The owner of a very fine wine store not far from me, with whom I've discussed wines a lot of late, invited me to a small private tasting at the store. He's closing the store an hour early this evening and entrance is by invitation only. There's a small importer of special wines, according to the owner, who will be pouring his wines for the invitees. Some of the wines are Italian and some French, Rhones I believe. I asked if I could bring a friend, and since tt lives only a few miles from me, I asked him. We're meeting at the store at 8 PM. I'll take notes. (How come when I type this, it's displayed as one long line instead of a new line being formed when I reach the margin? I don't mean to picky, just letting you know what I see.)

I couldn't find an appropriate place to list all the tasting nots because a number of countries were involved, so, what the hell, I'll post it here. I met tt at the store at 8 PM and the owner greeted us and I introduced them. There was cheese, prosciutto, salami, and oil-cured olives out, along with breads and crackers. The wines were provided by a small importer. tt knows their name. Here are the wines tasted in order, with very brief tasting notes and scores:

1. Andre Jacquart Blanc de Blanc Cuvee Speciale Millesime 1996-
fruity, light, unremarkable, 87

2. Sineann Pinot Gris 2001-
a little too sweet, finished short, the worst OR Pinot Gris I've ever had, 84

3. Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc 2001 (NZ)-
medicinal nose with hints of grapefruit, astringent grapefruit taste, bitter, 85

4. Christian Antonutti Tocai Friuliano Collio 2000-
nose cosed, tastes like cough medicine, worst wine of the evening, 74

5. Owen Roe Casa Blanca Chardonnay 2001-
nose redolent of oak, a little austere, 86

6. Spelletich Cellars Ochoa Vineyard Chardonnay 2000-
closed citrus nose, a big powerful wine, not too much oak, 88

7. Owen Roe Casa Blanca Pinot Noir 2001-
flowery nose of cherries and vanilla, hard to predict, 84

8. Sineann Reed and Reynolds Pinot Noir 2000-
nose of cherries, harsh, closed, 84

9. Fattoria Le Pupille Morellino di Scansano 2000-
nose of wet grass, fruity, light harshness, 84

10. Madrigal Cellars Merlot 1999-
rich nose, on the palate concentrated, complex, flavorful, 90

11. Owen Roe Dubrul Vineyard Merlot 2000-
medicinal nose, bitter, some richness, 85

12. Piancornello Brunello di Montalcino 1997-
fruity nose, simple, 87

13. Chateau La Gardine Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2000-
nose of candied fruits, far too young for me to be able to evaluate, 87?

14. Owen Roe Yakima Valley Red Table Wine 2000-
fruity, complex, lacking a little in flavor, 87

15. Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 1999-
oaky rich nose, a little sharp, lacking in concentration, 87

16. Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 1994-
nose closed, soft, not likely to improve, 87

17. Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 1991-
Possibly slightly corked, musty nose, rich, complex, 89

18. Owen Roe Rosa Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2000-
oaky nose of berries, slightly bitter, nice fruit, 88

19. Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi 1999-
light berry nose, hints of anise and chocolate, unremarkable, 88

20. Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Eloge 1999-
rich nose, fruity, not much tannin, nice fruit, 89

21. Owen Roe Dubrul Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2000-
rich Cabernet nose, complex, chocolate flavor, 91

22. Delectus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1999-
hot nose, concentrated, delicious, 92

23. Delectus Cuvee Julia 1999-
nose a little closed, rich, fruity, flavorful, the dry wine of the night for me, 93

24. Stanton and Killeen Collector's Muscat NV (40 years old)-
intense Sherry nose, balanced, sweet, wonderful, the best Muscat I've ever had, 94

Board-O: Seems like a lot of "average" Wine. NO?

I didn't know what to expect. There some that I scored in the 90's. I think the best QPR was the Madrigal Merlot. That 40 year old Muscat coated the glass when it was swirled, leaving color on the glass. We had Spiegelaus for the tasting.

I really like these types of tastings -- inevitably a sleeper is found. How else can you really get a good grasp of what you like/dislike other than lining up a bunch of glasses in front of you and evaluating each?

I just wish I could participate in more of these...

I like Spiegelaus (1 of the people that recommended it as good Glasses when I posted this question is you, Board-O). So, thank you again.

I just bought a bunch from Amazon---if I ever receive the rest of the set. But, we discussed/killed Amazon "to death" on that. Still waiting. Hope they arrive soooooon.

Short: Yes, you are correct, of course. How else will you separate the "good" from the "bad" in that quantity in 1 night. Kill many birds with 1 stone.

"hot nose" great descriptor, Board-o.

Man, I need to find my way in to more/better tastings.