa Valley Cabernets and Bill brought a Sonoma Reserve Cab to round out the big red flight.

The mini horizontal tasting staged Snowden and Pride Mountain Napa Valley Cabernets alongside a Chateau St Jean Reserve Sonoma Cabernet from Bill's cellar. We have visited each of these producer's over the years during our Napa/Sonoma Wine Experiences.

We were joined by son Ryan who snuck out of the to come over for an impromptu tasting.

We met with Scott Snowden as a featured producer at a dinner we hosted at Brix in St Helena back shortly after they were 'outed' by Wine Spectator Magazine in their feature 'An Undiscovered Dozen' about several emerging hot producers of Napa Cabs. Over the ensuing years, we met with and acquired each of the twelve labels of which we still hold many yet today. We hold a half dozen vintages of each of these labels opened tonight. They seem to be aging the same following the same aging profile.

After dinner fresh baked dark chocolate brownies with fresh berries and Beth's chocolate and crunchy butter toffee highlighted the red wines as much as the beef and pre-dinner artisan cheeses.

With the Salmon course we tasted:

Fritz Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2008.

Butter colored, medium bodied, slightly tart on opening with layer of acidity, tone of green apple, tropical fruits, hints of lemon and nutty almond.

We tasted this a month ago when the tartness and acidity conflicted with lobster tail and lemon, but tonight it complimented the sockeye salmon nicely.

RM 87 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=772492



Snowden Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1995

We still hold more than a half dozen vintages of this label from their early days through their first decade, and including some recent releases as well. 

Surprisingly, this was the most expressive of the three wines tasted tonight. There seemed to be a role reversal between the Snowden and the Pride from what I would have expected. Our tasting experience of the Snowden this night was consistent with my tasting notes of the previous tastings back in 2005 and 2007. 

Dark garnet colored, medium full bodied, aromatic black berry and black cherry fruits accented by tones of earthy leather, graphite, tea and herbs turning to anise on the lingering tannin laced finish.

Tonight, the Snowden had the same profile as before except that after a couple hours it opened to reveal a sweet Bing Cherry tone that lingered through the evening. The next day, this returned to black fruits with smokey black tea and anise the following day, with a slight mustiness set in, and it seemed to lose its balance and come across a bit flabby while maintaining its firm backbone .

RM 91 points. WS gave it 93 back on release.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=322981


Pride Mountain Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 


We visited the winery high up at the top of Spring Mountain and acquired this wine back during our Napa Wine Experience 1999 and again in 2003. We also most recently featured this wine at our 95 Horizontal Cab tasting two years ago. Tonight's tasting experience of the Pride fit my tasting notes of the previous tasting back in 2013.

While my inventory says this is my last bottle, I found a mixed case with four more up on the top rack of the cellar. Nice discovery since this is aging well and promises to hold on for a few more years. 

Dark, full bodied, firm, initially closed and tight - decanted and set aside, after an hour and half it started to open up to reveal full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits accented by anise, with hints of spice, dusty cedar, and a subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish.

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=6236


Chateau St Jean Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

We visited the elegant Chateau and Estate in Sonoma Valley with Bill and Beth during our Napa Sonoma Wine Experience back in 2009 when we tasted and Bill acquired this label. Chateau St Jean is one of the classiest producers and wineries in Sonoma Valley with its expansive grounds of stylish gardens and old world style Chateau and accompanying buildings - one of the most picturesque and authentic old world style sites in the region. Its one of our favorite producers in Sonoma that we've visited on numerous occasions including that visit.

This was dark garnet colored with medium body. It was the most polished and smoothest of the three wines, partly due to the Sonoma Cabernets being a bit softer and perhaps also because this is a Reserve blend rather than a firmer narrower Napa Cab, and as such had less backbone and structure than the other two wines but was more complex. Dark berry fruits and predominated with tones of black berry, black raspberry and touch of black cherry turning to tones of subtle mocha, hints of leather and cedar, and smooth soft tannins on the moderate finish.

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=659625


Good Grief.

Linda noted this the next morning as she unloaded the dish washer. Even for a seemingly simple tasting, five of us and four wines tasted .... we still managed to use a large selection of wine glasses, and this doesn't count or show the water glasses!

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Napa Cabernet and White Pairing Flights Showcase Grilled Steak and Salmon dinner

Napa Cabernet and White Pairing Flights Showcase Grilled Steak and Salmon dinner

Still in process but a starter of wine journal notes... 

For a mid-summer wine dinner Linda prepared grilled sockeye salmon, strip steaks, asparagus spears, twice baked potatoes, mix green salad and some surprise deserts and palette teasers. Beth brought a squash casserole accompaniment. Prior to dinner we feasted on a medley of artisan cheeses brought by Dan, and shrimp cocktail.

Often when we're gathering we determine a wine theme for the evening and folks bring something accordingly. Tonight we were void of a theme other than folks knew the general menu offering. I find it remarkable how our wine pairing flights came together to create a wine experience and to complement the food. Of course Bill brought a vertical duo pairing, and we created a pairing with me matching Dan's Cab and Champagne selections. But ironically, Lyle and Bob each brought similar regional Sonoma Cabernets to compare. And of course I crafted the white flights to the meal selections. The result was a fun, interesting and intriguing wine experience.



The first wine flight was a pair of French Champagnes - Dan brought this Charles Mignon Cuvee Comte De Marne Brut Grand Cru and I pulled a Lanson Black Label Brut NV from our cellar.

Grilled Sockeye Salmon Platter


With dinner salad and the salmon we served Kim Crawford Marlborough Dry Riesling 2006, and then Maldonado Los Olivos Vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay 2005, respectively. Then came a surprise. Linda prepared a mango lime ice garnished with mint leaves as a palette cleanser (left) before moving to the beef steak course. We paired the mango ice with Cliff Lede Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2005.

With the steak course we had a series of Cabernet pairings. We served them according to convention - older first to detect the nuances of maturity, complex, refined and polished wines next, followed by younger wines that will be more adolescent and exuberant in character.

Of course the lighter whites wines went first - from lighter champagne, then dry, progressing to fuller and sweeter, to accompany the shrimp, cheeses, salad course and salmon. And the finale was the dessert wine and or vintage port which went with hearty chocolate and pie. 

Bill brought from his cellar a Freemark Abbey mini horizontal duo of Bosche Vineyard and Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from 1995. We then moved to a pair of Stags Leap District Napa Cabernets 2006; Dan brought the Lindstrom and we matched it against Cliff Lede.

Lyle and Bob each brought Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons - Lyle, a Beringer Sonoma County Knight's Valley Cabernet Reserve 2010 which we paired against Bob's Arrowood Sonoma Valley Cab 2008.

For dessert, Linda prepared a chocolate silk cream pie and a fresh key lime pie served with fresh whipped cream and a selection of chocolates including decadent dark chocolate caramels with sea salt.  I had set aside a Monbazillac 1999 which I had placed in the freezer and left it too long as it started to freeze. We did an impromptu cellar dive and pulled from a selection of vintage ports a Smith Woodhouse Madalena Vintage Port 1995.

The flights -

Champagnes -

Charles Mignon Cuvee Comte De Marne Brut Grand Cru Champagne Epernay, France

Lanson Black Label Brut NV, Reims, Champagne, France









Whites -

Kim Crawford Marlborough (New Zealand) Dry Riesling 2006 - with the salad course.

Maldonado Los Olivos Vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay 2005 - with the salmon.

Cliff Lede Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2005 - with the Mango Lime ice.



The Cabernets -

Bill's brought from his cellar with its extensive vertical of Freemark Abbey Cabernets these single vineyard designated selections from Bosche and Sycamore. Our visit to the winery was highlighted by our tour and trolling through the cellar library during our 2009 Napa Wine Experience trip.

We have numerous stories about  Freemark Abbey tasting experiences that accentuated the wine presentation and animated the dinner conversation, some of which are featured elsewhere in this blog.

Freemark Abbey Bosche Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 - Perhaps not surprising, this label proved to be one of, if not the tasting highlight (s) of the evening. My own Cellartracker notes and rating from 9/2/2013,  about eleven months ago  accurately apply to tonight's tasting  - I wrote: "An eye-opening standout of th(at)e evening featuring a horizontal tasting of five 95 vintage Napa Cabs, this was medium to full bodied with bright vibrant forward ripe plum and black raspberry fruits accented by tones of currant, clove, hints of vanilla and sweet oak with smooth polished silky tannins on the finish. Lots of life left in this eighteen year old." Then and now - RM 91 points.

Bill's Cellartracker notes from the evening: "The hit of our wine dinner with friends. Inky, purple color STILL. No signs of aging. Nose a bit musty on opening but blew off after an hour to reveal expected aroma of eucalyptus and a hint of spice. Chocolate, clove, mint, cassis and blackberry on the palate. Fully integrated tannins but still has some backbone and a long finish. Tasted side by side with a '95 Sycamore."
WCC - 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=780698

Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 - There was a remnant left in the bottom of this bottle Monday evening, and remarkably, 48 hours after opening, it was actually improved over Saturday. Dark garnet colored, medium bodied, upon opening, it presented forward black cherry fruits with a slight tart edge, before turning to a layer of black berry and earthy leather. Two days later, it took on a mouthful of smoke that quickly turned to complex layer of anise turning to cognac like alcohol that lingers on and on with tones of spice and leather on the smooth firm tannin finish.
RM 88 points.

Bill's Cellartracker notes from ten months ago: "Drank over a 2 day period. A bit musty on the nose. Lots of earth and some limited fruit on the palate. Classic old style California Cab. Second day, fruit on the nose was much more pronounced but a day did not help the taste. A decent bottle but time to drink
WCC 89 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=23805

http://www.freemarkabbey.com/

Dan brought this Lindstrom Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 which promised to be the showcase wine of the evening, a special offering since this wine comes from a property of an associate of his brother.

This premium label is 100% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from carefully selected fruit from eleven blocks at their four acre hilltop Nicali Vineyard in Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, named for Greg and Carol Lindstrom's two daughters—Nicole and Ali. The vineyard is adjacent to vineyards of well known producers Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Shafer Vineyards,  and Joseph Phelps Vineyards. It was undeveloped until recently due to its steep hillsides and complex topography.

The subtly and finesse of the Lindstrom was at risk of being overshadowed by the bigger more obtuse forward fruits of the Lede and Bosche. Dark inky purple and full bodied, the care in viticulture and selection was apparent in the understated style of full bodied complexity with finesse and polish. Tight and a bit closed yet, this will no doubt age gracefully for several years. It will be fun to see how it reveals itself in ten years. Elegant tones of subdued black berry and black raspberry fruits are accented by a layer of tea with hints of  currant, cedar, black olive herb and sage on a smooth moderate tannin lingering finish.
RM 92 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=656777

http://www.lindstromwines.com/

To compare aside the Lindstrom, I pulled this Cliff Lede Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006. We discovered Cliff Lede wines and his blockbuster Poetry at the Wine Spectator Grand Tour in Chicago in 2009.  Established in 2002, Cliff Lede Vineyards encompasses sixty acres in the Stags Leap District at the foot of and across the Silverado Trail from Stags Leap on the eastern floor of Napa Valley.  The flagship, Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the steep hillside portion of the estate that sits above the valley adjacent to the tony Poetry Inn boutique inn.


Our visit to Cliff Lede Estate was a highlight of our Napa Wine Experience Tour in 2009

Six years after release, the 2006 Lede Estate Cabernet seems to be reaching its stride at the apex of its tasting curve. Medium full bodied, deep ruby color with full forward blackberry and black and red currant fruits with tones of mocha, clove spice and hints of tar and sweet oak on a smooth polished flavorful lingering finish. 
Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec
RM 91 points.

Bills notes from our tasting last year: "Deep, opaque,purple color. Long legs. A bit of perfume, tobacco and spice on the nose. Big and fruit forward, this is a complex wine with layers of black raspberry, plum and blueberry, evolving to chocolate, clove and a hint of tobacco. Drinking very well now but certainly has 5 to 8 years left."
WCC 90 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=571785

http://www.ledefamilywines.com/

 More to come ...

Then the lighter flight ... From Sonoma County ...

Beringer Sonoma County Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2010 -

Arrowood Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008















Finally the Port -

Smith Woodhouse Madalena Vintage Port 1995