Tonight we tasted 5 red blends with mixed results. The 5 wines were:
Kaesler, Avignon 2004, Australia,
Barossa Valley.
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau” 2004. Reynolds Family Winery, Persistence 2004,
Napa Valley. Whitman Cellars,
Narcissa Red 2003, Walla Walla. Orin Swift, The Prisoner 2005,
Napa Valley.
The
Kaesler Avignon was the clear
disappointment of the evening from a simple fake fruit focused palate to the "hot" finish....poorly executed and overpriced Australian plonk.
The Prisoner was a solid effort with concentrated dark fruit focus and decent balance, it was overshadowed by some stellar wines and might have done better in different company.
The
Telegraphe Chateauneuf was a very approachable and adaptable wine, it needs a few more years in the cellar but will age very gracefully and will improve over time. Tonight it was still very pleasant but probably underperformed considering it's price.
The Whitman Cellars
Narcissa was a killer wine especially at the $20 price point. Nothing to complain about with this wine, nice balance, clear and pure fruit flavors, beautiful finish and a seamless balance between the fruit, acidity, tannins and finish. This wine should be on a lot more wine lists than it is, seek it out and stock up.
Finally, the Reynold's Family Winery 2004
Persistence. This wine killed it. Nearly perfect from start to finish. Very complex nose of
cassis, blackberry, veggies, vanilla, mild oak, leather and licorice. The palate translated parallel to the nose
transitioning from dark fruit to veggies and back to fruit, caramel, vanilla and cream. Beautiful tannin structure and no heat from the alcohol. At $40 to $50 this wine is worth stocking up on.....it is no wall flower and will not
disappoint in any company that appreciates well crafted wine.
All in all, an excellent line up tonight (with the exception of the Australian contingent). Looking forward to next month and a vertical of Montelena Estate Cabs.
Drink what you like and like what you drink.......don't look at ratings or listen to the critics and certinally don't listen to me. Cheers.
Kevin is putting together a vertical of Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, it will be a pricy tasting but well worth it for a memorable evening tasting some highly sought after 
