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

MX Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard 2007 – 99 Points.

Simply stated, this work of genius is “The Bomb” now and, without doubt, promises to offer a transcendental journey to Cabernet nirvana for the next 10+ years. This is a must-have for any serious collectors looking to source the rarest boutique masterpiece of the prized Napa 2007 vintage. Launching forth with deep & dark fruit, deftly integrated French oak, and flavors of cassis, black currants, and blackberry liqueur that glide across the palate like a nimble ballerina. Monumental in it’s grandeur, super-rich, and velvety-textured, this is a truly “full throttle” wine in which notes of cocoa intermingle with spicy black fruits. 99 points now and headed for a perfect rating sometime over the next decade.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by MX Wines.

Buré Duration Cabernet Blend Napa 2008 – 98 Points

This new Buré Cabernet blend (20% Cabernet Franc) is dense, rich and hedonistic with a strong backbone of dark fruit including deftly balanced blueberry, juicy plums, leathery tobacco, and creamy vanilla from the new French oak. The profound tannins introduce this impressive wine’s pedigree….all deftly melded together within an ULTRA silky smooth texture and mouth coating flavors of cocoa and baking spices that linger on the seductive finish inviting another taste. Buré Cabernet is worth of a 97 point rating tonight (after decanting 30 minutes) and has the structure to age well for a decade, peaking into a 98 point classic around 2016 in our estimate.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Buré Family Wines.

Cade Cuvee 2007 – 94+ points.

Cade

Aromas of blackberry, currant, anise and vanilla immediately jump from the glass. Opens up to aromas of plum, cedar and soy develop. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, wild berries, boysenberry, black olive and raspberry are framed by polished tannin. The finish is smooth and lush with a structure that should ensure a long life.

Buy this wine from Porthos.