TN: 2003 Pride Mountain Syrah (USA, California, Sonoma County)

2003 Pride Mountain Syrah - USA, California, Sonoma County (5/27/2007)Super opaque in color. On the nose there was a enticing sweet boysenberry, blueberries and pure vanilla extract-american oak quality I really liked. The palate exposed super deep plush & dark fruits as previously mentioned in a sea of smooth tannins. There was a flowery quality present as well as some pepper notes. The finish was long and sweet.

A velvet fist wrapped in an iron glove. (waiting to put this expression in words for years).

I gotta say, I have had this a few times and this showed the best yet. I am glad I held onto my bottles. Perfect served during family BBQ. It was a hit amongst the the non-winos as well. There was something for everyone. (91 pts.)

TN: 1995 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

USA, California, North Coast, Napa County (5/27/2007)

Thats the thing with older bottles......They take on a life of thier own even from the same case. This one was medium garnet and browning on the edges. The nose showed a little cork, on the palate the immediate thing is the cork, but its not corked. It has some dusty fruit of dried cherries and cassis. There is some cedar box as well as some vanilla bean. it seemd a bit tired but was still enjoyable in its own right. Just a little out of whack. (87 pts.)

TN: 2001 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (5/27/2007)On track once again.

Intense vibrant hue od brick with dark purple edges. Great true cassis and currant nose.On the tonque there was the Mondavi signature of balance and finesse. Great understated cassis, currant, and dark cherry cola. There is a clean smooth tannin/acid base that makes this good with food as well as on its own. A 30 second aftertaste completed the package.

I have had this about a dozen times. I think this has emerged from its sleep and is willing to serve faithfully again. (91 pts.)

TN: 2003 Copain Syrah Broken Leg Vineyard

2003 Copain Syrah Broken Leg Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley (5/21/2007)

I expected much more from this. A waste of two years in the cellar.Deep dark color. Pomegranate and white pepper on the nose. The palate shows the same dried pomegranate and thats about it. Some burnt tar and nada. The finish is short and exciting only in its ability to end quick and get it over with. I always said the L'Hiver is THE best bottle Copain makes. I stand by this statement.

DTD(down the drain)80/100 (80 pts.)

TN: 1995 Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon

1995 Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (5/16/2007)Totally different than my last bottle (2 weeks ago). Dark with some browning on the edges. Beautiful (almost hauntingly) sweet cassis on the nose. The palate shows a nice old world styled cabenet profile; dark currant, underbrush, cassis and exotic spices. The finish was a touch short and the acid level seemed a bit out of whack, but all in all an enjoyable wine, even if most of the enjoyment was on the nose. (87 pts.)

TN: 2003 Jones Family The Sisters (USA, California, Napa Valley)

2003 Jones Family The Sisters - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/11/2007)Super dark crimson with vibrant purple tinged edges. The nose shows cassis as well as dark plums and black cherries. The palate has a super lush mouthfeel and balance that made me look again at the bottle to be sure it read 2003. It did. Refined elegance wrapped in a velvet layer of smooth rich tannins. Beautiful cassis filled with cedar, currant, plum and a touch of licorice. This is one classy wine. Quite possibly THE best 2003 I have had to date other than Staglin. An ultra long finish that’s ends as its starts....superb. Drinking well now into 2010. Amazing....simply amazing. Anyone lucky enough to have some is in for a treat.95/100 (95 pts.)

TN: 1994 Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon

1994 Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (5/7/2007)A correct but otherwise lackluster bottle. Very good deep garnet with purple tinged edges. A muted nose od cassis and medium dark currant. The palate reveals som, repeat some subdued fruits of dark black cherries, currants, slight cassis, and a hint of cedar box. Nice tannins level and acid. Nothing really negative but more fruits would have been appreciated, but at 13 years old, you get what you get. A decent bottle of Napa Cabernet, just not exciting enough to warrant higher praise. (87 pts.)

TN: 1995 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

1995 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, North Coast, Napa County (5/1/2007)Deep brick color. A bit medicinal on the nose. Initially some interesting casis & band-aid on the palate. After 1+ hour; Good structure. Still alive. Some dark fruits, (currant, dark cherry) and moderate tannins still carry this. A decent Mondaviish acid level. Maybe a bit short but otherwise a very enjoyable 12 year old everyday bottling. This was probably $10 when new. A nice surprise. Picked up from a fellow BBer for a song. Glad I got 1 more.(89 pts.)