1992 Penfolds Grange - Australia, South Australia (11/22/2008)

Such a pretty nose of black fruits, violets and other exotic wild flowers. The color is dark and dense. The palate has some great sweet black fruits (cassis, black cherry, and blackberries), tar, cedar-box and a deep ultra pure mouth feel. Some earthiness adds nicely to the mix. A reminiscent fully resolved tannin base that speaks mature, but in no danger of falling off for the next few years. An early drinker for sure. The midpalate is clean and elegant. There is some dryness on the finish (oak), but all in all this is a classy 'drop'. (92 pts.)

1995 Robert Mondavi Winery Fume Blanc To-Kalon I Block

Deep dark honey color. Out of the gate this had wonderful intense lemon peel and honeydew melons. There was an interesting flintiness and a touch of caramel. A nice lilt acid level and a clean pure mouth feel. After 15 minutes it had gone downhill quickly. The fruit dried up and all that was left was the acid: more pronounced and less 'lilty'. Not as good as the '96 we had at the CLONYC ToKalon dinner last winter, but nice if your not going to dwell on a bottle all night. A good deal for the $20 I paid non-the-less. (87 pts.)