FRIDAY NIGHT TASTINGS, FEBRUARY 25, 2011

OBSIDIAN RIDGE Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007, a 3. This is an interesting wine from the southern shores of Clear Lake region, just north of Napa Valley. The grapes are from the 2640 feet elevation in the Red Hills of the Mayacamas. Dark red, almost obsidian black, this wine has a surprisingly non-cab taste, more merlot-like with strawberry and tropical fruit and whipped cream impressions. Very soft, very easy to drink. The Lake County has some hidden treasures, with interesting, very reasonably-priced cabs.

RUSTON Cabernet Sauvignon., Napa 2004, a definite 3+. This vineyard is a personal favorite, it produces consistently mature and interesting wines. They will not release wines before their time, but the patience definitely pays off. This cabernet has a long finish with an impressive ability to stimulate old memories you never knew you had. Or you have long forgotten. I would say it reminds me of English boxwood on a cold rainy evening in the fall.

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTINGS, FEBRUARY 4, 2011

The mood of the group was subdued. This fact is reflected in the style of this report, which, I am afraid is not doing justice to the incredible wines tasted. Our host's view was that since you cannot take it with you (and the tomorrow is not promised), lets taste the best. Most of the wines had been opened the day before. The first one is an unusual wine, from Portugal, Colheita 2008. Very drinkable, with lots of black cherry, though a bit austere. It was covered and people guessed it to be a Washington State or Oregon grenache or Syrah. It is made from local grapes, we do not recognize the types. It had a very reasonable price tag. A 2+.

Edgewood 2007 cab, a 2

Nice fruity nose. A bit thin, but not bad.

Harlan 2006 4+

This wine was completely different from the Harlan 1996 (see below). We all thought that it was better, as well. I don't think that you can describe the taste of this wine: you'd have to experience it.

Harlan 1996, 4

The first of the two Harlans tasted tonight, the 1996 matured well. Jimmy thought that it can be best described as the impression you get after the rain.

Bucella, 2005 3+

This bottle was open for 24 hours. As expected, an excellent wine.

Lewis, Syrah 2006 3+to 4

Without question, this wine was the favorite tonight. Robust, huge, with jus-de-viande nose and a long lavender finish.