We started the evening with various cheeses accompanied by a 2001 Castano Solanera, which has been described elsewhere.
First course was a shrimp and asparagus salad, accompanied by the 2000 King Estate Oregon Pinot Gris (also described elsewhere).
The main event was a lasagna, served with the cabernets.
1990 Davis Bynum cabernet was dead. It had to be poured down the drain.
The 1990 Clos du Val, decanted two hours before serving, was sumptuous, filling the mouth with its pleasing elegance. Flavors of blackberry and vanilla made this feel like a holiday treat. I only managed to get a half glass of this, my guests polished off the bottle before I even sat down to join them.
The surprise of the evening, though, was the 1992 J. Fritz. This winery is not known for cabernet, and I don't remember it being very good when I bought it at the winery 8 years ago. But it has come to life now. Bright fruit flavors linger on the tongue for a long time. Very nice indeed!
Posts: 142 | Location: San Francisco | Registered: Jan 27, 2002
I had a 96 or 97 Davis Bynum Pinot that was decent but not amazing like I remembered it a few years ago when I picked it up at the winery. It's really interesting to see how my tastes have changed.
