Chateau de Roquefort, Cotes de Provence, 'Rubrum Obscurum', 2001
Softish mulled red fruits quite fine for a Southern red, quite complete with good acidity and a nice little tannic structure still. 14% A- first day, B+ on the second (becomes a little muddied and less distinct). An old vine blend of grenache, carignan & mourvedre. Don't think it is imported Stateside anymore
Caparzo, Brunello di Montalcino, 2006
A previous bottle of this a few years ago showed lush and forward, rather than this thin and astringent brew that has shrill red fruit notes. Disappointing. B/B- 13.5%
Cantine Lonardo, Taurasi, 2001
Salted plum and bitter aromatic herbs, firm acidity and volcanic minerality. Better than a previous bottle. Still young. Drink to 2024? A- 14%
Domaine Tempier, Bandol, 'La Tourtine', 1999
Aromatically robust, strong and youthful with deep cranberry, goji berry, dried strawberries and exotic spices on the finish. Excellent. A-/A
Domaine Charvin, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2008
Has passed the angry stage of a year or two ago and now shows perfumed red fruits with gun arabic, rose petals, and a sweet savory finish. Nice balance. A-
Dauvissat, Chablis, 'La Forest', 2009
Gold colored with brown highlights. Tasting of its age. Lightly gingered pears and apples, little bit of lemon-ginger snap cookies, light and delicate. Probably want to drink sooner than later. B+
Scherrer, Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, 'Old and Mature Vines', 2014
Perfumed black raspberries with sour plum, good acidity and balance, touch of oak barrel on the end. Young. California-in-a-glass. 14.8% A-