2002 Emilio's Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville)

Pop and pour. A bit redder and maybe more along in the color of the edges. The nose is cool black currant with some cola notes, kirsch and black cherry. Palate has the currant, black cherry and cola with some worn leather, cocoa butter and soy lite soy sauce. A hint of menthol is present. The mouthfeel is light weight and the balance is near perfect. I say near because there is a hint of acidity toward the end that adds dimension and depth. Pure and near precise this is enjoyable and free-flowing in its attack. Finish is admirable. An easy drinking Cabernet Sauvignon with a bunch of years under its belt. 91 pts

2007 Novy Family Wines Syrah Page Nord (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Dark it is. Real dark. The nose has predominant black-cherry and Kirsch Royal. There is some red currant and blackberries in there too. There is a very pretty spring flower note in there. The palate has all of those fruits I just mentioned with an explosion in your mouth. Black cherries and blueberry compote. Shows slightly hot, but time should bring that in line. A very lush and full mouthfeel with gobby red and black fruits. There is an interesting linseed oil quality I really like. This is a full throttle and in your face Syrah, not for the faint of heart. The finish is long and luxurious with memories of black cherries. I might hold my next bottles for BBQ season. 90 pts.

(or I might give them away, and I did).