Big Dog Cab Night Pt. II

We liked the first round of "Big Dog" wine night so much, we went back for round two. No one themed this as fat Cab night, but we proudly presented our brown bags and unmarked decanters, ready to unleash these hounds into the ring.

I. Nickel and Nickel - Sullenger Vineyard (unsure on vintage)

Large and well structured. Green pepper on the nose along with black currant and a bit of cigar box. Deep dark red color and taste to match. Finish is a bit short, with some tart tannin, but overall well done. This needs time in the cellar, but it will be very tasty in a few years.

T-Scale 91 - not cheap as you might expect - $73-$90

II. Alpha Omega ERA - 2008

Big big one here, as well it should be at this price point. I tasted this from the barrel at the winery in August and it is showing oh so well now in the bottle. Do decant this for an hour or more prior to showing it as the big tannin and pepper notes will mellow. Deep dark red color with heavy nose of rich soil, green peppers, and currant. The tannin feels mellow for this age but will only get better with a few more years. This is one of my top American Cab-based wines, but the price reflects a dare-to-dream situation.

T-Scale 94 - I'm almost afraid to tell you... it's $150 or more per bottle.

III. Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon - 1999

A real sleeper here, leave it to Phil to dig one up from his cellar that has sufficient age on it to judge fairly. This is a perfect example of what a large-bodied and well-structured Cab will do with adequate aging - it mellows into greatness. I read up on earlier reviews and complaints included stuff tannins and over-oakiness. I assure you that those traits are gone, replaced by smooth blackberry jam and ripe cherries. Super great finish makes this an aged Cab that's very ready now.

T-Scale 93 - probably a good deal at release, but now appreciated all the way up to $60-$75 if you can find it. This is what wine spectating is all about.

Elk Cove Windhill Pinot Noir 2006

The quest for your favorite Pinot Noir should not begin and end in California. Nor should one only consider Burgundy. If you like the bigger and bolder Pinots of Russian River and Santa Ynez, but still appreciate the oaky and old-world style of Burgundy, then try something from Willamette Valley.

Oregon wine making came into its own through the great Pinot Noirs from the Willamette River Valley in and around Salem. I've been amazed at the great spicy quality of most of these I've tried. They pair very well with fish, like grilled salmon, and sharp cheeses. Oregon Pinot Noir and grilled salmon is a pairing institution in Willamette, so I've read.

Ah so comes the deal! Christina attended a private tasting recently and was offered the 2006 Elk Cove Windhill at half price. So, of course, it went into the cellar.. until this weekend. Very nicely balanced and a bit bolder than I would have expected, it retains a dusty spice I like in Oregon Pinot. From what I've read, these don't shelf more than 5 or 10 years, so I wouldn't think twice about opening one of these from 2007 or 2008.

Willamette Pinot is spicier and usually less fruity than California offerings, but overall, I find it to be a better wine for food. Go into these wines with that in mind and you will most likely find something you will go to often for meal or appetizer pairings.

T-Scale 91. Good price for me at $25, most often found between $29 and $40.