At a private party in a wine bar this past weekend, the host and hostess served dozens of their own cellared wines and wines brought as gifts.  I’d like to thank my hosts by name, but unlike me, they’re shy and they don’t want you to find their cellar.

I made notes on less than a dozen – as we were pouring as much and as many as we liked – I got a little palate fatigued and didn’t really trust my notes.  And, looking back on them now, can only guess they are the ones that are less interesting absent.


Conundrum 08
13.5% alcohol, this white blend had the perfect honey on the nose and palate, lots of pineapple, citrus, Sauvignon Blanc feel.  A very refreshing palate cleanser and start of the tasting for me.  90 Eve pts.

Carr 06 Pinot Noir
Lindsay’s Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills, 14% alcohol, smokey, spicy fruit aroma, pepper, not as much fruit on the palate when tasted.  One of the favorites of the day for me.  88 Eve pts. 

Andrew Murray 06 Syrah
Santa Barbara, 15.5% alcohol, perfectly balanced nose, ripe blackberry, jammy, great tannins, good mouthfeel.  88 Eve pts.

Rocinante 06 Syrah
Palindrome Vineyard, Sonoma County, dry/dusty nose, high tannins that woke my salivary glands into action, can’t read the alcohol % on my photo, noted that it said only 756 cases made so good luck finding this 88 Eve pt wine.

Turley 06 Zinfandel
Lodi, Dogtown Vineyard, a big 15.7% alcohol, ripe plum, jam on the nose, the real thing Zin, 94 Eve pts.

Earthworks 06 Shiraz

Barossa Valley, high fruit, matured mushroom on the nose, only 86 Eve pts though I love normally love Barossa Valley wines.
 
(FTA disclosure:  All the wines were served free to all of the guests.)