Il Forno Classico Grgich Hills Tasting, 11/23/09

Back at Il Forno Classico with Heidi and Michael for Scotty’s Grgich Hills tasting. If you don’t know the history of Napa and Mike Grgich, read the informative book, Judgment in Paris, about the pivotal Paris wine tasting won by California wines in a stunning upset. How California wines developed to reach that moment is a fascinating story in which Mike Grgich features prominently.

Wines we tasted:

Grgich Fumé Blanc 2007

With a light, fruity nose, the wine was on the sweeter side. Noted flavors were pear, peach skin, and mandarin orange. The finish was a little flat, although the wine left a nice citrus flavor on the tongue. I rated this 7 out of 10 points.

Grgich Chardonnay 2006

This had a light, lemony nose. The wine was dry and light and not a buttery, oaky Chard at all. The front and mid-palate were of lemon and grapefruit, with a hint of fresh fig on the end. The finish was smooth and uplifting. I rated this a 6 out of 10 points because I prefer a Chardonnay with a little more complexity and some oak; overall, it was a good wine.

Viansa Cabernet Sauvignon Uriah Red 2006

A nice nose on the lighter side for a cab, this wine was rich in flavor, lower in tannins, and smooth.  The front and mid-palate flavors were of oak, plum, dried cherry, and leather. The wine was lush and bold, and had a lovely smooth finish that left a bit of pepper and leather on the tongue. I rated this 8 out of 10 points.

As noted in earlier posts, we never can leave well enough alone and so we tasted one more not on Scotty's list:

Phipps Family Treborce Vineyard Dry Creek Zinfandel 2007

The nose was wonderful, hinting of rich plum and spices, and the wine did not disappoint. A very rich pop of flavor, this was almost like port and had hints of whiskey. The flavors were of pepper and nutmeg, roasted meat, dark plum and dried cherry, along with a hint of dried hay and pumpkin seed. I loved this wine and gave it 9 out of 10 points. (I am partial to zinfandels, though.)

As always, it was a lovely evening with dear friends and great wines, and I cannot ask for more in life than this.