After airline hell, I finally arrived in Sacramento in early hours of Tuesday.
A happy reunion with my wife, good pho lunch (tripe! Tendon! Yum!), and that evening headed across town for an offline(Betsy was spending night with her aunt). Berry Crawford had gathered several members of his tasting group, and prepared a absolutely delightful dinner, (tasty and gorgeous presentation). Nice and generous group, theme for the night was Pinot Noir.
But first, a blind wine. Big somewhat tannic red,. A little reductive funk on nose blows off., blueberries and blackberries. Some rather stern tannins, guesses as to variety are all over the place, I go with CA Syrah. No one guesses Charbono, it’s the 2002 Robert Foley Charbono (Napa) . Not my fave. C+
A couple of Rieslings with the first two courses of sushi grade fish (salmon with avocado and ahi with a great vinaigrette).
2005 Donnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese (Nahe)
Floral nose with a touch of herb, limeade, sweet oranges, and peaches on palate. Strong mineral finish,, beautifully long. Great balance, seamless. Probably my wine of the night. A-
2005 Donnhoff Schloßböckelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Spätlese (Nahe)
A little petrol, clean peach fruit. Sweetness is a tad much. Very good, probably would be great by itself, this night good but overshadowed by flightmate. B+
The Pinots flowed freely. I hope I got the wines straight, most were in decanters and I tried to keep strack of what I was drinking! Some were tried on their own, others with lamb two ways (braised and grilled) with a great orzo (all the food was terrific).
2002 Skewis Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
This was a little ungiving at first, opened up. Fairly big, but not unbalanced, Black cherry, a little cola, decent length. B
2002 Peterson Floodgate Vineyard Pinot Noir
This was probably only wine other than Charbono that I’d avoid. Good fruit, but I found it a bit odd with a metallic meets dirt edge. Kind of came and went, not brett,but not pleasant. No one else seemed to find this, maybe just me . C+/C
2005 Bitouzet-Prieur “Taillepieds” Volnay 1er Cru
Somewhat fruity and forward for young Volnay, some fine tannins and good acidity.,mineral finish. Despite the initial fruit, I think this could use quite a bit of time. For now,B
2002 Radio Coteau Marsh Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
One of 4 Marsh Vineyard PNs brought by Peter Marsh. I’m more of a red Burg drinker, and the fruit profile is a bit sweet for me at first.. But once I adjust my perspective I quite like this. Sweet ripe black cherry and raspberry fruit, some spice. B/B+
2003 Radio-Coteau Marsh Vineyard (Sonoma Coast)
I like this even more than the 2002. A little more elegant,subdued, quieter, still sweet but livened by some espresso and spice. B+
2004 Marsh Vineyard (I think this is Radio Coteau, but had handwritten label and can’t swear)
I somehow didn’t write down any notes, but remember I liked this.
2005 Boheme Marsh Vineyard Pinot Noir ( Sonoma Coast)
Maybe just its youth, but my least favorite of the Marsh wines. Again sweet,but this had a little confectionary edge to it. Not super oaky, but at moment the oak does stick out. B-
1979 Joseph Drouhin Chambertin-Clos de Bèze
Strawberries and cherries, forest floor and mushrooms (the sous-bois decayodors turned off at least one person, but I love).. Nice midweight, holds well foran hour or two, then faded. Seems a little less vibrant than some others I’ve opened (maybe travel shock) but quite good. B+
2000 Dehlinger Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Oak faint in background, nice clear cherry and plum fruit,,slightly exotic spices on nose. Good acidity, nice balance, good length,mature. B+
1997 Dehlinger Syrah (Russian River Valley)
Dark berries,a little meaty note, still lively. Fragrant, nice body, fully mature but not at all fading. My red of the night. B+/A-
1995 Flora Springs Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
Some good old fashioned Rutherford dust, red and black currants, just a hint of of nail polish. Sound overall. B
Really nice group of people, interesting wines, great food. Thanks to Berry for organizing and cooking, Emily for hosting, and everyone for their welcoming good natures.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.