'86 Cali Cab, mini-smack-down

Last night a friend and I pitted two 1986 California Cabernets against each other over a dinner of  pan-roasted veal chops.  One the surface it perhaps was a little one-sided given the pedigree of the single-vineyard Diamond Creek.  And, it was...

Over grilled shrimp, we opened the evening with Champagne Tarlant, Cuvee Louis.  Pinot and Chardonnay 50/50.  Disgorged in '07 after 9 years on its lees.


'86 Johnson Turnbull, Vineyard Selection 67.  Color deeper and much richer than the Diamond Creek.  A bit of an opulent nose in comparison: bursting with red fruit with a slight lift on the nose given the notes of mint and, yes, rosemary.  Though the fruit lush on first sip, the wine turned clumsy in the mid-palate.  Now called just Turnbull Wine Cellars.

Cali cabs plus an opener (on the right) and a closer

'86 Diamond Creek, Volcanic Hill.  Restrained, yet incredibly beguiling and sophisticated on the nose.  The palate did not disappoint and mirrored this profile.  "Refined" and "elegant" were descriptors that my friend and I mutually agreed upon.  Lighter in color and body than the JT, yet structured and complex, and the finish seemed endless.  During the meal in which it was a perfect match to the veal.  Both of these wines harken back to an era when CA Cabernets were, generally speaking, low(er) alcohol wines and restrained wine-making styles.  I miss this style of CA wines.   We kept refilling our glasses more readily with the DC.  The Volcanic Hill is the largest of the Diamond Creek vineyards/holding, thought to be the warmest site and often making the longest lived wines.


'95 Jurançon from Domaine Cauhapé finished the evening with strawberries and mint cream.

Veal Chops with Rosemary butter

Pan roasted, rosemary-rubbed veal Chops.  "Steakhouse salad" - Iceberg lettuce and Blue Cheese dressing.