This was actually decanted … thank god! Poured by the same distributor as the Beringer. I didn’t catch her name, but her wine knowledge was far superior than her fellow pourers at the tasting. This is also the first Cinq Cepages I have ever tasted.

The color is borderline purple with just a tinge of red and has aromas of plums, toasty oak, dried herbs, and chocolate. While still quite tannic and short, the finish reveals rich jammy dark cherries, a range of herbs from sage to a touch of basil, tobacco and coffee. Has anybody else noticed that while the 99’s have some intense fruit and flavors, the finishes seem way to short? Excellently priced at $59.99, but they sold out! Gee, I wonder why? 94

R2-D2,

Lucky you. The Geneva store only had the 98 Cinq Cepages for the same price. I took no notes on this wine due to the lack of stemware but I preferred the 99 Chateau St. Jean CS when tasted side by side with the 98 Cinq Cepages. I picked up 2 of the CS for $19.99 each.

Thanks,
Rob

R2-D2,

I also know what you mean regarding the big, intense fruit of the 99s but lack of complexity and finish. They seem more like nicely made 98s as opposed to 97s. I have had quite a few of 99s in the $15-30 range and have been left hoping for more. The wines were delicious but did not have the complexity I had hoped for.

Thanks,
Rob

I think the forward tasting is being rewarded with the high scores from Laube, but being chastized by Parker. Having tasted quite a few upper and mid-tier 99's, I can see both their points. However, they are not nearly as bad as Parker believes.

RobA,
Was there anything else I didn't post notes about that impressed you?

I have notes on probably 36+ other various whites and reds, but nothing of considerable note. I enjoyed the 99 Terrabianca Campaccio, but it was nothing that amazed me. Just a solid mini-super tuscan.

R2-R2,

A few of the other wines that we liked include:

Pacific Echo Brut NV and the Laurent-Perrier Brut L-P (We were looking for a few sparklers for the holidays). We tend to prefer California Bruts or Champagne Extra Dry versions. The California Bruts have the nice crispness but more ripe fruit flavors than Champagne, probably due to the longer growing season. The Champagne Extra Drys still have enough crispness but the extra sweetness help to balance the toast and mineral flavors. Both of these met that profile. I did not take any real notes due to the hopelessness with the plastic cups.

We also liked the 98 Benziger CS Reserve and at $24.99 it was a good price. I have had this on other occasions and is one of my favorite 98 Cal. Cabs. Need to decant 1-2 hours. It has a great nose of black cherry and spice. With full flavors of black cherry, currant, chocolate, cedar and nicely integrated oak. It is a big Cab that reminds me more of a 99 than a 98. You may get 3-5 years out of it max. but will drink well through then. I have given it ratings ranging from 90 to 92 over the past year.

The 99 Sequoia Grove CS was a nice surprise. This was tasted along side of the 99 St. Francis CS and 99 Clos Du Bois Alexander Valley Reserve CS. The Sequoia Grove was the biggest (traditional in-your face Napa Cab.) of the three and need a little air or time to let the tannins settle down. The St. Francis and Clos Du Bois were well rounded and softer but a little boring to me. They were pleasant but there are better deals for everyday wine and not exciting enough to compare with most mid-level CS. Once again, sorry for the lack of notes. . Did not pick any of the Sequoia Grove up, though – too many other options in that price range that I prefer

Finally, the 97 Louigi Righetti Amarone della Valpocella Classico Capital de’ Roari was also very nice for $20. It’s like the little brother of the 97 Allegrini Amarone. Same powerful feel and profile of plum, licorice; just a little less intense.

Other than that, you hit most of our highlights.

Thanks,
Rob

The Naperville location wasn't pouring any of the wines you mentioned except for the Amarone. Unfortunately, I tasted the Amarone nearly last, so my taste buds had seriously declined at that point. I don't drink Amarone very often, but when I do I like one with some oomph! ... like the Allegrini.

Had this at Mel's in Cherry Creek last night. I thought we'd have to decant it, but it was drinking beautifully without decanting.

This wine was stunning. The Denver Wine Group had a '97 Cab tasting Saturday night, and this blew away any of the '97s I tasted that night.

Gorgeous dark fruits with a hint of semi-sweet chocolate, exotic spice and a long finish of intense black cherry. Silky smooth on the palate. The finish was at least a minute, so I was surprised to read the comments from last fall. Perhaps the wine has evolved in the last several months?

Highly recommended.

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