2005 Jade Mountain (Contra Costa County) Mouvedre. Happy to see this on the tasting menu tonight. I liked! Rich mouth feel, plum, blackberry, earth, and smoke. Lots and lots of smoke-and licorice, too. The 15% abv is not really showing. Very good.
2004 Wattle Creek Triple Play (Mendocino County-Yorkville Highlands). Syrah, Zinfandel, and Petit Sirah. I really like the dry earthiness of Mendocino County reds! Dark purple with ruby rim. On the nose, the zinberry seems to dominate, but this wine is mostly Syrah. Some heat showing on the palate and nose. Dark blackberry fruit with some tannins on the back of the palate. Said tannins are drying. Not a hint of sweetness, which is nice! Good.
2004 Cain Concept. Amazing mouthfeel-rich and smooth and delicious. Dark fruit, but surprisingly for 2004 there is a hint of bell pepper in the middle palate. Not a lot of acid to support aging-is this a drink now wine? Good/very good