Baconbrook

Butterdragon Hill

People may forget what you say, but not how you make them feel.

“What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”
– Henry David Thoreau

With an excellent meal at Go Fish (St Helena, CA):

1993 Kistler Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain (4/30/2010)
One has to have some faith when taking a 17 year old bottle of Chardonnay to a restaurant, especially if you bought it on the secondary market. Your odds of success go up with a Kistler. We love the way most of his wines age and this McCrae was a standout. Lovely dark gold color. Roasted almonds on the nose. Unexpectedly, there was a distinct tropical fruit character to this wine, primarily bananas and pineapples. Bready with just a touch of lemonbutter(?). Gives the overall impression of refreshing lightness and yet still has a long finish with so much going on. Superb. (94 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker on GrapeStories.com

Oliveto Restaurant (Oakland) is always a pleasure. We took along a bottle of 1997 Aldo e Riccardo Seghesio Barolo Vigneto la Villa – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (4/23/2010)
Light bodied and delicate. Like fine china, I literally thought I needed to drink gently in order not to break it. Black cherry, licorice, aged balsamic vinegar, a touch of wet earth. Not decanted, this was a lovely, elegant wine to enjoy now. It started to fade after a couple of hours. Not a long term ager. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker on GrapeStories.com

A very quick useless link for your watching entertainment this Saturday morning:
Soldiers Performing Telephone

2006 Alexander Valley Vineyards Zinfandel Redemption – USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (4/21/2010) Stinky with burned stewed plums and the hint of the smell of poopy diapers. Not as bad in the mouth as the aroma — boysenberry syrup and charcoal. Rough mouthfeel with a too-healthy dose of alcohol. Out of balance. Not worth the ~$20 price I see. (78 pts.)

2005 Four Vines Zinfandel Old Vine Cuvée – USA, California (4/21/2010) Kirsch, grape jelly, sweet. Thin middle. Not a bad value for a weekday wine though (~11 bucks). (82 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker on GrapeStories.com

In 2010 the Napa Valley Vintners celebrate the 30th anniversary of Auction Napa Valley–still the world’s most successful charity wine auction. To date the NVV has given $90 million to the Napa Valley community!

Even if you are unable to join us personally in the Valley this year, you can still participate in helping raise money for some wonderful charities and win some fantastic, one-of-a-kind auction lots donated by Napa Valley Vintners.

This year, the E-Auction is 4 auctions in 4 successive weeks. Auction lots are divided up as follows:

Week 1:
Cellar Treasures in Bottles and Magnums
Opens May 9, closes May 16 at 6:00 pm

Week 2:
Jeroboams, Rehoboams, Methuselahs, and Nebuhchadnezzars — Oh My!
Opens May 16, closes May 23 at 6:00 pm

Week 3:
Unforgettable Days of Wine & Adventure
Opens May 23, closes May 30 at 6:00 pm

Week 4:
Nights to Remember: Wine, Food & Friends
Opens May 30, closes June 4 at 3:00 pm (at Rubicon Estate)
Bidding is now open for lots in week one “Cellar Treasures in Bottles and Magnums.”

2000 Cristom Pinot Noir Reserve – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola – Amity Hills (4/15/2010)
Tasty, tart bing cherries. Color still vibrant. Refreshing with an acidic zing and elegant fruits. Supported by dark earth, green herb, and mushroom flavors. Very nice now but no rush. (88 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker on GrapeStories.com

Butterdragon Hill on 5/2/10

Starting to see a little bit of flowering