2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Amber Ridge Vineyard

The complete opposite to the Kanzler poured directly before it. The color deep garnet with purple tinges. Wonderful red fruit profile that reminds me more of a Burgundy that a Cali. Spring flowers and sweet red fruits on the nose. The tongue revealed crushed pebbles, red cherries, and some cinnamon. There is a clean and pure medium weight feel that exudes elegance grace and class. Nice minerality and structure with a acid level that sits smoothly and crisply in the background. Long graceful aftertaste. Wow (94 pts.)

2004 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard

Deep and dark with brooding intesity. This is a very full flavored pinot that will open the tired mans eyes and make a baby weep. Big pure dark cherries, milk chocolate, chewy tannins, and an acid level slighty above eye level. A full weight Pinot with a very long silky finish. (91 pts.)

2004 Corté Riva Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Deep dark color with purple tinged edges. The nose is pure cab with cassis & dark cherry cola. This is not as big and flamboyant as I expected. It's very clean, pure and exact. The palate has the same dark cherry cola that stands out above all else. Great structure and mouthfeel. Elegant with a 'quiet lush' profile, all with a very lively acid level. The tannins are super tight. An interesting bottle that will please even the super-picky cal cab drinker. This will be amazing in 5 years. Amazing (93 pts.)

2004 Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Great dark garnet. Great ends there. Initially this was totally closed for business. After 1 hour some decent plush red and black fruits emerge on the nose. The palate was initially flabby in the middle and after the hour some nice currant and blackberry kirsch emerged. This is a mid weight cabernet. An ok acid level and maybe just a little hot, this is surely not the best example of this I have ever had. Hell, it's the worst actually. Its somewhat so-so mid-palate and an ok finish. An average Cabernet. 87 points

Did I tell you the color was....great?