The Flower Party

Tasting Notes and Storyline by Bastardo

L to R Front Row: The Director, Zinchick, Bastardo, Mrs. Bored Doughnut and Mr. Flippy    Back Row: Canadian Zinfan and Bored Doughnut

1995 Murphy Good Fume II Alexander "The Deuce"
1994 Cline Contra Costa Zinfandel Bridgehead
1995 Kenwood Zinfandel Jack London

This was the third consecutive "Flower Party" that Madame L. and this taster have attended, and invariably we’ve always gravitated to the bar on the back porch. The Artist and The Geek have attended these parties for years now, being very tight with The Savant and The Shrink, and we’d bump into them tonight as well.

The significant aspect of the Flower Party is that those in attendance are encouraged to make garland tiaras out of ivy and various floral varieties that are provided and wear them throughout the evening. Most people there are of the Bohemian/artist persuasion and the drink of choice seems to be beer.

Upon arrival, we immediately took up the places reserved for us around the bar by The Savant and popped the first (or should that be the next?) bottle. B.D.’s Murphy Good Fume II is a fat, heavily oaked Chardonnay wannabe that shows no varietal character whatsoever. The porch was a bit too dark to accurately note color, but the flavors and aromas of cream/butter/vanilla/maple sugar/roasted Vidallia onion were unmistakable. B.D. expressed some chagrin at bringing this instead of a Stonleigh from New Zealand, but in fact, it was an interesting and instructive example of one of the many varieties of the Sauvignon experience. It’s pleasant enough, and easy to drink, but none of us favor the style, and wouldn’t buy it again.

Bored Doughnut’s ’94 Cline Bridgehead Zin also gave this taster the initial impression of being overoaked, but as it opened with air, the wine showed undeniably luscious rich fruit, on the nose and in the mouth. We noted big sweet oak/blue/rasp/mullberry/cherry/spicy/pepper that is soft and creamy, yet jammy at the same time, with a lip smacking finish. C.Z. commented "…pretty old-vine-ish."

Yes, this one has more oak than I care for, but I like it anyway.

The Artist

Mr. Flippy’s Jack London seemed a bit fruit shy at first, but like the Cline, it opened into a really nice Zinfandel. Zinfan described this as "more jelly than jam," and as the palate adjusts from the last selection, it pleased more and more. The Artist finally showed up while we sipped this, so we gave him a glass, and he liked it, because as he put it, "…it isn’t fruit laden." (It should be pointed out that The Artist is the lone member of the Gang who doesn’t like Mr. Ridge!) The fruit shows nice dusty/spicy/zinberry/black cherry nuances with restrained oak influence. It might not win many taste-offs, but taken on its own terms, it’s a very satisfying wine.

One look at Canadian Zinfan's flower hat and we knew we had to blast off into the sunset

With that, we decided that it was time to ride, so we saddled up again and bid fond adieus and headed back to the ranch. We had a terrific time at the party and with Mr. and Mrs. Bored Doughnut, and are greatly looking forward to hooking up with them
again.