With the NorCal Bordeaux tasting a ways out, I'm thinking we should try to have another Vintage night in between. After chatting with bsevern and ajrod27 while having cigars in Scott Harvey's basement, we're into trying a Merlot night. Let's shoot for 2003 or older.

Don't pay attention to what that movie says, they can be amazing! The three of us all have some nice contributions available as well.

How does March 23rd sound?

Bottles in inventory that I could be convinced to open:
'95 Paoletti Merlot (Napa)
'95 Kendall Jackson Merlot Vintner's Reserve (Sonoma - winemaker was John Hawley)
'99 Hawley Merlot (Dry Creek Bradford Mountain)
'00 Hawley Merlot (Dry Creek Bradford Mountain)
'01 Hawley Merlot (Dry Creek Bradford Mountain)
'01 Coppola Merlot Diamond Collection Blue Label (Napa)
'01 Reininger Merlot (Walla Walla)
'02 Meeker Handprint Merlot (Sonoma)
'03 Hawley Merlot (Dry Creek Bradford Mountain)


Attendees:
trifecta
trifecta +1
trifecta +2
CAGrl
CAGrl +1
bsevern
ajrod27
ajalder


Maybe's:


Confirmed Wine List:
-'93 Jade Mountain Merlot (Napa)
-'95 Kendall Jackson Merlot Vintner's Reserve (Sonoma)
-'95 Paoletti Merlot (Napa)
-'99 Andrew Will Merlot Klipsun Vineyard (Red Mountain, Walla Walla)
-'00 Robert Keenan Winery Merlot Reserve (Napa - Spring Mountain)
-'00 Hawley Merlot (Sonoma - Dry Creek Bradford Mountain)
-'01 Reininger Merlot (Walla Walla)

trifecta wrote:How does March 23rd or April 6th sound?

March 23rd is better for us but we can do April 6th as well. Shoot. Now gotta go buy an aged merlot.

edit: now sort of wish I kept the 1997 Joseph Phelps merlot that we drank a few years back.

CAGrl wrote:March 23rd is better for us but we can do April 6th as well. Shoot. Now gotta go buy an aged merlot.

edit: now sort of wish I kept the 1997 Joseph Phelps merlot that we drank a few years back.

Either date works for me

I'll be willing to bring a 1997 Vincent Arroyo Napa Valley Merlot if I have it by then.

I might be able to be talked into opening a bottle of 2000 Robert Keenan Winery Merlot Reserve Spring Mountain District. It's absolutely killer I don't know if I want to share

bsevern wrote:

I might be able to be talked into opening a bottle of 2000 Robert Keenan Winery Merlot Reserve Spring Mountain District. It's absolutely killer I don't know if I want to share

That's the bottle you were bragging was better than any I had. I think you have to bring it now....
I'll open the 2000 Hawley and we can do the side by side comparison.
I'll let you know if I'm headed to winebid and I could pick up for you.

Oh, it sounds like fun! But I have to bow out yet again...not one extra penny may be spent this spring, and also I think my mom is coming to visit that week. Looking forward to seeing some pics though!

Hmmm...molarchae and I are scheduled to be in town the March 23 weekend. However, that's supposed to be the night of our joint birthday party. Hmmm...

I have another request for the 23rd, so lets plan on that for now unless it knocks too many out of the picture.

Would love to meet some new woot folks from the bay area if possible too.

trifecta wrote:That's the bottle you were bragging was better than any I had. I think you have to bring it now....
I'll open the 2000 Hawley and we can do the side by side comparison.
I'll let you know if I'm headed to winebid and I could pick up for you.

OK, looks like I'm on the hook for the Keenan

That would be great if you get up to winebid, don't forget to put that Hawley Pinot in my box - LOL!

March 23rd works for me. Here's what I'm thinking wine-wise:

1993 Jade Mountain Merlot (Napa)

Back-ups:
1994 Domaine Sainte Brune(Languedoc Roussillon)
2001 Azalea Springs Cellars Merlot (Napa)


I'll also start considering what to bring for an appetizer.

I forgot to add, I have a 2000 Moon Mountain...I liked their 2007 Merlot.

I could send up a 2001 Ty Caton, but I would expect TN's.

rjquillin wrote:I could send up a 2001 Ty Caton, but I would expect TN's.

If you flew the Ty up, you could join us

bsevern wrote:If you flew the Ty up, you could join us

+1!

If thats not possible we would be happy to drink your wine for you (we know you need help). I will make sure there are plenty of notepads and pens and will encourage everyone to take copious notes.

Let me know and I can pm you my address. We should give it some time to settle after travel.

trifecta wrote:+1!

If thats not possible we would be happy to drink your wine for you (we know you need help). I will make sure there are plenty of notepads and pens and will encourage everyone to take copious notes.

Let me know and I can pm you my address. We should give it some time to settle after travel.

Ty brought at least one of these to the rpm tour party at WD & WF's. bsevern and I spoke to him and he made a case available. I got my six and the others were reserved, but I think the other NorCal'er either spaced it out, or ...?
We know how he can be.

Ty may still have a couple bottles.

Wanted to let everyone know that I am headed up to winebid next week to pickup my stash of wines there. They allow me to pick up orders for others as long as it is pre-arranged. Let me know by PM if you need me to pick up for you.

I figured this may help some find some aged Merlot. Lets just not bid each other up! Auctions end Sunday and the wines will be ready by the time I am going.

Still hoping we can pull in some more folks from the community for this.

If you don't have any Merlot to bring, don't worry. We have a lot of bottles ready to be opened. Just want folks to come and have a good time!

I am right near the border between Santa Clara and San Jose and it is fairly easy to get to off the freeway.

Tassadar? Random122?
I know there are some others in the San Jose area. We'd love to have you.

Aw dang, going to be in the area for the weekend, but Saturday night is booked!

klezman wrote:Aw dang, going to be in the area for the weekend, but Saturday night is booked!

Bummer. Maybe we can catch up a different day.

Have we decided on a time for the event yet?

Anyone want to try some "award" winning South African Merlot?

Although I love a great Merlot, it appears to be low on my interest list:


Cabernet Sauvignon 20.5% / Bottles (152) / Average vintage 2003.5

Pinot Noir 10.9% / Bottles (81) / Average vintage 2006.0

Red Blend 9.3% / Bottles (69) / Average vintage 2007.2

Syrah 7.7% / Bottles (57) / Average vintage 2005.2

Zinfandel 7.4% / Bottles (55) / Average vintage 2007.5

Merlot 6.1% / Bottles (45) / Average vintage 2005.6

Red Rhone Blend 5.4% / Bottles (40) / Average vintage 2006.8

Red Bordeaux Blend 5.1% / Bottles (38) / Average vintage 2004.9

Petite Sirah 4.7% / Bottles (35) / Average vintage 2005.1

bsevern wrote:Anyone want to try some "award" winning South African Merlot?

Although I love a great Merlot, it appears to be low on my interest list:


Cabernet Sauvignon 20.5% / Bottles (152) / Average vintage 2003.5

Pinot Noir 10.9% / Bottles (81) / Average vintage 2006.0

Red Blend 9.3% / Bottles (69) / Average vintage 2007.2

Syrah 7.7% / Bottles (57) / Average vintage 2005.2

Zinfandel 7.4% / Bottles (55) / Average vintage 2007.5

Merlot 6.1% / Bottles (45) / Average vintage 2005.6

Red Rhone Blend 5.4% / Bottles (40) / Average vintage 2006.8

Red Bordeaux Blend 5.1% / Bottles (38) / Average vintage 2004.9

Petite Sirah 4.7% / Bottles (35) / Average vintage 2005.1

I'm actually surprised that Pinot isn't first for you. Must be a nice cellar of cab too, with an everage vintage of 2003. RPM Jr. over there.

Sorry to clog up the thread, but interesting report so I had to run it myself. I can blame Scott Harvey for 90% of that Zin. I only have one bottle of Merlot and its a 2009 Ty Caton. Might to start exploring the Varietal a little more!

Zinfandel (40 bottles, 18.10%, $ avg. 2008.4)
Red Blend (22 bottles, 9.95%, avg. 2007.7)
Port Blend (20 bottles, 9.05%, avg. 2007.4)
Petite Sirah (17 bottles, 7.69%, avg. 2008.0)
Cabernet Sauvignon (16 bottles, 7.24%, avg. 2007.0)
Riesling (11 bottles, 4.98%, avg. 2009.5)
Syrah (11 bottles, 4.98%, avg. 2006.3)
Viognier (9 bottles, 4.07%, avg. 2008.2)
White Blend (8 bottles, 3.62%, avg. 2010.0)
Red Bordeaux Blend (6 bottles, 2.71%, avg. 2005.8)
Sangiovese (6 bottles, 2.71%, avg. 2009.0)
Chardonnay (1 bottle & 4 pending, 2.26%, avg. 2004.2) Pinot Noir (5 bottles, 2.26%, avg. 2008.4)

I actually don't have much merlot either. But it does average older than 2003.

Petite Sirah (83) 14.82%, avg. 2005.9)
Zinfandel (67), 11.96%, avg. 2007.9)
Syrah (61), 10.89%, avg. 2006.9)
Cabernet Sauvignon (61), 10.89, avg. 2003.4)
Pinot Noir (48, 8.57%, avg. 2007.4)
Red Blend (33, 5.89%, avg. 2007.6)
Merlot (29, 5.18%, avg. 2002.6)
Chardonnay (18), 3.21%, avg. 2005.8)
Red Bordeaux Blend (16 bottles, 2.86%, avg. 2004.3)
Sauvignon Blanc (14 bottles, 2.50%, avg. 2009.4)

CAGrl wrote:Have we decided on a time for the event yet?

I will check with SWMBO tonight. Typically we have gotten started around 5 or 6 I think.

trifecta wrote:I actually don't have much merlot either. But it does average older than 2003.

Petite Sirah (83) 14.82%, avg. 2005.9)
Zinfandel (67), 11.96%, avg. 2007.9)
Syrah (61), 10.89%, avg. 2006.9)
Cabernet Sauvignon (61), 10.89, avg. 2003.4)
Pinot Noir (48, 8.57%, avg. 2007.4)
Red Blend (33, 5.89%, avg. 2007.6)
Merlot (29, 5.18%, avg. 2002.6)
Chardonnay (18), 3.21%, avg. 2005.8)
Red Bordeaux Blend (16 bottles, 2.86%, avg. 2004.3)
Sauvignon Blanc (14 bottles, 2.50%, avg. 2009.4)

Slacking a bit on cab

bsevern wrote:Slacking a bit on cab

Or just drinking more of it...

bsevern wrote:Slacking a bit on cab

and I would say you're slacking on the petite's.
I still rarely find cabs that I enjoy for a decent price, hence my "lack" of stock.

What's the story with the South Afica Merlot? Where did you find that?

Also, there is a spot for folks to enjoy cigars if they want.

trifecta wrote:I will check with SWMBO tonight. Typically we have gotten started around 5 or 6 I think.

AM?

bsevern wrote:
Although I love a great Merlot, it appears to be low on my interest list:

My cellar looks well diversified Unlike my 401K portfolio...

Cabernet Sauvignon 14.1%Bottles (52) / Average vintage 2005.6
Petite Sirah 11.7%Bottles (43) / Average vintage 2007.0
Red Blend 10.9%Bottles (40) / Average vintage 2005.6
Zinfandel 10.6%Bottles (36) / Pending (3) / Average vintage 2008.0
Red Bordeaux Blend 6.0%Bottles (22) / Average vintage 2004.2
Syrah 5.7%Bottles (21) / Average vintage 2005.5
Merlot 4.3%Bottles (16) / Average vintage 2004.5
Pinot Noir 3.3%Bottles (12) / Average vintage 2007.8
Port Blend 3.3%Bottles (12) / Average vintage 2006.9
Tempranillo 3.0%Bottles (11) / Average vintage 2004.6
Riesling 2.7%Bottles (10) / Average vintage 2007.5
Sangiovese 2.4%Bottles (9) / Average vintage 2006.4
White Blend 2.4%Bottles (9) / Average vintage 2010.0
Red Rhone Blend 2.2%Bottles (8) / Average vintage 2008.6
Sauvignon Blanc 2.2%Bottles (8) / Average vintage 2010.0
Grenache 1.9%Bottles (7) / Average vintage 2007.4
Chardonnay 1.4%Bottles (5) / Average vintage 2010.0
Gewürztraminer 1.4%Bottles (5) / Average vintage 2010.8
Barbera 1.1%Bottles (4) / Average vintage 2005.5
Cabernet Franc 1.1%Bottles (4) / Average vintage 2007.5
Malbec 0.8%Bottles (3) / Average vintage 2009.7
Muscat 0.8%Bottles (3) / Average vintage 2010.0
Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 0.8%Bottles (3) / Average vintage 2000.3
SuperTuscan Blend 0.8%Bottles (3) / Average vintage 2005.0
Alicante Bouschet 0.5%Bottles (2) / Average vintage 1994.0
Carignan 0.5%Bottles (2) / Average vintage 2009.5
Corvina 0.5%Bottles (2) / Average vintage 2003.0
Cabernet-Syrah Blend 0.3%Bottles (1) / Average vintage 2008.0
Champagne Blend 0.3%Bottles (1)
Dolcetto 0.3%Bottles (1)
Marsanne 0.3%Bottles (1) / Average vintage 2011.0
Mead 0.3%Bottles (1)
Montepulciano 0.3%Bottles (1) / Average vintage 2005.0
Nebbiolo 0.3%Bottles (1) / Average vintage 2002.0
Olallieberry 0.3%Bottles (1)
Palomino Fino 0.3%Bottles (1)
Palomino Fino and Pedro Ximénez 0.3%Bottles (1)
Petit Verdot 0.3%Bottles (1) / Average vintage 2009.0
Sémillon 0.3%Bottles (1) / Average vintage 2009.0
Viognier 0.3%Bottles (1) / Average vintage 2010.0

ajrod27 wrote:My cellar looks well diversified

I was leaving off all the the ones and twos, but here is the rest. After reading the list, I forgot I had some of these. Olallieberry?

Cabernet Franc (13) bottles, 2.32%, 2005.6)
Red Rhone Blend (10) 1.96%, avg. 2008.7)
Petit Verdot (9) 1.61%, avg. 2006.1)
Barbera (9) 1.61%, avg. 2004.8)
Grenache (9) 1.61%, avg. 2008.2)
White Blend (9) 1.61%, avg. 2011.0)
Sangiovese (8) 1.43%, avg. 2001.8)
Port Blend (8) 1.43%, avg. 2007.6)
Rosé Blend (5) 0.89%, avg. 2007.0)
Cabernet-Syrah Blend (5 0.89%, avg. 2007.4)
Tempranillo (5) 0.89%, avg. 2007.6)
Alicante Bouschet (4) 0.71%, avg. 1995.8)
Riesling (4) 0.71%, avg. 2009.8)
Muscat (3) 0.54%, avg. 2009.0)
Albariño (3) 0.54%, avg. 2010.3)
Viognier (3) 0.54%, avg. 2010.7)
Trousseau (2) 0.36%, avg. 2008.0)
Mourvedre (2) 0.36%, avg. 2010.0)
Malbec (2) 0.36%, avg. 2009.0)
Nebbiolo (2) 0.36%, avg. 2002.0)
Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend (2) 0.36%, avg. 2004.5)
Roussanne (1) 0.18%, avg. 2009.0)
Negroamaro (1) 0.18%, avg. 2006.0)
Pinot Gris (1) 0.18%, avg. 2011.0)
Refosco (1) 0.18%, avg. 2008.0)
Malt (1) 0.18%, avg. 2011.0)
Lagrein (1) 0.18%, avg. 2008.0)
Counoise (1) 0.18%, avg. 2010.0)
Gewürztraminer (1) 0.18%, avg. 2007.0)
Carignan (1) 0.18%, avg. 2009.0)
Champagne Blend (1) 0.18%, NV)
Vermentino (1) 0.18%, avg. 2011.0)
Touriga Franca (1) 0.18%, avg. 2003.0)

trifecta wrote:I was leaving off all the the ones and twos, but here is the rest. After reading the list, I forgot I had some of these. Olallieberry?

This looks like a game of liars poker or such. Where's Sparky or zTimBz?

rjquillin wrote:This looks like a game of liars poker or such. Where's Sparky or zTimBz?

? Liars? Don't you have access to my cellar in CT?

trifecta wrote:? Liars? Don't you have access to my cellar in CT?

ok, I phrased that poorly, it was just the escalation that made me think of that. But it did make me take a look at my CT as well; I need to drink more or purchase less. Thankfully you didn't want more of the PN the other day.

rjquillin wrote:ok, I phrased that poorly, it was just the escalation that made me think of that. But it did make me take a look at my CT as well; I need to drink more or purchase less. Thankfully you didn't want more of the PN the other day.

ah, gotcha. I definitely have too much wine right now. I have to go play tetris for a while to get my winebid stuff into the cabinets. Fun fun.

btw... we might be planning a trip down your way soon. We could help you with your cellar . Might need some recommendations from you... trying to borrow a condo from an extended family member.

trifecta wrote:ah, gotcha. I definitely have too much wine right now. I have to go play tetris for a while to get my winebid stuff into the cabinets. Fun fun.

btw... we might be planning a trip down your way soon. We could help you with your cellar . Might need some recommendations from you... trying to borrow a condo from an extended family member.

Not all sure how I could help, other than to pull some corks. You should drag some of the LA group down with you.
My storage notified me of additional deliveries as well; berserker day stuff I think. Also another locker freed up I think I need to move into. Yeah, more tetris for me too..

We should chat.

trifecta wrote:Olallieberry?

It came with the Mead; Chaucer's woot deal from a year or two ago.

Malt?

ajrod27 wrote:

Malt?

La Fin du Monde.

trifecta wrote:La Fin du Monde.

Nice! I have some 'malt wine' in my cellar also but haven't bothered entering it into cellar tracker. 2010 Stone Double Arrogant Bastard and a couple 2010 Grand Teton's...not sure what to expect with these; I haven't experienced aged beer yet. Not that I'm aware of anyways.

Alright folks... we are less than a week away now.

If you have an idea of what kind of food you are going to bring please post it here so we don't double up.

Not really planning on having a main course/dinner. We will have a salad with fixings ready. If someone wants to bring a cheese plate that would be great.

From what I have read and experienced, merlot is a very food friendly wine and goes with a lot of different things.

Getting excited to try these aged Merlots. Tonight I will be standing up the bottles planned for opening.

Bruschetta work for everyone?

CAGrl wrote:Bruschetta work for everyone?

Sounds good. We'll also be picking up some baba and hummus with falafel from a local spot.

trifecta wrote:
If you have an idea of what kind of food you are going to bring please post it here so we don't double up.

Baked brie, wrapped in a pie crust, stuffed with craisins, walnuts, brown sugar and aged balsamic. Served with crackers.

trifecta wrote:Tonight I will be standing up the bottles planned for opening.

Good idea! I'll also stand up my bottle today.