Following the success of last years event, we are going to follow a similar format this year. Wines will be divided into three flights:

VC Favorites
Laube Loves
Parker Picks

The only requirement is that a wine must clearly fit into one of those categories, and there must be two available. As a suggestion, let's try to keep the wines to those that were available for $125 or less at release. This isn't a hard and fast rule, but a guideline; I don't want the cost to be out of control.

Attendance will be limited to 24; like last year, we want two bottles of each wine. Each attendee is asked to provide a bottle that fits into one of the above categories, and is matched with a twin. Ideally each flight will have four wines.

This years event will be held on October 15. I am planning on holding it at Arcadia in Downtown SJ. Arcadia is a Michael Mina restaurant, and the Marriott is directly over the dining room, in case anyone doesn't want to drive home. Cost and menu are still being worked out, but I'm planning to keep it under $100 per person for the dinner.

Who's in?

I think I have two left. I will probably treat them as semi-science experiements - open one in about 2010 and the other in 2018. I don't feel like I'm sacrificing anything extraordinary.

Given the way DDOs age, I suspect this wine will hold for quite a while, but I don't see it improving. If you want to drink yours, go for it, and if we remember, l'll let you know when I drink the next one and then hold it until you're out this way. Hopefully we can drink a lot of better wine at the same time!

1998 Clos Mimi Shell Creek Vineyard Syrah

Null party of two!

Me/us.

Were in for two

I'm in !

Scott

Count me in for four.

skwid party of one.

Randy - do you have a list of what these would be?

VC Favorites
Laube Loves
Parker Picks - are these the ones he rated over 95+ ?

Are these for 2002 only?

Thanks

For Ref:

First ANNUAL California Cult Smackdown

This is ONLY for 2001 wines. The 2002 event will be next year.

I have thoughts on what each category might contain, but I'm curious to see what other folks come up with.

I am hoping to see 2001 Montelena in the Laube Loves

Actually Randy I think October would be a terrible time to drink the 2001 Montelena. It should be closed up good and tight for the next five or so years.

I'm in. Good thoughts on the format, Randy. Like the way you've got it structured.

I will attend. I'm happy to contribute two bottles but am unsure what wines fit into these categories. That said I'm happy to bring a mag of 2001 Montelena (to go along with my real entry) with the proviso that if the wine sucks it isn't my fault - I'm just the carrier.

Wouldn't miss it for the world - count me in.

Richard

Here is Parker's 2001 wines that got 95 and above, which would be considered Cult???

2001’s:

Abreu Madrona Ranch 97+
Abreu Thorevilos 99
Araujo Eisele 97
Arietta Red H Block 98
Behrens and Hithcock Beckstoffer 96
Behrens and Hithcock Ink Grade 95
Behrens and Hithcock Kenefick Ranch 96
Blankiet Paradise Hills 96
Bond Melbury 96
Bond St. Eden 97
Bond Vecina 96+
Colgin Herb Lamb 95+
Colgin Tychson Hill 96+
Colgin Cariad Red 98
Dominus 96
Harlan Estate 100
Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer 99
Hourglass Cabernet 95
Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan 95
Jones Family Cabernet 95
Merus Cabernet 95
Peter Micheal Les Pavots 95
Chateau Montelena Estate 95+
Joseph Phelps Insignia 95
Pride Mountain Reserve 99
Pride Mountain Claret 99
Ramey Jericho Canyon 96
Ridge Monte Bello 96
Robert Foley Claret 99
Rudd Estate Estate Grown 95
Rudd Estate Estate Proprietary 95
Screaming Eagle Cabernet 99
Shafer HSS 99
Sloan Red 98
Spottswoode Estate 95
Switchback Ridge Peterson Family 98
Philip Togni Cabernet 96
Verite Le Desir 95
Verite La Joie 96

Sloan party of 2.