2009 Alpha Omega Napa Chardonnay

The 2009 Alpha Omega Chardonnay Napa Valley is a triumph.  The exceptional conditions for growing Chardonnay that existed in 2009 are brought forth with perfect sugar to acid ratios resulting in a wonderfully balanced and elegant Chardonnay.  Plenty of tropical fruit, vanilla, toasted oak and cedar notes on the nose with a palate of fresh citrus, marzipan and honeysuckle with just a hint of buttery oak.

Purchase this wine at Porthos

The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 6: 2008 Duckhorn “The Discussion” Cabernet Sauvignon

73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and the balance split between Petite Verdot and Cab Franc, the 2008 “The Discussion” is a remarkable wine.  Dark and inky in the glass with aromas of ripe fruit and oak.  The mouthfeel is silky with well structured tannins.  Generous flavors of cocoa, espresso and dark fruit abound and the finish goes on and on.  For my money this is the pick of the litter and I will definitely be adding a case to my cellar to enjoy over the next 10-15 years.  Classic 95+ points.  -Jeff

The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 5: 2009 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Always a classic, the 2009 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet doesn’t disappoint with crowd pleasing aromas of chocolate and ripe fruit and a palate of vanilla, cardamom, dark chocolate and currants all enveloped in dusty tannins.  Plenty of weight and structure, this wine has the legs to go the distance and will mature around 2016 in my estimate.  94+ points.  -Jeff

The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 4: 2009 Goldeneye Pinot Noir “10 Degrees”

Huge, robust and well structured, the 2009 Goldeneye “Ten Degrees” is the most age-worthy of the Pinot Noir that we tasted during the Duckhorn meeting.  This wine is matured in 100% new French oak and it shows.  Smooth vanilla and strawberry on the nose is followed by vanilla, truffle and ripe cherry on the palate.  The finish lasts for at least a minute.  For as big as it is this a very approachable wine and offers the connoisseur a full experience of what is possible with Napa Pinot Noir.  Classic 95+ points.   -Jeff

The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 3: 2009 Goldeneye Pinot Noir “Gowan Creek Vineyard”

The 2009 Goldeneye “Gowan Creek Vineyard” Pinot Noir (know as “Black Label”) is a wonderful nod to Burgundy with it’s earthy flavors and soft tannins.  The nose is huge and inviting.  The palate has flavors of ripe cherry, green tea and a hint of sweet wood.  95 points  -Jeff