May at Rey’s for Favs!

Rey hosted us in his lovely new home. Sans Mayra, our lad solo hosted, cooking up a feast for ALL EIGHT OF US! I can’t say enough how great it was to have all the REDgents at one table. Thanks so much, Rey, for the full house!

Rey made it easy by asking us all to bring a “favorite under $40.” Well, thank goodness several of the Gents ignored that price limit!

Here’s the flight of juice we poured. When I could find a review from Wine Spectator (WS) or Robert Parker (RP), I included the score and tasting notes.

1. 2011 Turley Zinfandel, “Juvenile”

WS 91 pts - Vibrant and jammed with fruit, offering black cherry and toasty vanilla aromas, with focused raspberry, sage and smoky licorice flavors. Drink now through 2019

2. 2007 Rey Syrah, Central Coast

3. 2010 Foley Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

4. 2010 Tenuta Sette Ponti Toscana, Crognolo

WS 90 pts - This balanced red shows fine depth to its cherry, currant, tobacco and earth flavors, just needs time to absorb the dusty tannins. There's a modern feel, but the wine is distinctly Tuscan. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2013 through 2018. 7,500 cases made.

5. 2007 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino, Castel Giocondo

6. 2011 Orin Swift Cabernet, Palermo

WS 89 pts - Features ripe dark red berry fruit and firm tannins, well-focused and persistent. The berry flavors flash on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 8,000 cases made

7. 2003 Shirvington Shiraz, McLaren Vale Australia

RP 96 pts - The big, concentrated yet velvety-textured, magnificent 2003 Shiraz reveals a seamless integration of tannin, acidity, wood, and alcohol, it boasts aromas of blackberry liqueur intermixed with violets. The fragrant aromatics are followed by an explosively rich, full-bodied, unctuously-textured, compelling Shiraz. Interestingly, this 2003 does not appear to be quite as powerful or concentrated as the 2002s or 2001s, but that’s like splitting hairs. The evolution of this 2003 will be fascinating to follow.

8. 2002 Juslyn Cabernet, Napa

RP 93 pts - The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Select is an 800-case offering from the Beckstoffer vineyards, primarily To-Kalon. Classic notes of cedar and cassis emerge from this Pauillac-like Napa Cabernet. A sweet mid-palate, full body, beautiful purity, and a long, spicy, heady finish suggest it will drink well for 10-15 years or longer.

I think we all espcially loved the last two, fully aged powerhouse wines. And thanks to Chris for providing us with a birthday -- a great excuse to wolf down chocolate cake.

Enjoy the rare photos of the full club roster!

-- Tim