In article
>,
wardy > wrote:

> On Aug 19, 8:36*pm, Lawrence Leichtman > wrote:
> > In article
> > >,
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > *"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.
> >
> > Nice tasting. Not too much under $200 per bottle. I have to say that I
> > have nor or am not likely taste any of these- Hide quoted text -
> >
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> I was of the same opinion some years ago, but I been buying a
> proportion of my cellar at auction and if you look carefully you can
> pick up some real bargains. If you get the chance check out my <a
> href=²http://www.orderwineonlineblog.com²>Order Wine Online</a> blog.

Can you really find bargains on these? I guess it all depends what you
consider a bargain. Marcassin and Kongaards tend to run over $200 per
bottle. Shafer is usually affordable but still expensive. Sine qua non
also tends to run on the high side of $150 per bottle. Same with the
other Cabs listed here. What auction site do you use?