2008 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave St. Joseph - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (12/12/2018)
Pulled from very cold storage, this is still tight. 24 hours of air brought out a little more fruit, but this needs 3-5 more years. It had surprising breadth on the palate for the lean 2008 vintage, and with some more development it could be a real star.
2009 Wind Gap Wines Syrah Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (12/12/2018)
Served alongside the 2008 Chave St. Joseph, this was initially the leaner of the two wines. 24 hours of air did unfurl more fruit, but it stayed on the cool, lean side. Blackberry complimented leather, violet and roasted meat in a firmly acidic framework. Given the need for significant air to show its best side, I would advise waiting longer than I did.