Hundred Acre Ark cab continues to slide in price

Well, Irene was much less than the media projected, and thank God for that. Barbara and I took an afternoon Sunday drive through the Cape Region. Our cursory inspection indicated minimal damage. Sadly, some folks in Lewes were struck by tornadic action and suffered drastic losses. Best wishes to all who sustained losses for a quick and complete recovery.

We drove down to check out the Bridge over the River Kwai. It seems to have fared well. The northern breach I wrote of previously occurred again. However, it was not severe, and the sand had been pushed off Route 1 by the afternoon.

Francesco Rinaldi Barolo La Brunate 2006, rated 95 points by most - but Jancis Robinson gave it a mediocre 15/20 - is on sale. Unfortunately, the wine needs at least eight more years in your cellar to coalesce. The window is 2020-40. Unless you know Barolo, don't buy into this to drink too soon. It is huge, tannic and inky black. I have enjoyed Baroli since I was 10 or so. Old World family tradition. In my opinion this is a true star. My guru Galloni confirmed this opinion, rating it the best 2006 Barolo under $50.

Hundred Acre Ark 2008 Cab continues to slide in price following the Parker effect. When RP rated this Howell Mt. 97-99 it went over $325/bottle. Currently around at $250-265. The 2007 is now selling over $550. These are Jayson Woodbridge small-production bottlings. He is behind the nine-acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard. The 2007 Cab is going for $350/bottle and two new ventures, Deep Time and Precious, $600/bottle, as well. Pure speculation.

If you must be extravagant, take a look at Chappellett Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cab 2007. Rated 96 by many, you can probably locate a case of 12 priced under $1,000.

For my money, look into these: Cakebread Dancing Bear 2006, $100; Silver Oak Napa 2005, $89; Raymond Rutherford 2005, $49; Shafer One Point Five 2007, $65; or Grgich Hills 2005. $60. You should be able to acquire two mixed cases around $1,500. Of these, the Grgich is right in the drinking sweet spot and would be my choice. A blend of 93 percent Cab, 2 percent Merlot, 3 percent Cab Franc and 2 percent Petit Verdot, it has come together nicely with correct fruit, acid tannic balance. Nose is black fruit, currants with hints of anise and black pepper; 93-94. Lay it in for the holidays. Goes well with beef, ham, many cheeses and roast pork. For those who are Chard lovers, the Grgich Hills Napa Chard 2007 came in at 94 points. I have seen it around at $32. Grgich Essence 2009 was given an unheard-of (for Sauvignon Blanc) 95 points by Connoisseur and 91 by most. Also in its perfect drinking window, an NZ-style SB. Lemon, cut grass, grapefruit aromas with a hint of minerality. Lemons, herbs, and juniper mid-palate. Bright acid verve provides a crisp finish that shows an orange after-flavor. A prudent shopper could ask their well-cultivated wine shoppe pal to order in a mixed case of these and probably get a pretty fair price. Remember, please be patient. This type of order could take a month or so to produce.

Let's hope Labor Day weekend makes up some of the ground lost by the closing of the resort beaches due to the storm. I'm glad that wasn't my call, but I must say that while Barbara, Dan and I stayed at home, I agreed with it. Better safe than sorry.