On Aug 18, 12:13�pm, "Bi!!" > wrote:
> I got together with some friends this weekend to blind taste a group
> of somewhat "cult" styled wines. �We started with a couple of whites
> then migrated through a bunch of "trophy" wines. �My brief notes
> follow:
>
> 2005 Sine Qua Non Petition-Viognier, Roussane, Chardonnay blend: Oily,
> opulent, aromatic, honeyed and flowery with a good lemony chardonnay
> base.
>
> 2005 Kongsgaard Chardonnay-Quite Burgundian with a fair amount of
> stones and lemon peel. �Less wood than previous Kongsgaard with a
> bright acidity.
>
> 2005 Kongsgaard Chardonnay "The Judge"-This is Kongsgaard's ultra
> premium Chardonnay. �Very similar to the regular bottling but on
> steroids. �Mouthfilling rich fruit yet quite elegant and Burgundian.
> More lemon curd than lemon peel.
>
> 2003 Grace Family Cabernet-the nose was of pine and mint. �Lighter in
> style than anticipated. �Medium bodied, red fruits and exotic spice
> nice balance and food friendly.
>
> 1994 Diamond Creek Lake-My third tasting of this wine this year. �This
> bottle showed much more age than previous bottles. �Very similar to
> older Bordeaux, lead pencil, cedar, leather and tobacco with a fair
> amount of cassis. �Some thought it was a ringer and that we were
> drinking '90 Mouton.
>
> 2003 Colgin Cabernet-Thick heavy blackberry syrup. �Too much oak and
> fruit concentration for my taste. �High alcohol heat on the palate.
> This was one glass was enough for an evening it was so over the top.
>
> 2004 Marcassin Blue Slide Pinot Noir-Very ripe, I mistook it for a
> grenache-syrah based California wine. �Extremely plummy and blueberry
> fruity. �Very candied and thick as syrup. �Very little to connect it
> with Pinot Noir.
>
> 2005 Winter Cabernet-This wine was new to me. �Quite refined and well
> within itself. �Nicely structured. �Cassis, a bit of smoke, blackberry
> and plum. �Smooth rich tannins. �A wine to watch for.
>
> 2002 Harlan Estate-Much is written about Harlan...I'm not sure why.
> It smelled and tasted like cherry cough syrup to me. �Very lush, very
> massive juicy fruit and plenty of oaky vanilla. �Not my style.
>
> 1998 Shafer Hillside Select-Ahhhhhh reality sets in. �Plenty of
> mineral and stones on the nose with a pure black fruit aroma. �Well
> balanced and still youthful with deep rich black currant, a bit of
> spicy oak but overall a terrific example of Napa Cabernet.
>
> 2003 Sloan Cabernet-Fruit by Abreu, made by Aubert. �Very rich and
> ripe. �SLeek and clena yet far too much concentration. �Very "grapey"
> and "plummy" not much elegance just pure power.
>
> 1997 Araujo Eisile Cabernet-WOTN-Classic in style with a nose of sweet
> black fruits and berries with a hint of Napa dust. �Medium weight on
> the palate. �A melange of black fruits, black cherry, plum and
> blackberry. �Perfectly aged and ready to drink. �Totally balanced.
>
> 1996 Dalle Valle Maya-Big, dark and brooding. �Still very young.
> Sharp nose of lead pencil, black pepper and black dirt. �Medium heavy
> with black coffee, cocoa and spice notes. �Plenty of rich cassis and
> currant flavors.

Impressive lineup and nice notes, thanks!
Not that this will affect my buying.