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ormbee
Barrel Sampler
Posts:2397
 | | 01/26/2004 9:18 AM |
| There where notes on this from Eric_White as part of a vertical, thought I would enter from a standalone tasting
I was a little nervous opening as the bottle had been exposed to some warm weather before I got a cooling unit. I have had this bottle for about 5-6 years, and my cooling unit for only 2.
In fear of the heat damage, I opened the foil about 1/2 hour before dinner. Cork looked great, and no seepage evident, so I was hopeful. Opened up when the steaks where almost ready (NY strips, perfectly grilled with hickory smoke, thank you very much). Cork again looked fine, plum colored just at bottom. Decanted carefully, as I was worried that the conditions that the bottle had been stored in had accelerated aging.
Big mistake, first taste gave a of of oak aromas and heat. Went back and gave the decanter some healthy swirls, and then started working the glass. Worked through my sides before going back to the wine and the steak.
Ah, sweet perfection. Huge musclar legs. Flo-Jo legs. Bricking beginning towads edges. Oak nose moved into cedar and then vanilla. Anise taste early in the dinner migrated to vanilla and cherry, with a hint of chocolate on the finish, with I believe maybe a bit of pencil lead, (All aromas and tastes confirmed by the house nose and palate, Mrs. Ormbee, except the pencil lead. She actually picked up the anise). Long lingering finish. I got to 25 seconds when I thought it was done, but would sit there and pick up a bit more. Above notes made over course of 75 minutes. Wine kept improving. Went back to vacu-vined bottle a bot later, and it was pretty where I had let off.
I haven't had all that many really nice big Cal Cabs, but this wine goes on my list of top 10 all time.
94 points for me. I think I got it early in the drinking window. I believe it has quite a few years left in it. | | | |
| Pool Boy
Laurl, MD (DC suburb)
Master of Wine
Posts:13711
| | 01/26/2004 4:36 PM |
| | I had this last October while dining at Palena. It was spectacular. | |
www.roguefood.com -- www.cellartracker.com | |
| Jeremy Matthew
Barrel Sampler
Posts:2067
| | 01/26/2004 10:51 PM |
| | Nice and descriptive notes Ormbee- mucho appreciato. | | | |
| love_cab_chard
Master of Wine
Posts:12497
| | 01/27/2004 3:01 AM |
| | Thanks. I have 2 bottles. Will hold. | | | |
| ChangeMe
Barrel Filler
Posts:1074
| | love_cab_chard
Master of Wine
Posts:12497
| | 01/18/2008 10:37 PM |
| $45.00 all the way back when...
Last bottle I had made a better impression. That was about a year ago. This bottle was very good, not great & not as impressive as the other bottle. Either this bottle was a bit off or time to smoke 'em if you got 'em. Tonight, 90 points & last bottle 91 points. WS rated it 93 back in the day. I don't see a 93, but again the last bottle was better than the bottle tonight.
I have 1 more bottle that I will not be holding for much longer. By end of this year it will meet its destiny. | | | |
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