I brought this from my cellar to taste alongside the 1989 Ridge Monte Bello that tlily brought. Frankly, this wine was significantly outclassed by the Ridge.

Accordingly to tlily, 1989 was a cool year in Napa, but Santa Cruz enjoyed much warmer temps throughout the critical parts of the season.

The aromas on the Phelps were very pleasing; mint, eucalyptus, deep dark fruit. There was a good burst of fruit up front, but the wine flattened out quickly thereafter, finishing with some bitterness and astringency. It smoothed out a little bit over the course of 2-3 hours, but it seemed fairly obvious that the fruit was probably never able to keep with the tannins in this wine. 87P.

Cheers,

Otis

Otis,

I was waiting for the TN's from Sunday's event. Who was present? Were you the only Chicago member? Some family came by for an early dinner. Sorry I missed it.

VM

VM,

My wife, son, and I joined tlily and Mrs. tlily at the HOB. At Bin 36, it was just me and the tlilys (and a very gleeful server who was quite interested in our wines).

Sorry you and RD couldn't make it. It was fun.

Cheers,

Otis

For an 89, the Phelps Eiselie was OK, but it was not an inspired effort. I am surprised to hear that it was decent.

Otis,

After you had to go our very delighted server introduced us to the wine director and we did a little inpromptu tasting with the 3-4 of the staff on hand, which gave me the chance to prattle on some more about the Santa Cruz Mountain wines.

He rounded up some Bin 36 gifts for us and the wine director waved the corkage and the fee for the two flights Stef ordered, so I owe you still We did make it to the Chicago Chop House about 9 that night.

I think the 89 Phelps was a great example of the differances in the SCM's from Napa in some vintages. It was a great side by side.

Paul paul@hockeyguy.com

It's hard to imagine a more friendly BYOB restaurant environment than what we experienced Sunday afternoon at Bin 36. Sounds like it got even better after I left! Free stuff is always a good thang. Too bad my jet lag started kicking in so hard.

Hope you enjoyed the Chop House. IMO, it's definitely one of the top 3 steakhouses in Chicago.

I, for one, certainly appreciated your educating me about Santa Cruz wines. I hope to visit the area someday soon, maybe in July.

Cheers,

Otis