Wife and I are going to BOA for my birthday dinner this weekend. They have a pretty sweet deal on Sundays where all wine on their list is half off, and for each bottle purchased off their list they waive a $20 corkage. So, I'm trying to pick one of the following bottles to order off the list. I don't know what food we'll be ordering yet, but that's not terribly important as I can tailor our from-home selection to provide a contrast to whichever of the bottles below is chosen (i.e.: if we buy a Pinot off the list, we'll probably bring a CdP; if we buy a Cab. off the list, we'll probably bring a Pinot; etc...).

So, here's the wines I'm considering, along with how much I'd be charged. I figure many of the Pinots aren't drinking well since they're so young, but that's part of the reason I'm posting to here...to find out not only what's good, but also what I should avoid. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks

2006 Chasseur - Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast - $40
2006 Whetstone - "Bella Vigna" Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast - $73
2006 Pisoni - "Estate" Pinot Noir - SLH - $66
2006 DuMOL - Pinot Noir - RRV - $60
2006 Kanzler - Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast - $53
2002 Finca El Puig - Priorat - $33
2005 Lewis - Alec's Blend - $58
2004 Dunham - Syrah - Columbia Valley - $48
2006 Outpost - Zinfandel - Howell Mtn. - $47
2005 Emilio Moro - Ribera del Duero - $35
2005 Ghost Block - Cab. Sauv. - Oakville - $60
2004 Macauley - Cab. Sauv. - Beckstoffer Tokalon - $125
2004 Altamura - Cab. Sauv. - Napa Valley - $75
2005 Continuum - Oakville - $125
2005 Araujo - "Altagracia" - Eisele Vineyard - $100
2004 Tenuta San Guido - "Guidalberto" - $48
2001 Capezzana - Ghiaie Della Furba - $48

Brashley,

In order:

2006 Outpost Zinfandel
2005 Ghost Block Cabernet
2005 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero

Have a great time

Several excellent wines.

1.2005 Emilio Moro. It will not disappoint.
2. 2001 Capezzana, solid Cab/Merlot and Syrah blend.
3. 2002 Finca El Puig always good pick, and '02 in Priorat just fine.

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:
'02 in Priorat just fine.

Ain't that the truth! You can still find plenty of Priorats and Montsants from 2002 around. The vintage was spotty in the rest of Spain (and much of Europe) so people may be scared off when they see the 2002 on the label. Some of these excellent wines are great bargains.

The Emilio Moro would be my first choice.

The Chasseur and Whetstone Pinots both *could* be excellent with the Chasseur a little more delicate and the Whetstone a bit more up front. '06s are taking some time to come around, I think, and both ought to be decanted. That happens to be a phenomenal price on the Chasseur.

quote:

Originally posted by winetarelli:
The Emilio Moro would be my first choice.

The Chasseur and Whetstone Pinots both *could* be excellent with the Chasseur a little more delicate and the Whetstone a bit more up front. '06s are taking some time to come around, I think, and both ought to be decanted. That happens to be a phenomenal price on the Chasseur.

Well, at least you got the first choice correct.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Within the past year I've greatly enjoyed the 2004 Pago de los Capellanes Crianza, which is at approximately the same price point as the Emilio Moro. I scored the Pago at 93 points back in January of this year. How does the Moro compare to the Pago de los?

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:

quote:

Originally posted by winetarelli:
The Emilio Moro would be my first choice.

The Chasseur and Whetstone Pinots both *could* be excellent with the Chasseur a little more delicate and the Whetstone a bit more up front. '06s are taking some time to come around, I think, and both ought to be decanted. That happens to be a phenomenal price on the Chasseur.

Well, at least you got the first choice correct.

Do you not like Chasseur or Whetstone? I can see you not liking Whetstone... the Whetstones I've had have all been from "Pleasant Hill" and are very Kosta Browne in nature in their fuller-blown style while maintaining Pinot fruit characteristics, rather than Syrah. I'm a bit surprised you don't like Chasseurs, however. Admittedly, I've only had one, but it was quite delicious.

Thanks guys! We did go with the Emilio Moro, and both wife and I enjoyed it.

quote:

Originally posted by Brashley:
Thanks guys! We did go with the Emilio Moro, and both wife and I enjoyed it.

Perfect. Post a tasting note when you can.

TN posted. Thank you again to those who helped with the recs. Please don't be offended by my TN ... wife and I did like it, I'm merely a very tough grader when it comes to wine ... and honest. I believe there's way too much grade inflation in the world of wine these days, and I take a very technical/methodical approach to scoring the wines I taste. I have made repeat purchases of some wines I have scored as low as 82 points merely because I like them. These days, people seem to throw out 90 point scores like they're nothing. I don't do that.