2000 Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos (Hungary)

Beautiful deep and dark golden honey in color. The nose is pure honeyed apricots and honeydew. There is richness on the palate, which is full of gorgeous sweet apricots, lemongrass, melons, and joy. A super balanced style just bordering on a fine line between mid and heavyweight, this is a joy to experience. The finish goes on and on. Just stunning. 94 points.

2002 Gemstone (USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville)

76% cab, 12% merlot, 9% cab franc, 3% petite verdot.. Time treats these Gemstones well. The last time I had this it was nice, but surely not monumental. Today, 4 years later it has added weight and class, but more importantly, structure. A very deep and dark reddish black color, this was very fragrant on the nose: cassis, flowers, and black cherries. On the palate there is a very concentrated mouth feel that I don’t really remember this having previous time while sampling. Great structure with some great lushness. The black fruit profile is my playground. Great black currant, plums, blackberries with some kirsch notes, tar, and a hint of soy. A bit of leather and a hint of cedar box. The tannins are still noticeable but did not negatively affect his showing on ounce. It was decanted 4 hours (I believe), which surely was advantageous in this showing. A real elegant classy and uber balanced wine, with a long creamy smooth finish. (92 pts.)

2003 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

30 minute quadruple splash decant. Dark and brooding. The nose is fragrant with black cassis notes, black cherries, and crème de kirsch. The palate has a silky and pure mouthfeel that is lush and elegant. Totally open for business. There is the crème de kirsch with some cocoa, black currants, black cherries, super black plums and pomegranate. Amazing intricately weaved tannins with a lilthy acidic 'bounce'. A very long and poignant finish that goes minutes, not seconds. A fantastic showing indeed. No rush, but no need to postpone enjoyment either. 94 points

2004 Pax Cuvée Moriah (USA, California, Sonoma County)

No, not Moriah Carey. Better. Pax Cuvée Moriah!
Medium reddish ruby color. The nose is pure joy of red cherries, rose petals, with a touch of crushed pebbles and blueberries. The palate has a wonderful medium mouth feel with those red fruits of cherries, plums, red currant, and rose water. A slightly elevated acid level never really subsided, but never really felt negative. A deep and loud & mid-palate with some white crushed pepper, anise, soy and tar. This really had much going for it. The tannins were very low key. The finish went on for 1 plus minute. I can say this is probably one of the top 5 Grenache based wines I have truly enjoyed. I find no middle ground as its either love or hate, and this is pure unadulterated love. 93 points