It was my mom's birthday so there were some nice wines opened.
1996 Salon Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne (9/6/2008)
I believe this is the 3rd time I have had a bottle of this. Previously I thought it was excellent but still carrying lots of structure and not truly showing itself. This bottle was downright fantastic. I was afraid I would be losing so more enamel off my teeth but the acid was actually perfectly balanced. Expressive aromatics, with white fruit and yeast. On the palate it was just plain tasty. The acid was in check enough to have as a cocktail but with food the tannin and acid popped out just enough. Extended finish. I must say I was looking forward to drinking this but didn’t think it would be the easy star of the night. Even my wife who doesn’t like Champaign or any white wine, was enamored with this. (95 pts.)
2001 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Yorkville Highlands (9/6/2008)
Well we always used to look to 7 years to start enjoying WS. Not so much in this case. The wine is very vibrant but leaning toward aggressive. At 7 years I would hope to find something becoming captivating and enticing but in this case I got fruit and alcohol. I enjoyed the wine with its clean red fruit and maybe it is still too young but the heat and presence of alcohol concern me. (88 pts.)
1999 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/6/2008)
What to do. Here is a wine that has many years ahead of it but it is drinking very nicely now. Showing aged elements while maintaining fresh fruit and medium sweet tannins. Perfect with food right now. A wine that is nicely in the middle between new world and old world. A very good wine right now but if evolution looks fondly upon it, the wine could be A+ in the future. (92 pts.)
Cheers,
Jason
but in general I would buy other things.