The Gang of Pour
1993 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
1993 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon
1993 Estancia Meritage
Our red selections for the evening were enjoyed with open eyes, to the strains of neo-bossa nova and Cape Verdian blues. All three wines were remarkably similar in style; accessible now, with good fruit, and just the right touch of oak. The Estancia (65% Cabernet Sauvignon; 25% Cabernet Franc; 10% Merlot) was added to the mix almost as an afterthought, but, it fit in quite nicely. At $20 per bottle ($4 more than the Penfolds; $5 more than the Beringer), it fell just a tad short of the other two selections; a little less fruit, a little less structure, a little less class. Still, it was pleasant on its own terms, and will remain so for at least the next few years.
The Artist's favorite was the Penfolds Bin 407; he noted a "woodfire smoke" element to the lovely oak, which also imparted a soft, creamy blueberry note. The fruit was restrained, in a rather European style, and married well with the wood, creating an almost seamless package. This was probably the best food wine of the three, and it will continue to improve over the next two years, or so.
The rest of us preferred the Beringer K.V.; a little richer than the Penfolds, it exhibited beautiful blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry flavors and aromas that were simply delightful. The Artist observed that it "really brings out the garlic in the mouth." While hard to resist now, this one will definitely benefit from a few more years in the bottle to resolve some of the fine tannins. An absolutely wonderful wine, especially for the $15 price tag.
As usual, the Geek spilled an entire glass of the Estancia on a beige carpet. He defended himself, saying that "it would clean up nicely in Photoshop!"
As usual, the Geek spilled an entire glass of the Estancia on a beige carpet. He defended himself, saying that "it would clean up nicely in Photoshop!"
Read about the Chards we drank to begin the evening
TASTINGS INDEX
The Road to
Gang O' Pour
Open Letter
to the "Gang" from Bastardo
Two Beauties from the
Southern Rhone
Super Bowl
N-JAT
IN ATTENDANCE 2-7-97
This Taster
The Artist
The Geek
The Director
