2009 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Corona Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville)

 Opened 8 hours beforehand. Upon pour this just shoots from the glass; fragrant black currants, blackberry and violets abound. This youthful wine has tremendous appeal with a black fruit profile and balance to spare. Medium to light bodied, but intense and well structured. Notes of spring flowers, framboise, pomegranate and cedar box. Tannins are huge but well in check. Interestingly once food hit the table this took a backseat to the 2003 Pride Cabernet that was enjoyed alongside it. Certainly one to drink while sitting on the deck with some light fare or on its own. A beat behind the Panek in my humble estimation, but super nonetheless. 91 pts

2003 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley)

 Opened 3-4 hours beforehand. Nose shows the Foley profile nicely. Not too over the top, but certainly some chocolate/cocoa notes with a more red fruit profile. Lovely across the palate save for a hint of dryness toward the finish, just a bit and not distracting. I got some red cherry, red raspberries and currant with a touch of cola and malted. Time has treated this nicely and I had to reconfirm it was the regular bottling….twice. Medium weighted viscous wine with resolved tannins and no sign of a cliff in sight. Long and fragrant, this really too a shine above when food hit the table; some tricky pan-Asian dishes really made this pop. (The 09 RM Corona we had alongside it went the other way). I am almost in regret in not owning any of these. What a great showing. 92 pts