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2001 Napa CABERNETS
A Blind-Tasting Comparison
November 3, 2004 |
Notes by
Gerald Weisl,
wine merchant
Following the 2000 vintage, which many people felt was plagued with
"cooties" (or something), vintners are delighted to have what they
think will be a more saleable vintage with their 2001s.
We are not cheerleaders for California vintners, but there were many good,
well-worth-drinking wines made in the much-maligned 2000 vintage. Yes,
quality was variable. But we find the quality of EVERY vintage to be
variable.
The 2001 vintage is generally more highly-regarded than was the 2000 crop.
The vines got an early start thanks to warm temperatures in Spring. A
cold-snap in April helped naturally reduce production levels, as Mother Nature
herself took care of thinning the crop. A few heat spikes in May and
June helped accelerate the vines' growth, but this was moderated by relatively
cool temperatures in July and August. Most Cabernets were harvested
towards the end of September through the end of October. Some winemakers
claim optimum sugar levels were achieved before physiological
maturity. As a result, making the right decision as to when to harvest a
particular vineyard was critical. Some people claim the relatively long
"hang time" was the key to success in this vintage.
Here's what we found:
| THE WINES |
Gerald's Rank |
Ellen's Rank |
Bob's Rank |
GROUP RANK |
Total Points |
1sts/2nds/
Lasts |
CHIMNEY ROCK
2001 Napa Valley
Stags Leap District
$50 |
8 |
5 |
5 |
7 |
83 |
0/2/4 |
ANDERSONS
CONN VALLEY VINEYARDS
2001
Napa
Valley
Estate Bottled
$50 |
2 |
7 |
7 |
5 |
76 |
0/4/0 |
ROBERT CRAIG
2001
Napa
Valley
Howell
Mountain
$50 |
7 |
2 |
6 |
6 |
79 |
1/1/1 |
ROBERT CRAIG
2001
Napa
Valley
Mount Veeder
$50 |
6 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
99 |
0/0/5 |
DUNN VINEYARDS
2001
Napa
Valley
$65.99 |
4 |
6 |
1 |
3 |
70 |
2/2/1 |
FISHER VINEYARDS
2001
Napa
Valley
Coach Insignia
$65 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
74 |
1/2/3 |
FLORA SPRINGS
2001
Napa
Valley
Trilogy
$60 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
67 |
1/4/2 |
ROBERT PECOTA
2001
Napa
Valley
Karas Vineyard
$44 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
28 |
11/1/0 |
8th Place: ROBERT CRAIG 2001 Mount Veeder
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Described by one person as being "over-ripe and volatile,"
another critic characterized this as "Port-like and flat, with blackberry
and cranberry jam notes." Someone else found notes of "spearmint
candy," while another panel member found it to be "sickeningly sweet
in its aftertaste." One person felt it "lacked focus and it fell
apart in the glass." More positively, one taster found it to display
"good vitality, with cherry, plums and Zinfandel-like notes of
bramble. There's some spice-infused Cabernet fruit with a crab apple jelly
finish."
I encountered some floral fragrances with a hint of tar, candle smoke and
an odd tone reminding me a bit of plastic or rubber. It's a
medium-full-bodied red wine that's fairly tannic and a bit coarse. The
flavors show some dark fruit notes. Maybe this will "fill out"
and achieve some measure of balance with time, but I'm not gambling on this at
$50. I might grant it a half-star rating on my three star scale, no stars
being ordinary and 3 stars being amazingly fine.
7th Place: CHIMNEY ROCK 2001 Stags Leap District CABERNET SAUVIGNON
One taster thought this may have been "musty and mushroomy on the
nose, while it's pungent and dry on the palate. The flavors are odd and
funny. I wonder if this is corked." Nobody else described it as
being a flawed bottle or tainted by the cork, however. Another person
found it to be "elegant, with a core of earthy black plum fruit.
There are some cigar box and mocha notes with a dusty character. I found
some roasted fruit notes and coffee bean tones, too." One tasting
participant said it reminded him of "shellac," so I inquired if that
meant this had a "nice finish"? Another critic thought it had
been acidified too much as they found it a bit angular. A final word was
that it displayed notes of "rhubarb and strawberry...more reminiscent of
Pinot Noir than Cabernet!"
I noted this as displaying fairly jammy fruit. It's ripe,
"sweet" on the nose. Very berryish to the point where I'd peg it
as a warm climate Merlot. Flat, ripe, berryish, jammy and simple. I rated
it last not because of any major flaws...in this tasting it showed up as being
of basic "table wine" quality, but not a major league, premium-priced bottle of Napa
Cabernet. Sorry.
6th Place: ROBERT CRAIG Howell Mountain CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"Simple, with a bit of oak on the nose and cherry fruit aromas,
this is a simple, fruity Cabernet with a short finish." said our first
critic. Another person detected notes of "Celery...plus it's sour and
yet seems a touch oxidized and thin." One taster described this as
"Pomegranate juice," while someone else found notes of "violet
soap." Another panel member found "cedary oak, some pencil lead,
currants, lavender, dill and an earthy finish." Someone else found it
to have "soft tannins and it's nicely balanced," while a final critic
noted it showed "eucalyptus."
I found this to have a mildly floral tone, much like the same producer's Mount
Veeder bottling. There's a ripe berry character. Over all, though,
the wine seems like a blending component rather than a "complete"
Cabernet. There's a character reminding me of Pez candy or Sweet
Tarts. It's a standard red wine. This winery used to make more
interesting wines, it seems to me. Have they changed or has my palate
changed? I'm disappointed.
5th Place: ANDERSON'S CONN VALLEY Estate Bottled CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"I'm glad we weren't seduced by all the oak!" said one
taster. Another person felt it's a "rather light wine for having all
that wood! It has red and black cherry fruit." Someone found
"coconut and vanilla," while one person mentioned its
"sweet" character. Another panel member found "earthy,
anise, leather and currant notes with cedary oak." Another person had
a long list of adjectives, including "cranberry, cassia, and Grand
Marnier." A final critic mentioned "oak and cherry Jell-O."
I found the color of this wine to be a shade lighter than most...more garnet and
Pinot Noir-like. There's a mild fruit note on the nose, showing berries
and other red fruits. As it sits the oak becomes more and more
dominating. I think you can liken this to a Silver Oak Cabernet, as the
wood really takes over on the palate. I can't believe the wine was in
French oak, since it really shows similarly to an American oak-aged red.
Still, I enjoyed the wine very much, giving it a one-and-a-half star rating. The
tannins are such that this may last nicely for 5 to 10 more years, but it seems
nice to drink right now. Especially with a steak.
4th Place: FISHER Coach Insignia CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Described as "Mouth-puckeringly tannic to an extreme," said
one critic, who found a "burnt tone to the aromas and a note of
licorice." Someone else found it "Nicely structured, with anise
and a hint of cedar and cinnamon, with mouth-drying tannins. It's a bit
closed right now and will need time to blossom." Another critic said
"I'd like to see a bit more fruit to go with these tannins." One
taster felt it's "over-extracted," while another person characterized
this as "Firm and chunky, with notes of tea, espresso and black
olives. It's bitter and mouth-puckeringly tannic." Someone else
found this to be "Funky, with an unpleasant, somewhat barnyard-like note to
the aromas. It's minerally, but I found an underlying dirty quality
here." Along the same line, one taster found "cellar odors,
along with mint and sage." Others added "menthol" and
"tabouli/mint" to the list of adjectives.
I found the nose of this to be pretty good. It offers ripe, red fruits, a
light touch of oak and a cedar and berry character. The wine is
certainly structured for cellaring and will appeal to those looking for a
long-term Cabernet to drink a decade from now. It's tannic and woodsy on
the palate, with the same red fruit notes showing up. I gave this a one+
star rating.
3rd Place: DUNN "Napa Valley" CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"This is rich and concentrated with some smoky, herbal, tobacco
notes. Ripe plum fruit and a creamy texture make this a nice wine."
said one critic. Another added "It needs time," while someone
else said "I like it now." One tasting participant found this to
be "Big, round, with blueberry and boysenberry fruit. It's well made,
but I wonder if it's from young vines. I think it's ready to
drink." Another person found it "Well-balanced, with a bit of
toasty oak. It might be a bit simple as it seems to finish a bit
short." A final word was that this exhibits a "Bordelaise
elegance."
I found this to be quite good on the nose. Currant fruit with some plums
and a bit of cedary oak...very nice and fine. The currants or cassis-like
fruit shines on the palate with light wood tones. There's ample tannic
structure for five to 10 years of cellaring. One to one-and-a-half stars.
2nd Place: FLORA SPRINGS "Trilogy"
This producer has rarely fared well in our tastings, so it was a
pleasant surprise to see a Flora Springs wine showing nicely. But one
critic felt it "...lacks depth and substance, being shallow. There
are notes of pencil lead, plum skins, dill and green olives. It's got a
tart, dry finish." Another person added "I agree! It's a
bit green, with brown stem notes. One dimensional...short
finish...mocha." Someone else said "The nose was okay,
with some cassis, vanilla, oak and cherry-like fruit." Another taster
knocked it for its "short finish, though there is some complexity
here." A fifth taster found it "Harmonious and showing
blackcurrant fruit, some mint and mocha." Another critic detected
"cherry and tangerine fruit notes." Someone else mentioned
"blueberries with a metallic note."
I found the nose to be quite cedary and woodsy with nice blackcurrant fruit
underneath. The flavors display dark fruits and some woodsy characters
with a modest amount of tannin. It will probably last for 5-10
years. I gave this a one-and-a-half star rating.
1st Place: ROBERT PECOTA Kara's Vineyard CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The run-away winner of our tasting had everyone asking "Who is
Robert Pecota? Where is Pecota? How long have they been
around??" Three quarters of the group had this highly rated, with
eleven of 16 first place votes! One person felt this wine was a "late
bloomer." Another mentioned it "displays wild blackberry fruit
with a chalky character...blueberries and toasty oak on the finish."
Someone else found "chocolate notes...it's smooth and yet has great
potential." One critic found "Cherry fruit and Asian spices with
an earthy note, a touch of soy and flavors all over the palate. Nice cola
and chocolate overtones, too." One person said "This is loaded
with sweet, new oak. I'm betting Parker gave it 95 points."
What I liked about this wine is that it smells and tastes like NAPA CABERNET
!!! There is no mistaking this for Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Syrah or
Merlot. It's got lots of dark fruit aromas, cassis and some cedar. I
found an element of forest floor fragrances along with a hint of vanilla on the
nose. On the palate, one encounters dark fruit flavors...Cabernet.
Big, intense and with structure for 5-10 years of cellaring, but it's certainly
enjoyable now with red meats. Two stars+. Bob Gorman mentioned we
had featured the 1998 of this winery some years ago...the wine was tainted by
the poor reputation of the vintage, but many people got past the vintage on the
label and enjoyed what was a good wine. Pecota, by the way, has been
making wine since the mid-1970s and is a real Napa Valley character.
|
WINE-TASTING POST-SCRIPT
We had heard from some people that
The Wine Spectator magazine had published their silly numerical scores of
hundreds of 2001 vintage Cabernets.
This is, please remember, a publication which accepts (or demands,
depending upon who you talk to) advertising money from wineries whose
products they say they evaluate objectively.
The winner of our tasting, easily recognized by our panel, is Robert
Pecota's 2001 Cabernet, a wine rated by The Wine Spectator a measly 83
points. They do not even offer a description of Pecota's wine since
its score is so low! Pecota, by the way, does not advertise in this
publication.
The most high scoring wine, according to The Wine Spectator, in our
tasting, was the Chimney Rock Cabernet, garnering a 90 point rating.
This is from a winery which is owned by the Paterno/Terlato folks.
In the same issue of the Spectator, Mr. Tony Terlato is profiled for being
given The Wine Spectator's Distinguished Service Award. Coincidentally,
perhaps, the Paterno winery company has two full pages of advertisements
in this issue.
Robert Craig's two
Cabernets are rated, our group's least favorite bottling of the night
being the Mount Veeder. This scored 88 points from the Spectator,
while the Howell Mountain was given 86 points.
In a preliminary look at Cabernets from the 2001 vintage, the Spectator's
Jim Laube pegged Flora Springs Trilogy as a 92-94 point wine, describing
it as:
"An elegant, stylish wine that succeeds with finesse and grace. Delivers plenty of ripe, rich flavors built around a core of floral plum and currant. Deftly balanced."
In its November 15th, 2004 issue, the same
wine is given an 85 point rating. Yes, the wine can certainly change
in character and quality over the two years, or so, it's in the
cellar. But read the tasting notes:
"Smooth, with creamy oak woven in with
the rich, supple herb, spice, plum and cherry notes, finishing with a
supple texture, with the fruit and wood merging on the finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Tasted three times,
with consistent notes. Drink now through 2008. 10,000 cases
made."
That doesn't sound all that bad to me!
And if the notes are "consistent," why did the score get reduced
by nearly 10%???
In fact, most of the top wines rated in a May 10, 2002 Wine Spectator
article by Jim Laube score lower in 2004, once bottled. Of course,
wineries tend to show "best barrel(s)" to critics early on to
garner favorable reviews. But then, as consumers, since we cannot
actually own the wines until they're assembled, bottled and sent to
market, of what value is it to publish tasting notes of six or eight month
old Cabernets?
Many wine writers rush to judge new vintages.
Why?
The highly rated wines in 2002 with their final ratings in 2004:
|
WINE |
Score May 2002 |
Score November 2004 |
| S. Anderson
"Richard Chambers Vineyard" |
95-100 |
Not Rated |
| Araujo "Eisele
Vineyard" |
95-100 |
92 |
| Beringer "Private
Reserve" |
95-100 |
Not Rated |
| Etude |
95-100 |
93 |
| Harlan Estate |
95-100 |
96 |
| Lewis
"Reserve" |
95-100 |
94 |
| Robert Mondavi
"Reserve" |
95-100 |
94 |
| Pride |
95-100 |
93 |
| Shafer "Hillside
Select" |
95-100 |
95 |
| Spottswoode |
95-100 |
90 |
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
"Cask 23" |
95-100 |
88 |
Dunn
"Howell Mountain" |
92-94 |
88 |
Flora Springs
"Trilogy" |
92-94 |
85 |
Hess Collection
"Mount Veeder" |
92-94 |
86 |
Merryvale
"Profile" |
92-94 |
88 |
Peter Michael
"Les Pavots" |
92-94 |
98 |
| Quintessa |
92-94 |
88 |
Ridge
"Monte Bello" |
92-94 |
88 |
| Viader |
92-94 |
84 |
|
|
Please note: The wines tasted are not always wines
we have (or have had) in the shop.
Many bottles are merely for our enological exploration.
Price quoted are current at the time of the tasting, but may be different
when you're reading this. |
WE HAVE NOT ORGANIZED A TASTING IN A WHILE...
BUT WE DO POST THE RESULTS OF A PRIVATE TASTING GROUP THAT'S BEEN MEETING FOR
MORE THAN 47 YEARS!
We are working on
organizing some blind-tastings at the shop.
Send us a note to indicate your interest in participating.
These would be on Wednesday evenings and you'd need to bring 8 wine glasses.
THE
VINO-FINO TASTERS
(A private tasting group that's
been meeting for more than 44 years!)
WEST
COAST 2019 CABERNETS My 2023
CALIFORNIA
PINOT NOIRS April 2023
CALIFORNIA
CHARDONNAYS March 2023
CALIFORNIA
SYRAHS of MODEST PRICING February 2023
CALIFORNIA
ZINFANDELS January 2023
2022
HOLIDAY WINE & FOOD MARATHON
GIGONDAS
November 2022
ITALIAN
& CALIFORNIA BARBERA October 2022
2021
FRENCH ROSÉS September 2022
2019
BORDEAUX (Mostly Left Bank) August 2022
June Tasting Postponed
WASHINGTON
STATE CABERNETS (of Modest Pricing) JUNE 2022
MOSTLY
NAPA CABERNETS May 2022
ITALIAN
PINOT NERO / PINOT NOIR / BLAUBURGUNDER April 2022
MORE
2018 BORDEAUX (Left Bank) MARCH 2022
ETNA ROSSO
WINES February 2022
MOSTLY
GEORGIAN SAPERAVI January 2022
THE
HOLIDAY WINE & FOOD MARATHON December 2021
DRY
GERMAN RIESLINGS November 2021
MODESTLY-PRICED
CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIRS October 2021
SOUTHERN
HEMISPHERE GRENACHE September 2021
CALIFORNIA
CHARDONNAYS August 2021
CHIANTI
CLASSICO 2017 & 2018 JULY 2021
SOUTHERN
HEMISPHERE PINOT NOIRS June 2021
MORE
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS TASTED IN PERSON! May 2021
CALIFORNIA
CABERNETS Pandemic Mode April 2021
2018
BORDEAUX in Pandemic Mode March 2021
SOUTHERN
HEMISPHERE CHARDONNAYS in Pandemic Mode February 2021
CALIFORNIA
CHARDONNAYS in Pandemic Mode January 2021
CABERNETS
FROM WINERIES OPERATING IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE VINO FINO GROUP December
2020
CALIFORNIA
SAUVIGNON BLANCS November 2020
NORTHERN
CALIFORNIA ZINFANDELS October 2020
2017
FRENCH WHITE BURGUNDY September 2020
PANDEMIC
PINOT NOIRS August 2020
CABERNETS
of 2016 & 2017 JULY 2020
NEBBIOLO FROM
THE LANGHE February 2020
AMERICAN
RIESLINGS January 2020
THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY WINE
& FOOD MARATHON December 2019
CURRENT
VINTAGES OF GIGONDAS November 2019
2016
RIGHT BANK BORDEAUX October 2019
CHILEAN
CABERNETS September 2019
2015
+ 2016 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPES August 2019
CHARDONNAYS
(Mostly Californian) JULY 2019
2016 BORDEAUX
(Left Bank) TASTING JUNE 2019
ITALIAN BARBERA
TASTING May 2019
NEW
ZEALAND PINOT NOIRS April 2019
2016
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS March 2019
NORTHERN
RHÔNE SYRAHS February 2019
SAUVIGNON
BLANC-SAUVIGNON GRIS-SAUVIGNON MUSQUÉ January 2019
VINO FINO
HOLIDAY WINE & FOOD MARATHON December 2018
SPANISH
ALBARIÑO November 2018
WEST
COAST SYRAHS October 2018
CHIANTI
CLASSICO MOSTLY September 2018
SOUTH
AMERICAN MALBECS August 2018
CALIFORNIA
ZINFANDELS July 2018
WEST
COAST RHÔNE WANNABEES June 2018
WASHINGTON
CABERNETS MAY 2018
GERALD IN EUROPE IN MARCH/APRIL
NAPA
CABERNET$ February 2018
AUSSIE
& KIWI RIESLINGS January 2018
2017
HOLIDAY WINE & FOOD MARATHON December 2017
FRENCH
WHITE BURGUNDY November 2017
SAUVIGNON
BLANC/SEMILLON BLENDS October 2017
SOUTHERN
RHÔNE REDS September 2017
SONOMA
COAST & RUSSIAN RIVER PINOT NOIRS August 2017
ETNA
BIANCO--WINES FROM THE VOLCANO July 2017
CALIFORNIA
ZINFANDELS June 2017
TANNAT
WINES FROM HITHER & YON May 2017
NEW
ZEALAND PINOT NOIRS April 2017
RIOJA
REDS February 2017
AMERICAN
"RHONE WANNABEES" January 2017
2016
HOLIDAY WINE MARATHON December 2016
GERMAN
AUSLESEN RIESLINGS November 2016
GRÜNER
VELTLINERS Austrian vs The US October 2016
GRENACHE --
MOSTLY WEST COAST September 2016
WASHINGTON
STATE CABERNETS August 2016
CANNONAU
DI SARDEGNA July 2016
NORTHERN
HEMISPHERE RIESLINGS June 2016
2013
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS May 2016
CALIFORNIA
PINOT NOIRS April 2016
MOSTLY
CHIANTI RISERVAS February 2016
2012
BORDEAUX--LEFT BANK JANUARY 2016
HOLIDAY
WINE MARATHON December 2015
CATALONIA:
PRIORAT WINES November 2015
CALIFORNIA
ZINFANDELS October 2015
WEST COAST
SYRAHS September 2015
SOUTH
AFRICAN CABERNETS & CABERNET BLENDS August 2015
PINOT
BLANC July 2015
CROZES-HERMITAGE
June 2015
ECLECTIC
SAUVIGNON BLANCS May 2015
NEWLY-RELEASED
CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIRS April 2015
ALTO ADIGE
LAGREINS February
WASHINGTON
STATE CABERNETS January 2015
2014
VINO FINO HOLIDAY WINE DINNER & TASTING December 2014
MOSTLY
GIGONDAS October 2014
MOSTLY
2010 & 2011 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE WINES September 2014
2012
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS of MODEST PRICE August 2014
SANCERRES
July 2014
2012
VINTAGE CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIRS June 2014
MOSTLY
ITALIAN BARBERA, MOSTLY 2011 VINTAGE May 2014
CALIFORNIA
PINOT NOIRS April 2014
VINO
FINO 40th ANNIVERSARY DINNER February 2014
FRENCH
WHITE BORDEAUX January 2014
The
2013 HOLIDAY WINE & FOOD MARATHON December 2013
AUSTRALIAN
SHIRAZ November 2013
MALBECS OF
ARGENTINA October 2013
AFFORDABLE
FRENCH RED BURGUNDIES September 2013
MOURVEDRE
AND MOURVEDRE BLENDS August 2013
ITALIAN
VERMENTINO July 2013
MOSTLY
SPANISH TEMPRANILLO JUNE 2013
CALIFORNIA
GRENACHE & GRENACHE BLENDS MAY 2013
TEMPRANILLOS
(Mostly Southern Oregon) FEBRUARY 2013
PORTUGUESE
REDS Featuring TOURIGA NACIONAL January 2013
2012
HOLIDAY WINE MARATHON at the OLYMPIC CLUB December 2012
FRENCH
& CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAYS November 2012
WASHINGTON
STATE CABERNETS October 2012
AUSSIE
SHIRAZ September 2012
CALIFORNIA
ZINFANDELS August 2012
RIESLINGS
FROM ALSACE July 2012
2009
PIEMONTESE BARBERAS June 2012
WEST
COAST PINOT NOIRS April 2012
MOSTLY
2009 CALIFORNIA CABERNETS March 2012
WEST
COAST SYRAHS February 2012
PRIMITIVO
FROM PUGLIA AND SONOMA January 2012
VINO FINO
HOLIDAY TASTING & DINNER December 2011
MOSTLY
CHAMPAGNE WITH TWO MYSTERY CONTESTANTS November 2011
VINO
NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO MEETS WASHINGTON STATE October 2011
MOSTLY
SONOMA ZINFANDELS September 2011
LOIRE VALLEY CHENIN
BLANCS August 2011
2008
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS July 2011
MOSTLY
2006 NAPA CABERNETS June 2011
2008-2009
PIEMONTESE BARBERAS May 2011
2008-2009
CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIRS April 2011
MOSTLY
2008 CALIFORNIA CABERNETS March 2011
GERMAN
SPÄTLESE RIESLINGS (Mostly) February 2011
2009
CRU BEAUJOLAIS January 2011
VINO
FINO HOLIDAY DINNER & WINE MARATHON December 2010
MODESTLY-PRICED
OREGON PINOT NOIRS November 2010
MOSTLY
2007 CALIFORNIA CABERNETS October 2010
MODESTLY-PRICED
CALIFORNIA ZINFANDELS September 2010
2007
LEFT BANK BORDEAUX August 2010
WASHINGTON
STATE CABS & BORDEAUX BLENDS
July 2010
2007
BARBERA June 2010
2007
NAPA & SONOMA ZINFANDELS April 2010
2007
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS March 2010
2007 RUSSIAN RIVER PINOT NOIRS February 2010
A
RANGE OF FRENCH CHABLIS WINES January 2010
HOLIDAY DINNER
& WINE MARATHON December 2009
ROSÉ
SPARKLING WINES November 2009
ARGENTINEAN
MALBECS October 2009
WEST
COAST CHARDONNAYS September 2009
GREEK
RED WINES August 2009
2005
BUDGET BORDEAUX July 2009
CAMPANIAN
WHITE WINES June 2009
MIXED
BAG OF CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIRS April 2009
RIOJA
WINES, MOSTLY FROM THE 2004 VINTAGE March 2009
NORTH
COAST PETITE SIRAHS February 2009
SYRAH
& PETITE SIRAH COMPARISON January 2009
A
VINO FINO CHRISTMAS December 2008
MOSTLY
2005s: NAPA CABERNETS November 2008
SONOMA
COUNTY PINOT NOIRS October 2008
SANTA
RITA HILLS -2006 VINTAGE- PINOT NOIRS SEPTEMBER 2008
NEWLY
RELEASED ZINFANDELS August 2008
WHITE
RHÔNE VALLEY WINES JULY 2008
LOIRE VALLEY SAUVIGNONS JUNE 2008
FRENCH
CHABLIS 2005-2006 MAY 2008
NORTHERN
RHÔNE SYRAHS APRIL 2008
SANTA
CRUZ MOUNTAINS PINOT NOIRS January 2008
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS
DINNER December 2007
WEST
COAST CHARDONNAYS November 2007
AUSTRALIAN
SHIRAZ October 2007
SPANISH
TEMPRANILLO WINES September 2007
SONOMA'S
2005 VINTAGE ZINFANDELS August 2007
CURRENT
RELEASE (2004-2005) ZINFANDELS July 2007
ROS
WINES FROM ALL OVER June 2007
ITALIAN
LAGREIN WINES May 2007
ARGENTINEAN
MALBECS April 2007
SOUTHERN
HEMISPHERE PINOT NOIRS March 2007
MOSTLY
2004 CABERNETS February 2007
CRU
BEAUJOLAIS January 2007
A VINO
FINO CHRISTMAS December 2006
CALIFORNIA
ZINFANDELS November 2006
PINOT
NOIRS of VALUE-PRICING October 2006
WORLD
OF SYRAHS TASTING September 2006
AUSSIE
CABERNET-SHIRAZ BLENDS August 2006
ALEXANDER
VALLEY (California) and MARGARET RIVER (Australia) CABERNETS July
2006
CALIFORNIA
PETITE SIRAHS June 2006
2004
NORTH COAST PINOTS and a FRENCH INTRUDER May 2006
AGLIANICO
: BASILICATA & CAMPANIA'S MAJOR RED WINE April 2006
NERO
D'AVOLA - A TASTE OF SICILIA March 2006
UNDER THE
VINO FINO RADAR ZINFANDELS January 2006
HOLIDAY WINE
TASTING & DINNER December 2005
BUBBLIES FROM AROUND
THE WORLD November 2005
NORTH
COAST PINOT NOIRS October 2005
STATE
OF CONFUSION CABERNETS September 2005
TIM
ZAINER'S SIDEWAYS LOOK AT MERLOTS August 2005
LOIRE VALLEY CABERNET
FRANCS June 2005
CALIFORNIA
SYRAHS March 2005
2002
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS February 2005
VINO
FINO HOLIDAY WINE MARATHON December 2004
CHARDONNAYS
OF MODEST PRICE November 2004
SPANISH
TEMPRANILLO October 2004
2002
CENTRAL COAST PINOT NOIRS September 2004
AUSSIE
SHIRAZ-CABERNET BLENDS August 2004
GEWÜRZTRAMINERS
FROM ALSACE July 2004
2001
SOUTHERN RHNES (7 Chteauneufs & a Vacqueyras) June 2004
AGLIANICO
WINES FROM CAMPANIA & BASILICATA May 2004
MONTEPULCIANO
WINES FROM THE ABRUZZO & MARCHE REGIONS April 2004
SONOMA
ZINFANDELS February 2004
1997
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO January 2004
VINO
FINO HOLIDAY BACCHANALIA 2003
2001
CÔTES du RHÔNES September 17, 2003
2000
OREGON PINOT NOIRS August 20, 2003
WEST
COAST SYRAHS July 16, 2003
2000
Bordeaux June 18, 2003
2000
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS May 21, 2003
OFF
THE BEATEN PATH SYRAHS APRIL 16, 2003
2002 NEW ZEALAND
SAUVIGNON BLANCS March 19, 2003
1999
California CABERNETS February 19, 2003
VINO
FINO HOLIDAY BACCHANALIA December 4, 2002
CALIFORNIA
PINOT NOIRS 1999-2000 November 20, 2002
AUSTRIAN
WHITE WINES October 16, 2002
AUSTRALIAN
SHIRAZ August 21, 2002
CHAMPAGNES
& SPARKLERS July 17, 2002
Interesting
Paired CHARDONNAYS
May 15, 2002
2001
Southern Hemisphere SAUVIGNON BLANCS Feb. 20, 2002
1999 ZINFANDELS January 16, 2002
HOLIDAY
SEASON BACCHANALIA
December 5, 2001
1999-2000
New PINOT NOIRS November 14, 2001
1999
CALIFORNIA ZINFANDELS October 17, 2001
1998
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS September 19, 2001
1999
LANGUEDOC REDS August 15, 2001
1997
SAUTERNES July 18, 2001
Mostly
1998 NEBBIOLO June 20, 2001
1999 PINOT NOIRS May
16, 2001
1996
SAINT-MILION Tasting April 18, 2001
CARNEROS
CHARDONNAYS March 21, 2001
1984-1985
NAPA CABERNETS/John Vignau Memorial Tasting October 20, 2000
1997
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS September 20, 2000
1998 CALIFORNIA
CHARDONNAYS August 16, 2000
WINES
FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE: CLARETS June 21, 2000
WINES
FROM UNDER THE TUSCAN (and Umbrian) SUN Aprile 19, 2000
1997 BORDEAUX: MEDOC May 17,
2000
WEIMAX TASTING ARCHIVE
NAPA
CABERNETS 2004 Vintage March 19, 2008
CALIFORNIA
PINOT NOIRS-2005s March 13, 2008
OREGON
PINOT NOIRS February 6, 2008
MOSTLY
2004 CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIRS April 25, 2007
WASHINGTON
STATE CLARETS April, 11, 2007
2004
NORTHERN RHONE SYRAHS April 4, 2007
2001
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO March 28, 2007
2001
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS November 8, 2006
2003
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS October 18, 2006
2003
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPES-Flight #2 October 4, 2006
OLDER
TUSCAN REDS--MOSTLY SANGIOVESES September 20, 2006
2003
NAPA CABERNETS July 19, 2006
2003
SAINT EMILIONS July 12, 2006
CALIFORNIA
SYRAHS 2003-2004 July 5, 2006
2004
CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIRS June 21, 2006
GRAND
CRU BURGUNDIES 2003 VINTAGE May 31, 2006
CELLAR
DWELLERS: 1990 CABERNETS & 1990 BORDEAUX May 17, 2006
SOUTH
AMERICAN CLARETS May 10, 2006
2003
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE May 3, 2006
2004
GOLDEN STATE PINOT NOIRS April 19, 2006
2002
NAPA CABERNETS March 15, 2006
2003
WEST COAST PINOT NOIRS March 8, 2006
2003
NORTH COAST ZINFANDELS March 1, 2006
1996
BURGUNDIES vs. 1997 SONOMA PINOT NOIRS November 9, 2005
2002
CABERNETS, ETC. November 2, 2005
2002 NAPA
CABERNETS October 19, 2005
2002
GRAND CRU BURGUNDIES September 14, 2005
2002
RED BURGUNDIES September 7, 2005
2002
MEURSAULTS August 31, 2005
NORTHERN
RHNE SYRAHS August 17, 2005
HIGHLY-REGARDED AUSSIE
SHIRAZ August 10, 2005
AUSSIE SHIRAZ UNDER
$60 August 3, 2005
STUPIDLY-PRICED
SPANISH TEMPRANILLO WINES June 8, 2005
RANDOM
CALIFORNIA SYRAHS June 1, 2005
2002
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS May 18, 2005
2001
NAPA CABERNETS May 11, 2005
OREGON
PINOT NOIRS-2002 & 2003 VINTAGE WINES April 27, 2005
CELLAR
DWELLERS: 1990 BURGUNDIES and a COUPLE OF CALIFORNIA PINOTS April 6, 2005
CALIFORNIA
ZINFANDELS (Mostly 2002s) MARCH 16, 2002
1999
BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO March 9, 2005
SOUTHERN
HEMISPHERE CLARETS March 2, 2005
PETITE
SIRAHS February 16, 2005
ROS CHAMPAGNES AND
CALIFORNIA PINK BUBBLIES February 9, 2005
CELLAR
DWELLERS: 1991 CABERNET SAUVIGNONS January 19, 2005
2001
FAMOUS AND INFAMOUS CABERNETS November 10, 2004
2001
Napa CABERNETS November 3, 2004
WEST
COAST SYRAHS October 20, 2004
1990
RED BORDEAUX & CALIFORNIA CLARETS October 13, 2004
SPANISH
TEMPRANILLOS of 1999 & 2000 September 29, 2004
2002
PULIGNY-MONTRACHET September 8, 2004
2002
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET September 1, 2004
UNDER
THE RADAR PINOT NOIRS August 18, 2004
2001
SAINT-JULIEN & PAUILLACS July 21, 2004
2001
MARGAUX July 14, 2004
CELLAR
DWELLERS: 1982 BORDEAUX July 7, 2004
2001 POMEROLS
June 30, 2004
2001
SAINT MILIONS June 16, 2004
2000
CLOS de VOUGEOT (and a ringer) MAY 12, 2004
2001
OREGON PINOT NOIRS May 5, 2004
2001
CALIFORNIA MERLOTS April 21, 2004
1994
WEST COAST CABERNETS APRIL 14, 2004
1999-2000 BORDEAUX COMPARISON
March 10, 2004
1999
BAROLO March 3, 2004
2000
Deluxe Napa CABERNETS February 18, 2004
2000
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS $50 & Under February 11, 2004
1998 BRUNELLO
DI MONTALCINO February 4, 2004
TURLEY
ZINFANDELS 1995 & 1999 Vintages January 7, 2004
2000
PRESTIGIOUS WEST COAST CABERNETS November 12, 2003
1999
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS November 5, 2003
SANTA
LUCIA HIGHLANDS PINOT NOIRS October 29, 2003
MOSTLY
2001 VINTAGE GIGONDAS October 22, 2003
SPANISH
TEMPRANILLO WINES October 9, 2003
SPARKLING
WINES-METHODE CHAMPENOISE October 1, 2003
1996
(Mostly) AUSTRALIAN (Mostly) SHIRAZ September 24, 2003
2000
NUITS-ST.-GEORGES September 10, 2003
PRIORATO
WINES FROM SPAIN September 3, 2003
WEST
COAST SANGIOVESES August 27, 2003
2000
PULIGNY-MONTRACHET (Mostly Premier Cru Wines) August 13, 2003
2000
CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY August 6, 2003
2000
NAPA CABERNETS July 30, 2003
1999
TUSCAN SANGIOVESE-BASED WINES July 23, 2003
2000
VINTAGE MERLOTS July 9, 2003
SYRAHS
FROM HITHER & YON July 2, 2003
2001 CALIFORNIA
ZINFANDELS June 25, 2003
NEW
PINOT NOIRS June 4, 2003
1999
NAPA CABERNETS May 28, 2003
1994
PINOT NOIRS May 14, 2003
CHILEAN
CLARETS May 7, 2003
PETITE
SIRAHS of Current Release.
April 30, 2003
1999
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHETS Premier Cru Selections April 9, 2003
1999
GRAND CRU'S of GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN April 2, 2003
1999-2000 SOUTHERN FRENCH REDS (RHONE
WANNABE'S) MARCH 26, 2003
1995-1996
VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE TASTING MARCH 12, 2003
2000
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TASTING MARCH 5, 2003
2000
NAPA VALLEY CABERNET TASTING FEBRUARY 26th, 2003
1990
FRENCH RED BURGUNDY TASTING February 12, 2003
1999
& 2000 CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIRS November 13, 2002
1999
NAPA CABERNETS November 6, 2002
1997
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO OCTOBER 30, 2002
AUSSIE
SHIRAZ TASTING OCTOBER 23, 2002
1999
CHATEAUNEUF-du-PAPE TASTING October 9, 2002
1999
NAPA CABERNETS September 25, 2002
1999
WASHINGTON STATE CABERNETS September 11, 2002
1991
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS September 4, 2002
1999
PULIGNY-MONTRACHET 1er Cru Tasting August 28, 2002
AUSTRALIAN
CABERNETS (Mostly 1999s) August 14, 2002
1999
FRENCH BURGUNDY July 24, 2002
1999
GRAVES BLANC July 10, 2002
2000
CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY July 3, 2002
1999/2000
CONDRIEU TASTING June 26, 2002
1999
PAUILLAC & SAINT JULIEN TASTING June 12, 2002
1999
MARGAUX TASTING June 5, 2002
1985
CABERNETS & MEDOC TASTING May 29, 2002
1998
California CABERNETS May 22, 2002
South
American MALBEC May 8, 2002
1999
West Coast MERLOTS May 1, 2002
Central
Coast (California) PINOT NOIRS April 24, 2002
2001
Southern Hemisphere SAUVIGNON BLANCS April 10, 2002
1999
CALIFORNIA ZINFANDELS April 3, 2002
1999
FRENCH RHÔNE SYRAHS February 13, 2002
(Mostly) 1999 CALIFORNIA SYRAHS January 30,
2002
MORE
1997 BAROLO January 23, 2002
1997
Late-Released CABERNETS January 9, 2002
1997
BAROLO October 24, 2001
1985-1990
RED BURGUNDIES October 10, 2001
1998
Grand Crus of Gevrey Chambertin October 3, 2001
PRIORAT
WINES September 26, 2001
1998
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE September 12, 2001
1999
"High Roller" CHARDONNAYS September 5, 2001
1998
BORDEAUX August 22, 2001
1999
WEST COAST PINOT NOIRS August 8, 2001
1997
VOSNE-ROMANÉE
Tasting August 1, 2001
1999
CALIFORNIA ZINS July 25, 2001
1998 CABERNET SAUVIGNONS
July 11, 2001
OLD
CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAYS June 6, 2001
1997 ECHEZEAUX May 30, 2001
1999 NORTH
COAST ZINFANDELS May 23, 2001
1999
West Coast Merlots May 9, 2001
1999
WEST COAST PINOT NOIRS May 2, 2001
1997
BARBARESCO April 25, 2001
Mostly RUSSIAN RIVER PINOT NOIRS
April 11, 2001
1997
NAPA CABERNETS April 4, 2001
1995
BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO March 28, 2001
1997 CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY &
MOREY SAINT DENIS
with one 1996...March 14, 2001
1997
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN March 7, 2001
1996
BAROLO February 28, 2001
1978-1979
California Cabernets January 10, 2001
1997
California Cabernets November 8, 2000
1997
TUSCAN SANGIOVESES November 1, 2000
1997-1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
& CALIFORNIA WANNABEEs October 25, 2000
Mostly 1998 PINOT NOIRS
October 11, 2000
1996
CALIFORNIA CABERNETS October 4, 2000
MATURE
CLARETS September 27, 2000
1997
RED BORDEAUX September 13, 2000
1997 NAPA CABERNETS
September 6, 2000
1998
CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAYS August 30, 2000
1997 CLOS DE VOUGEOTS August 23,
2000
PETITE
SIRAH & SYRAH (West Coast) August 9, 2000
FANCY
CALIFORNIA MERLOTS August 2, 2000
1996
FAMOUS CALIFORNIA CABERNETS June 14, 2000
WEST
COAST SYRAHS June 7, 2000
1997 CABERNETS May 31,
2000
VIOGNIERS
of RECENT VINTAGE May 24, 2000
1997-1998
ZINFANDELS May 10, 2000
SOUTHERN
HEMISPHERE CLARETS May 3, 2000
1996
California CABERNETS April 12, 2000
1996
FRENCH RED BURGUNDIES March 29, 2000
CALIFORNIA
vs ITALIAN (Tuscan) SANGIOVESE March 22, 2000
WEST COAST
PINOT NOIRS March 8, 2000
AUSSIE
SHIRAZ TASTING March 1, 2000
FRENCH
CHAMPAGNES (NV BRUTS) January 5, 2000
1996
BORDEAUX (MEDOC) TASTING November 10, 1999
CABERNET-INFLUENCED VINI FROM
ITALY November 3, 1999
CABERNETS OF THE WORLD
TASTING October 27, 1999
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