2004 Marechal Cuvee Gravel--probably the most aromatic of the several dozen we've had since release. For the past four months, this wine has becoming more tart each month. Since we've been following it for two years, it seems clear that the wine is falling apart in it's own way. No matter...this was the last bottle in the neighborhood, I think. And they've all been enjoyable, but I'm glad we've drunk them up. Time to move on to the 2005s.
2005 ESJ Rocks and Gravel. Decanted this an hour or so before we headed out. I took a whiff out of the decanter before leaving and I was shocked--it smelled like old vine mourvedre, waaay deep and dangerous, and totally off the charts for commercial wine, which it obviously isn't. Another half hour later the wine was drinking like an old friend, showing that California sunshine Steve E's wines are famous for. I don't regret laying in nearly a case based on reputation and vintage. I want my friends to drink this wine with me outside on summer evenings.
And some moving Scottish poetry here.
