This was an interesting event and had a few stellar wines but the Cabernet portion of the show was terrible. Louis Martini has long been passed over as a good producer in Napa/Sonoma and not sure why either wines were selected. Should have had Mr. B vs. an Anderson Valley Eloge. Anyway a fun event overall.
- 2002 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Rare – France, Champagne
High Low Tasting: So easy to tell this was the more expensive and just looking at the tiny bubbles was a dead giveaway. This is outstanding with flint, lime, extoic spices, orange peel, chalk and floral notes. Super complex and medium plus finish. Nice acidty. While this will drink well for 10 plus years it is in a great window. 94/95. (94 pts.) - NV Julien Denby Champagne Brut Réserve – France, Champagne
High Low Tasting: Solid WTSO Champagne with dough, floral, orange peel and lemon. This was very easy to pick this was the lower end Champagne but surprisingly many liked this over the 2002 Piper Rare. (90 pts.)
- 2013 Aubert Chardonnay CIX Estate Vineyard – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
High Low Tasting: Ok it was clear this was more expensive but big on the oak. A rich wine with oak, Carmel, spices, apple, vanilla and minerals. Long finish with some heat. Probably would be much better on day 2 and 3 it is still really young. 91+ (91 pts.) - 2018 Louis Latour Saint Véran – France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Saint Véran
High Low Tasting: Slightly oxidized which I have found more than once with Latour’s cheaper offerings. Lemon, minerals, apple and Carmel. Oak not present like the Aubert. (87 pts.)
- 2011 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT – Italy, Tuscany, Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
High Low Tasting: An excellent showing and this wine still has plenty of years of enjoyment ahead. Old School with leather, funk, tar, spice, dried flowers, raspberries and earth. Medium plus finish. My second favorite wine of the night. 94-96. (94 pts.) - 2021 Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rùfina – Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rùfina
High Low Tasting: A simple Chianti but good overall. Featuring cranberry, spices, earth and rose petals. Light in color and short to medium finish. (87 pts.)
- 2018 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County – USA, California, Sonoma County
High Low Tasting: The Cabernet Flight was the only disappointment as both of these wines were not good. I leaned a little bit towards the more expensive Martini. Medicinal taste with oak chips, blue fruits and spice. Short finish with some green qualities. This wine has not been good for many vintages. (81 pts.) - 2016 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Block Designate Monte Rosso Vineyard – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
High Low Tasting: Honestly a difficult wine to drink and had a lot of greenness to it. Oak, bell pepper, tannic and earth. A bit harsh but could tell this was the more expense of the two. Just not showing well right now. (83 pts.)
- 2018 Jean-Luc Colombo Crozes-Hermitage Les Fées Brunes – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage
High Low Tasting: The best high low of the flights. Green olives, pepper, spice, floral and red currants. Complex wine and medium plus finish. Very enjoyable. (89 pts.) - 2012 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Secret des Sabon – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
High Low Tasting: No secret this was my favorite wine of the tasting. Excellent showing and low that funk along with gravel, earth, spices, red berries, stone and tar. Just a unique profile and very nicely balanced. Could drink the whole bottle for sure. (95 pts.)
- 2001 Château Suduiraut – France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
Beautiful wine with orange marmalade honey, spice, floral, minerals, dried mango and orange peel. Nice acidity and lengthy finish. True enjoyment. (95 pts.)
