Flight Plan
Silver Oak
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Flight #3 of our 1997 Retrospective. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #3 was vinous and in great shape. The only wine in the group that showed stronger notes of coconut and vanilla than the others. Called Silver Oak. Drink now and through 2030. — 5 months ago
Kongsgaard
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2019
Annual birthday WWC hosting. As normal, 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert, all presented blind.
As part of my white wine flight theme, I wanted to compare Hyde and Hudson side by side, then finish with Kongsgaard, since it is a blend of both.
Similar to the Hudson before it, I normally like to drink Kongsgaard on the young side, and also similar to the Hudson, on this day…it didn’t seem to have the typical opulent/massive profile. White peach and apricot upfront as well as sweet cotton candy on the nose. Ripe yellow and tropical fruits dominate the palate with sea salt, ginger and lemon cream. Faint note of butterscotch, but not near the amount I’ve found previous vintages to show. What Kongsgaard does well is have a wine of this profile but somehow find a way to have elegant qualities about it. Decant or hold a few years. — 2 months ago
Brancott Estate
Flight Song Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Great with shrimp dishes. Very citrus forward. Very refreshing. Frankly would be great on any hot summer day. — 2 years ago
Gabriel Meffre
"St. Mapalis" Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Red Rhone Blend 2019
On the nose, violet petals, beets, and a little tobacco. On the palate, mint, liquorice, anise, plum, and gorgeous dark fruits. Finish is pleasingly herbaceous, with moderate tannins and a mild refreshing acidity. Very little barrel detectable but still so rich and satisfying. — 2 years ago
Dominus Estate
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1997
Flight #2 of our 1997 Retrospective and these were the thoroughbreds. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #1 had great color, was developing, and probably the earthiest of the group but still had a lovely fruit profile. A really nice balance of fruit and non-fruits. Robust structure. Notably, this was the only bottle in the flight that had Brettanomyces…and while I found it to quite charming, this is what ultimately got me hung up on whether I thought this was the Dominus or the Monte Bello. Ultimately I called the later. I really dig this and wish I could afford more Dominus in my life. Drink now and through 2035. — 5 months ago
Domaine des Pasquiers
Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Grenache Blend 2021
Meaty nose with wet stones, followed by heaven. Love this! Ripe red fruits and a hint of stewed fruits on the palate. So luscious and delightful to drink. A classic and beautiful Rhone. — 10 months ago
Brancott Estate
Flight Song Marlborough Pinot Grigio 2019
Decent fruit but not what one would expect from PG. more acidity than most PG but I liked it. — 3 years ago
Brenda Terzich-Garland
2014, Screaming Eagle 2nd Label is a treat for sure. Color is a semi murky garnet purple. Nose - dark fruits, meaty, herbaceous menthol with floral notes, truffle, and a subtle vanilla kick at the end. Taste - black cherry and plum dominate. Concentrated and well structured, smooth and mouth coating giving it its elegant appeal. Secondary notes of mocha java, black pepper and a cedar graphite adding to its medium plus finish. — 17 days ago