It was nice to try this blind, having tried it a couple of weeks ago.  There was some bottle variation for whatever reason.  This one had a deeper gold hue to it.  The nose was more mineral driven and less fruit with a crushed sea shell quality to it.  On the palate, this is dry with good acidity.  A bit of orange pith which wa quite nice.  In general it seemed a bit more advanced, but then with some air as it sat in the glass, it seemed to get a second life.  Some honey came out on the palate.  It got a bit more energy but that great minerality was still there.  This bottle had apparently

This is made from a Biodynamic vineyard from Rhone styles grapes.  It is a blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Zinfandel.  It retails for around $45.  This was tasted over two days and significantly more open and better on Day 2.  It is young and in need of a good decant or more cellaring.  That said, it is very nice now.  Purple in color.  On the nose, there is boysenberry, black cherries, some black pepper and coffee grounds.  On the palate, this is concentrated but not a big wine.  Boysenberry and black cherry fruit.  Underlying peppery-ness and smoke.  Some medium tannins.  Good aci

This is the basic Cabernet from Myriad, superstar winemaker Mike Smith's own winery.  This is in a great place and drinking great right now but has a long life ahead.  Big and full of fruit and power, but not over the top.  Purple in color.  The nose has cassis, slight char, baking spice and slight black cherries.  On the palate, lots of cassis and black cherries.  Also underlying minerality and char.  Medium tannins.  Great balance.  Long finish.  This needs heartier food and also drinks well on its own.  Delicious.  $60 retail is actually a good value for this level of Napa Cab.  Perhaps

This wine has finally opened up and is drinking well.  Purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, some black olives, black pepper and slight gamey meats.  On the palate, this is delicious.  Plenty of depth with layers that unwind in the glass.  Still a bit young, it could use some air before drinking.  Lots of black raspberry fruit with a bit of earthiness.  Good finish.  Will work with medium and heavier foods.  No hurry, has a decade or more left.  

This is an excellent wine.  A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot with grapes from Atlas Peak and Howell Mountain in Napa Valley.  Consumed over two days, this was better on Day 2.  Purple in color.  On day one, the nose shows black cherries, slight cedar and a clove/bitters quality to it that is very interesting.  On the palate, this is not a big, bold wine.  Rather, there are plenty of concentrated fruits, mostly cherries and black cherries with a slight bitterness (again in a good way) to it.  On Day 2 (re-corked and left on the counter), this wine really open

This is a good wine.  But, it did not meet expectations.  These expectations were caused by the wineries reputation; they make some great wines, and the price; $65 for a bottle of Zinfandel is a good chunk of change.  Purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, slight spice, slight char.  On the palate, this is simple on one dimensional.  Nice black cherry fruit.  Some depth but not really showing much other than fruit.  Drank over two days, it was better on day 1.  Its a fine Zinfandel but there are hundred if not thousands that provide this quality for one third the price.  Stick to th

Really drinking in a nice place right now.  Very elegant and refined IMO, at least compared to other vintages.  Ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose is very nice with macerated cherries, spice and slight fresh cherries.  On the palate, this is not a big wine.  Cherries and cherry juice with layers of damp forest floor.  Good balance.  Delicious too.  Nice finish.  Very food friendly for a wide range of foods.  Very nice today.  It might not get better but no hurry.  

Another in a series of 2004 Chianti Classicos.  This is also drinking quite well.  At peak or ever so slightly past but still with freshness and life.  Ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, dried cherries, sandalwood and dry tea.  On the palate, this has lively acidity.  Nice texture.  Lots of cherries with underlying spice.  Good finish.  Food friendly.  Drink in the next three to five years.  

This bottle retailed for around $25 on release.  At age 14 years from vintage, it is drinking quite well.  It is certainly at peak (or just past) and won't get better from here, but what a nice experience.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose has cherries, dried cherries, black cherries, dried tea leaves, slight spice and some dried leather.  On the palate, this has vibrant cherries fruit along with some dried cherries and forest floor notes.  No tannins left.  Some layering.  Moderate complexity.  Nice acidity.  Works well with pasta, pizza and medium bodied foods.  Drink up in the next few ye

Monte Bello is one of the great wines of California.  87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc.  Though 2011 was a difficult vintage in most of California, Ridge hit a home run (again) with Monte Bello.  It might be drinking a bit earlier than other vintages, but it is a fantastic wine.  Purple in color.  The nose has cassis, cigar box, plums and char.  Very nice.  On the palate, this has a wonderful texture that is lush and full bodied but not over the top.  Plenty of cassis and plum fruit with underlying earthiness and slight char.  Good finish.  Works with medium and heav