Spring Trade Show

Busy times at InPlay tonight. NWS put on their trade show, and we the businesspeople got to taste lots of stuff, new and old, from lots and lots of companies. A few highlights of the things I had and thought to take note of:

Raymond "R Collection" Cabernet; Napa

Standard napa cabernet, well balanced fruit and tannins. Nothing extremely special but not dissapointing. Very striking label. I'm thinking Raymond would be a great focus for a wine club.

Lindauer Brut; New Zealand

Probably worth it at $10.99, though not too complex. Elegant bottle from Mumm family. Get it if there's a little room.

Ernie Bosch Stellenbosch; South Africa

This is the South African blend using Bordeaux grapes. Very interesting. I really didn't care for the nose, as it was intense and unpleasant. The wine itself is rich and intense but backs off quickly. European earthiness isn't far under the dark berry fruit and tannins.

Goosecross Cabernet; Napa & Howell Mountain

A friend whose opinion I respect suggested that I try these, and mentioned that I should notice that the Napa is better than the more reserve Howell Mountain (which is somewhere inside of Napa). He was right; the Napa is just stellar and ready to go, while it is harder to judge the Howell Mountain because it's just too green at this point. This would be an awesome bottle to sit on for maybe two or three years.