1999 Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Morisoli Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Black as night. nose has pure creme de cassis, cherry cola and blackberries. The palate shows a slight reductive note I usually don't associate with KL Reserves. There is some nice dark fruits with a lively medium body mouthfeel. Tannins seem nicely resolved. Interestingly enough, this showed so much better a year ago at CLONYC 17, the Got Karl dinner. (www.clonyc.com). Maybe I am not of the world of 13 year old wines any longer? Maybe this is slightly damaged? Maybe I have to stop buying anything older than 5 years old? Maybe all of the above.

1999 Fox Creek Shiraz Short Row (Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale)

What a wonderfully, fully resolved and just so nicely balanced Shiraz from McLaren Vale.
This was floral nosed with blue/black fruits of blackberries and black cherries with some currant and blackberries. A hint of cocoa with some damp forest floor, complete with wet pine-needles. A wonderful expression of Shiraz that really over-delivers, this had a hint of sweetness with a light-medium weight mouth-feel with a velvet glove delivery that really made this....rock. Near perfect balance and a perfect Thursday night drop. Great QPR too! 91 pts

1999 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select (USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District)

After having the 2001 SHS on Thursday and it showing as It did which was good, just not great I was happy to peek in on this one.
It had soem real pure black fruits with some kirsch and cola, but there was some real evident vanilla as well. usually I can deal with oak, but sometimes it is so noticeable, I have to call it out: This was a bit oaky. It had nice mouth-feel and purity with some pretty floral notes. I think this has not fully resolved, but tannins on this night we in check and well behaved. Some good acidity and a longish finish completed this nicely, I just wanted....more, so shoot me. 90 pts

1999 Frazier Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

Matured edges. Sweet nose that starts slightly green, but dissipates as the wine reaches serve temperature and sits for about 1 hour in decanter. Nice cassis driven profile of a medium weight, always keeping the sweet cassis/black cherry quality. Very pure. Some leather and lead pencil. A very great showing indeed. Very balanced and very 'yesteryear' in its style. 90pts