TN: '94 Cinq Cepages (St Jean)

Thought this might compliment roasted boned duck with green pepper corns, and fresh beans and squash from the garden.

Now, don't get me wrong. I like this wine, always have. I never bought it after it became a speculator hit, but because of price. It was nice qpr at US$15, but for triple that I'd like something a little more exciting.

Those that question whether it ever had the acidity to age very long would be pretty much on track. I'd hoped that after 10 or so years it'd still be fine, but clearly it is starting to fade. Paradoxically this may have made it a better food wine then from its days as a brash and outspoken youngster.

Simple nose of vanilla cherry and spice, in the mouth decent length with berry tart, kirsch, pepper and clove, a hint of graphite, over-balanced by oaky vanilla, shades of acetone and lemon pledge. (Hey, to go with all that oak, right?)

Pleasant enough in spite of some anomalies, but I liked it better as a pup.

-E

Reply to
Emery Davis
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over-balanced

I've still got a '94 stashed away. Looks like it's time to drink up!

I've also got one '96. Any idea how it's doing?

Dean

Reply to
DPM
[] ] > Pleasant enough in spite of some anomalies, but I liked it better as ] > a pup. ] ] I've still got a '94 stashed away. Looks like it's time to drink up! ] ] I've also got one '96. Any idea how it's doing? ]

Hi Dean,

I've got a few '94 and '95, but after that it left my price range. :( I'd guess it's about time to send the '96 to its reward, though.

-E

Reply to
Emery Davis

Mine too. I remember my wife and I went to CSJ shortly after WS declared the '96 Wine of the Year (February 98, I think). The place was a madhouse; they were rationing the CC to one bottle per person. They did, however, have the moral fiber to only charge the stated retail price ($28, as I recall).

I think the '97 retailed for $50-60, and it has not looked back.

Now I know how CSJ is paying for their fancy new tasting room.

Regards, Dean

Reply to
DPM

Always a madhouse there, I think. That must have been awful. The reason I used to go there was for the excellent zin, which was only available direct (or hard to find at any rate). Sadly these vines were all ripped out, the yield was too low...

] I think the '97 retailed for $50-60, and it has not looked back. ]

I saw it for $130 at Mr. Liquors in SF!

] Now I know how CSJ is paying for their fancy new tasting room. ]

And so it goes in the CA wine industry... No doubt they'll raise the tasting fee, too. Odious practice.

-E

Reply to
Emery Davis

Emery,

Thanks for the TNs. I bought a case of the '95, of which I still have 6 left. I tried one late last year and it still tasted pretty young--no leather and plenty of fruit. But I think I'll start testing them more frequently now :-)

I'll be curious to hear how the 96s are doing, since I have two I've been saving for a special occasion.

Emery Davis wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@address.com:

Reply to
Cat Carson

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