That's right boys and girls it is that time of the year when it was not about being quiet as a mouse but rushing in when the doors opened for the 2008 California Barrel Tasting. A yearly event not too be missed. Much to my dismay, I noticed that I only tasted samples from about half the 48 wineries that were there. I guess I lost focus was gabbing too much with owners and winemakers. My fun facts for the evening:
1. Kristina Dunn is not engaged or married but has a friendship ring.
2. Rudy Von Strasser was confused when I asked him why he didn't have any 2006 Zin futures. He finally realized that rot set in with a late rain and had to sell the fruit off in bulk.
3. Miner will be making Zinfandel again.
4. Oracle tastes pretty good the day after even with Pizza Hut pizza that Erik ordered.
5. Because I talk to much I didn't get a taste of the Blue Rock Syrah that everyone was talking about.
6. Winemakers don't like Eric Asimov's comments about California Cabs under $50.
7. If you go enough years in a row everybody remembers you.
8. After a couple of hours you pretty much have the flavor profile down of Napa Valley cabernet. I hope its on my blind tasting exam. I will nail it.
Wines I liked in order:
1. Ridge Monte Bello $80
2. Rudd 2006 Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $110
3. Judd's Hill 2006 Cab $42
4. EMH Black Cat 2006 $60
5. Clark-Caudron $60
6. Karl Laurence 2005 Herb Lamb Reserve $100
7. Kobalt $115
8. Regusi 2006 Stag's leap Estate $40
9. Sonador 2006 - They claimed it was their best ever.
Wines I didn't like:
1. Andrew Hill
2. WH Hill
3. Cornerstone Howell Mountain Cab - just too closed for me to tell.
4. Steltzer Reserve Cabernet $75 - also too closed
5. Steltzer Reserve Malbec 2006 $35 - no backbone or depth
6. Ravenswood Pickberry and Merlot - not much of anything on both
7. Madrigal 2006
8. Blue Rock Cabernet 2006
Can't say too much about the Dunn or Von Strasser because I was talking more than thinking about the wine I was trying.
Other interesting wine was the Spencer Roloson La Hederradua Syrah.
At least I got two desserts and an almost full bottle of Oracle out of the deal.
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2 comments:
I have thought about going to this for several years and haven't. Now you're making me want to go next year.
Did you taste the Paul Hobbs Napa Cab?
It is a great event and I attend every year. My one regret is that I don't spend more time tasting and less time chatting. Missed the Paul Hobbs. So many great wines, so little time - 2 hours.
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