In May of 2009 I reviewed a Chardonnay from California that I named as the best Chardonnay I have ever tasted, a Clos Du Bois Calcaire. Since their inception in 1974, Clos du Bois has been a champion of sustainability. California ZinfandelSince then I have treated myself to some very nice red wines from that same winery.

There is some duplication with Evan Dawson’s travel post from yesterday but there is also much new, including John’s tasting notes from Mayacamas Cabernet 2003, 1991, 1985, 1974, & 1968. 1974 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. Needless to say, it is a rather impressive and exciting mélange of flavors and aromas.

Now, a growing number of critics and consumers, including those in California, are openly wondering if the Napa Cabernet train has come off the rails: commentator Dan Berger, for one, last week dismissed California Cabernet as “little more than a parody of itself.”. Today we have his thoughts. By Evan Dawson. Whither Napa Cabernet?

Premature oxidation of dry, age-worthy white wines–be they from Burgundy, Bordeaux or California–is a tremendous problem today, and at this point in time it does not look to me as if any meaningful progress has been made since the scourge first became readily apparent when the 1996 white Burgundies began to tank. think not.

So buckle up and get ready to hear his thoughts on what’s wrong with Riesling from Austria and Australia, screwcaps and their problems, the Loire, California cab then and now, indigenous yeasts, roto-fermenters, small oak barrels, wines over 14% alcohol and why he uses scores! California cabs from the 70s. German Riesling.

On Friday May 16, 2008 Robert Mondavi , a wine legend who put California wines on the map, passed away. at a NYC restaurant, we ordered a 1974 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon. have to say that Mr Mondavi was responsible for what I'll call my first "Eureka!" wine moment back in the late 70's. Amazing! Thank you Mr M.