Three varietals at Dean and Deluca

[wondersofwine]

Set up my own flight of red wines at Dean and Deluca in Charlotte. Wines available in 2 oz. or 6 oz. pours and I sampled three of the smaller tastings.
2001 Dutton-Goldfield Pinot Noir, Russian River, Sonoma, Ca
Medium crimson to fuchsia at the rim; can see through it. Big nose of cinnamon, dark plums, floral elements (roses or violets). Tastes like it could use a year or two more to soften. $5.50 for the taste

2002 Four Vines "Maverick" Zinfandel, Amador, California $3.00 a taste
I had a sip or two of this previously in Raleigh and liked it. Decided to try it again. Not much color difference from the Pinot Noir--barely perceptible darker shade of crimson. Nose of candied fruits (apples or cherry?) Not the typical Zin brambleberries. Almost a sweet impression (over-ripe fruit?) on the palate. With high alcohol content approaches a Port-like flavor. Long finish. Concluded that this would be "too much" for more than one glass. Better in a tasting portion like this than purchasing a bottle for dinner.

2000 Frazier Lupine Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa $4.00 a taste
I purchased two bottles of the 2000 Frazier Cabernet Sauvignon (not sure that it was Lupine Hill) so I wanted to see how this is progressing five years after harvest.
Dark purple-red, dense, can't really see through it. Odor seems off after the other two more floral reds. Tastes like mature fruit with leather underpinning. Horse saddle. Drinking fairly smoothly but tannins still announcing themselves as present. Some black currants on the nose and palate as well. Napa terroir evident. Quite attractive now. Probably will improve over the short to mid-term.

[winoweenie]

That's our WOW. Absolutely ambedextrious and unihibited and plays no favorites to them varietals. WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[wondersofwine]

And I opened a bottle of a fourth varietal at home last night--a Pasa Robles Syrah. Will report on it later.