The Paleo Recipe Book

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Kistler Chardonnay - 2005 Kistler Vineyard Review

I enjoy Kistler Chardonnays. The problem with them to many people is not the quality, but the price. Are you willing to pay $60 for top quality and rich california chardonnay? If not, then Kistler is not for you. I'm not sure they are always my style either and at their price points - it can be a hard buy. Still, 2005 was a stellar year for Kistler and Chardonnays in general.

I have had 5 or 6 Kistler 2005 vineyard offerings over the past year including Dutton Ranch, Mccrea Vineyard, Kistler Vineyard included. They are rich, buttery and age worthy. A classic Chardonnay vintage and Kistler really is at the upper tier of that but again - that is up to you on whether their price point is worth it. I love high end Chardonnay but Kistler's Pinot Noirs reallt hit my fancy for sure - but I digress...

Onto the wine I had tonight...

2005 Kistler Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard

Aroma of lemon, almond and merenge. Rich nose. Taste of toasted almond, vanilla, nuts, some lime and white pepper. The finish is rich and long. A little lighter (in a good way) on the back end of the palate vs. other Kistler Chardonnays from 2005. I found this had a full palate and rich mouthfeel but had more finesse on the finish. All in all this might be more my style than the more heavy buttery offerings I have had from them in 2005.

93 Points


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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

1999 Araujo Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon Score - Araujo Note

I have been a big fan of Araujo wines for a few years now. I was once at a tasting given by a business associate and he had some of his favorite cult wineries, including Araujo, Switchback Ridge, Bryant Family and some other hitters. The whole night was amazing - and a partial blur. I do remember the Araujo was the last wine I had and it was the 1995. I remember giving it a score of 97 points.

It really stood out for me that night as many of the wines were very young and powerful, but the 1995 Araujo was drinking so great. I loved it.

Anyway, a few years ago someone on the wine spectator forum board (I post there pretty often) was selling 6 1999 Araujo Eisele Cabernets at a price well below market. Still steep mind you. For those who do not know Araujo is a cult producer in California that sells for over $120 and some classic vintages fetch up to $200-$250. Is any wine really worth this amount? It's not a fair question as worth is largely based on who you are and how much enjoyment you get out of something you pay for. I'll skip that question for now!

The 1999 Araujo is from a great vintage in Napa for Cabernet. 1999, 2001 and 2002 were wonderful recent vintages and any of them from a great producer like this will give you a lot of pleasure. I had this wine the other night and it was just terrific. 1 hour of opening and consumer over 3 hours. This has years left of prime drinking window, but with some airing - I thought it was drinking great!

1999 Araujo Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon

Wonderful aroma of rich blueberry, cherries and smoke on the nose. The hints of restrained power. Tastes of cherries, spice, delicious mountain blackberry fruit and currants. The finish was long and gripping - showing a great combination of power and elegance. The 1999 Araujo is drinking really well now but has 5-7 years of terrific years ahead for sure.

Score: 95 Points

Find Araujo HERE! - All stores and retailers.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Wine Notes - 2006 Pax Syrah Walker Hill Vineyard, Tasting Review

Pax is one of the very best Syrah producers in California. Yes - I'm still on a serious California Syrah kick! The Pax wines from 2006 are expected to be wonderful as always. The Walker Hill Vineyard is one of my favorite bottles from them.

What I like about Pax is there wines have the color, body and aroma of something almost overwhelming, but then you taste a really balanced wine with perfect alcohol, acidity and fruit development. Writing a note on a Pax wine has that kind of tone. When I'm writing tasting review notes with this Syrah producer, the notes and adjectives refelct the change and development of a wine with great fruit power and balance for aging. Now don't get me wrong, some Pax wines when opened early can be a little rough and clumsy. That is just my experience from time to time. They are hard to keep your hands off of though!

2006 Pax Walker Hill Vineyard Syrah

Heavy dark color, rich to the look and the first aroma seems more Petite Sirah than Syrah. The nose was very nice, giving aromas of blackberry, cinnamon, some nutmeg, sweet spice and that dark mountain style fruit. The mouthfeel was full, but the flavors of brown sugar, blueberry and currants really came through and grew throughout the time the wine was opened. The finish was full, lush and really gave off great power.

I would hold this pax bottle for 2 years and drink it over the next 1-5 years after that. The 2006 Walker Vine Hill Vineyard seems to have the right stuff for cellaring. I had this with Pork Chops baked in a bread crumb mixture with cut potatoes and creamed spinach. It worked great with it.

91-92 Points. Enjoy!