Tasting Two Countries Across the Bay

As if I didn’t have too many tasting groups to worry about already, I just joined another. This one involves folks from several East Bay wineries, including Lost Canyon, JC Cellars, and Prospect 772. The first meeting I went to was on Thursday, focused on Cab/Syrah blends that Roger Rosenblum had brought: four from Australia, and four from France. We tasted in two groups, with two from each country per round. I knew I had come a long way when I felt only the tiniest bit intimidated sitting next to Jeff Cohn. However, it was quite the high point when he leaned over and told me I had really good notes; I gave a little internal cheer. The low point was when my first-ranked wine of the second tasting ended up being a mass-produced Australian that no one else really liked. Oh, well. At least I could determine which wines were French, mainly due to the noticeable levels of brett.

Here are some of the highlights and lowlights…

My favorite of the bunch: 2006 Tait “The Ball Buster” ($16) with nice vanilla, bright red fruit, raspberry jam, spice, smooth finish

Another group pick: 2005 Chateau Guiot Costieres de Nimes, Cuvee Alex ($22) with smoke, meat, cardamom, cassis, plum, and cardboard (i.e. brett)

Revisiting an old favorite that I haven’t tasted in years: 2005 Penfolds Bin 389 ($35) I think the last vintage I tasted was from the late 90’s…. This one showed cedar, tobacco, clove, and a little greenness, leading to a lower ranking

The one I wish I hadn’t rated so high: 2006 Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Red ($10) with its licorice, violets, and light vanilla

And what I thought was the absolute worst: 2004 Montpezat Prestige Vin de Pays ($11) which was dusty, slightly off, stewed fruit, gasoline, and just kept getting worse.

Overall, a good experience and a nice change of pace.  I think Pinot Noir is what’s up next, and you certainly won’t hear me complain about that!

Image source:Farley Walker