Update on the decanting - 30 minutes on this wine was perfect. It was all that it can be which was very darn fine. It did not last long on what was supposed to be a "dry" night.

WT - Did you put your '01 order in?? Go for the "FREDERICK" - the NEW Cab blend. Yowza!

Nope - it's such a headache because of the shipping issues. Maybe I'll check it out again.

I'd be happy to store it for you at Chateau de Queen.

Thanks for the offer - I'll PM you.

this was my first go round with this wine. the first thing i tought of when i opened it was st. emilion. i couldn't believe it. i don't have too much experience with bdx yet but this reminded me of every st. emilion i have had to date. after 2 hrs in the decanter it finally started to open up. great dark fruit on the nose, mixed with a little cigar box cedar and then my favorite, sweet mocha. the tannins are subdued and the finish is not too long. i give this 92pts with most of it coming on the nose. i have 2 more of these. i will enjoy them in short order over the next 2 yers, but i see no need to get any more.

Just "found" another bottle of the '99 hiding in a wine store in SF. Lucky me!

Looking for an update on this wine. Specifically,

1. Decanting time? Still 30 minutes per WineTex's last post?
2. Food pairing suggestions?

Like there aren't enough tasting notes on this wine already....

First all, I received this as a gift from budman. Thank you so much budman! I do appreciate you sharing this wine with PURPLE and myself. We enjoyed it.

Here are my notes from tonight. I re-read this thread just prior to this post and it seems my notes summarized most of what is type above with the possible exception of STW's experience with this wine.

2000 Spring Valley Uriah Red Table Wine
Walla Walla Valley, Washington

Tasted January 24, 2004 at home with a dinner of Grilled Ostrich Filets, Garlic Mashed Potatos and Swiss Chard (tasting notes made prior to dinner). The wine was a gift from budman so no pricing information. Thank you so much budman! 13.9% alcohol by volume. Wine is a blend of 60% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot.

Wine was opened and decanted 2 hours before serving in Spiegelau Authentis Magnum glasses. Cork was beautiful when opened. Deep and dark at the tip with only a 1/8 of an inch saturation; no wine marks down the side. There was only a tiny bit of sediment when decanted.

Color was Purple with some slightly opaque Violet hues while laying the wine towards its’ side. Nose of chocolate, cedar and plum. Tannins were smooth and the acidity fresh and enjoyable. Fruit is a little towards the delicate side (could be the decanting) and the alcohol is just right. Overall balance is good.

Flavors of cherry, plum, mocha and some very pleasing spice notes on the medium finish. Good middle of the road body weight with an agreeable consistency, structure and complexity. Not a great wine but a pleasant wine.

Drinking window is now with 1 hour decanting (I decanted too long) or it should drink well 2006-2009. 90-91 WIML points. I don’t know the cost but based on release prices I’d say the value here is acceptable.

Joe,
Looks like it's time for me to pop my bottle soon as well. Thanks for sharing those great notes!

I know, I know. Just a little quip.

wiml...

We drank my bottle last night. My notes mimic yours in most areas.
I decanted for 3 hours, and found the nose on this particular bottle to be somewhat muted.
The flavor profile matched yours, with pleasant mouth-coating tannins.
A very enjoyable bottle of wine. 90+ points.

I just opened my last bottle of this on Sunday evening. As soon as I popped the cork, I knew it was going to be good. Tremendous nose of cedar and pencil lead. Chocolate and plum on the palate and far more integrated than the last time I had it (for some reason, I recall it being overly acidic). Very nice 10 second finish, as well. By far the best this wine has drunk for me and I'm really glad I opened it. 93 points on my scale.

Good to know, thanks. I'm staring at a case of it, wondering when to pop one. After Ivan comes and goes is what I'm thinking.

Drank my last of 3 last night, by far the best it has shown. The edges had really smoothed out. The flavors were far more integrated agree with the others Chocolate, cherry, plums, cedar, touch of licorice and brown sugar. The finish was nice with a rich aftertaste. I would give it 92pts. Drink up!!

Very sad news about a talented winemaker.

Derby Family Letter

Very sad.

That is just horrible. Young, married, with a young child, it really makes you think.