Another blind wine, this time courtesy of JoeWu and served in what appeared to be a laboratory beaker ... hmmm. Knowing Joe's passion for Cal Cabs and Aussies, those were the two major opinions. Then, someone snuck in a possible Washington comment. Could it be Quilcida Creek? I said Napa Cab, other opinions varied, but I think I heard Sonoma from somewhere. It is Sonoma right? Good Choice Joe!

The nose on this was really reminds me of the great '85 Chat. Margaux I had this fall. It was like smelling a liquid cherry sweettart, with touches of herbs and licorice. Yummy! This has got lots of jammy fat black fruit and a great deal of acidity. The finish really builds up and glides along. This has 20 years all over it. Joe decanted at noon, tasted around 8ish and could have used more time. This and the Cinq Cepages are tied for the best '99 Cal Cab I've tasted. This may be a tad bit better. 94+

Edit: This was my Wine of the Night!

[This message was edited by R2-D2 on Dec 17, 2002 at 12:33 PM.]

The Mystery Montelena was definitely Mrs. Rob A’s wine of the night and potentially mine ( I honestly cannot decide – too many good wines). I echo R2-D2’s notes. To me this wine had a straightforward clarity that the Bdxs did not have (nor do I think they are intended to have.). This may have something to do with the more-fruit forward style Cali wines and the high acid, I’m not sure. My thought was high-end Sonoma. It seemed too forward for a Washington wine and did not have the darker currents I associate with Napa cabs. I gave it a 95 and Mrs. Rob A gave it a “this is how all wine should taste”.

I actually think that this a Napa wine.

Thanks,
Rob

Serving wines blind should be done more often. It is always interesting to hear the comments of origin and style. This was my #2 of the night - I could only guess it came from California. It was perfectly balanced, medium bodied wine with hints of tobacco and spice. This is a producer I am not really familiar with, but it sure was one heck of a wine. Thx JoeWu. Score 93+.

Blue Oval

[This message was edited by Blue Oval on Dec 17, 2002 at 08:11 PM.]

http://forums.winespectator.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=9306023451&f=3146091161&m=3666062161&r=8406038261#8406038261

This IS one impressive Cal cab!

Dark inky monster of a wine. Unforgettable perfumed minty extracted berry aromas. Velvety smooth, but incredibly dense, earthy and focused. Pefectly balanced with long long finish. My pick for WOTN and certainly merits a WOW! 94+P.

Note: I tasted this wine in Las Vegas in October (not decanted, right out of a bottle freshly opened) and it was completely closed. Whereas the tasting booth next to it was pouring the '99 Cinq Cepages (which was absolutely gushing with flavor right out of the bottle). Decanting for 8 hours was absolutely critical. Nice move Joe!

Cheers,

Otis

I think the above post by Otisabdul shows which wine will not only last but be awesome in 10 years+.

Our end of the table, and I was seated with the ladies so we know the best palates were at our end, correctly guessed it was a Cab.

This had a nose filled with dark fruit and charcoal. The tannins were firm but a bit dry. The wine was much fruitier than any of the 8 other Bordeaux at the dinner which made it stand out as something different. Definitely not old world style. It had a long finish and was medium bodied. 91 points.

Thanks Joe.

VM