Wine 1: d ruby, slightly herbal green note, dark fruit. l/m acid, l/m to m tannins, ripe cherry and currant fruit, soft oak, medium finish. This wine is very nicely balanced, a pleasure to drink. 15.5 points,
Wine 2 - very dark ruby, the darkest of the flight. Dark currant fruit, a hint of mint, and soft oak. l/m acid, m tannins, chalky reddish fruit, cola notes, mocha finish. Very good. 16+ points.
Wine 3 - d ruby, purplish rim. Smoky dark fruit, bit of a mint note comes out. l/m acid, l/m to m tannins, herbal stalky note, decent fruit attack but gets a bit thin in the mid palate and this continues on to the fin. 14 points.
Wine 4 - dark ruby. Cool berry fruit, some toast and a bit of stalkiness on nose. l/m to m acid, similar tannins, mix of red and dark currant fruit, cola finish, lovely balance, very tasty wine. Excellent. 16+ points.
Wine 5 - dark ruby. Nose starts off with a bit of that stinky weedy smell, blows off a bit but is still earthy. l/m acid, l/m to m tannins, earthy dark cherry fruit, toasty. Nice balance. 15 points.
Group favourites - Wine 4 was first, wine 1 was second, wine 3 was last.
My favourites - Wine 4 was first, wine 2 was second, wine 3 was last.
As you may have guessed, these were cabs. The first four were 06 California Cabs, the last was an 07 Chilean.
Wine 1 - 2006 Mondavi Napa - $17 at Costco
Wine 2 - 2006 Mondavi Oakville - $28 at Costco
Wine 3 - 2006 Simi Alexander Valley - $18 at Safeway
Wine 4 - 2006 Stags Leap Napa Cab - $38 at Safeway
Wine 5 - 2007 Montes Alpha - $13 at Costco.
The wine prices at Safeway were 30% off with a club card.
I think the two Mondavis at Costco are a great price, stock up while you can.
