Whitehall Lane’s Bracketologist Recap
March 22, 2010
Most of the fun and excitement of Whitehall Lane’s March MAGNUM Madness comes about because this is the chance for the “lush and velvety” to knock out the “framed and powerful.” Who will prevail?
The 2006 Napa Valley Merlot seems to have the necessary ingredients to pull off a major upset this year. But don’t count the 2005 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon out just yet. With its big-time talent, 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and Wine News, and good mid-palate weight it will be tough to rattle this contender.
Assured victory? That’s the buzz surrounding the 2006 Reserve Cabernet and 2007 Carneros Pinot match-up. Can the classic offering count on its “elegance” and “smooth finish?” Or will the Pinot Noir have enough “toast” left on the “oak” to take down Goliath? Our money is on the glass cork.
Probably the most anticipated match-up this season is a tale of sister rivalry. The 2005 Rutherford Cabernet and 2005 St. Helena Cabernet were fermented and barrel aged in identical fashion resulting in two competitors that express the flavors and structure of their representative locations. It will be an epic battle of “focus” and “finesse.” (We think it’s fun to taste these wines side by side and critique the delicious differences.)
What are your predictions?
