This wine transported me to France. The wine’s concentration and earthiness evokes a classy bistro, zinc bar and woven café chairs. It has a fragrant bouquet with hints of cooked meat infusing the earthy red berry fruit. The spice and red berry-based palate is harmonious, well structured and focused, building toward a grippy finish. Truly seemed more old-world in every sense when matched up with the California pinots. That all being said, a majority of my guests preferred the Williams-Selyem …

Of the American pinots on the menu, this was the most pleasing – it showed a bit of the raspberry creamsicle note that I sometimes detect in W-S wines and which I love. But at the same time, it is bright enough to enjoy over time and had an earthy component on the finish that nodded to the old world.

This was definitely a Cali pinot but it was a nice counterpoint to the Lignier (amd the W-S for that matter). The fruit may have been a bit too upfront for me – black cherry and ripe plum. But overall one of the better KBs I’ve had. Interesting that the 2011s in the lineup showed well - I had understood it to be an underperforming vintage - but not tonight.

Elegant and refined with powerful, mineral-tinged cherry and blackberry scents, along with notes of bacon fat and potpourri. Pure, concentrated and energetic on the palate, offering black and blue fruit flavors. Like the Lignier, seemed very French, especially in comparison to the Carlisle syrah I paired it against.

Very solid but maybe lacking the sophistication of some of the tablemates. Cherry liqueur, spice, and violet in the aromatic profile while the slightly sappy flavor of dark fruit is laced with notes of espresso and black pepper. Lacked some of the bacon and earth that the Cornas delivered.

The biggest surprise of the night for me – in an excellent drinking window with evolved tannins, mountain berry fruit still shining on the palate, and some secondary earthy notes emerging. Aromas of violets, blackberries, blueberries, and crushed stones are apparent. Medium to full-bodied but lean on the finish making it pleasant to sip on over time.

I had this last 2 years ago and thought it was great- this time around it never opened up and was too acidic and lacked any distinctive flavors – a disappointment.

Very classic amarone with a pleasant raisin aspect upfront followed by some juicier black cherry flavors accented with delicate spice and grilled herb notes. Fresh and appealing with a chewy finish. Also this was a great bargain – circa $30.

A theme for the night was freshness since I pulled a couple of “too young” wines - but I had tasted them before and thought they were ready (or at least showed what a young version can do). This Barolo delivered a fresh and pure nose of rose petal and orange peel. Medium bodied with fine tannins and a delicious finish showcasing tarry cherry with hints of citrus. Also a good bargain like the amarone.

In keeping with the “drink ‘em young” theme, this was also a very enjoyable and accessible Brunello. Precise and focused showing violets, blackberries, and tea leaf. Medium bodied, velvety tannins, soft but rich.

Seemed to be passed prime and although drinkable it was easily the fullest bottle at the end of the night (e.g. not that popular with my guests).

Loved this wine and, in general, am really liking Etna whites – have had several great ones in the past year or so. Elegantly structured with enticing aromas of citrus, Mediterranean herb, and fragrant yellow flower. The fresh, clean palate shows juicy lime, pear, and chopped herbs. Tangy acidity on the entry and a crisp, lingering finish. WOTN on Christmas Eve.

One of the classier, most concentrated SLBs I’ve had. Aromas of blackberry and licorice. Dense for a Savigny but still high-toned, with flavors of crushed blackberry and dark chocolate. Dusty tannins suggest there is still evolution left for this bottle. Agree with other note on the stemmy funkiness as well. Would have rated higher but it just wasn't at my preferred ripeness level.

This is one of my favorite Valpolicellas and I try to pick it up across vintages – fresh and easy to drink, with tasty flavors of plum and dried fruits accented by interesting tapenade notes. But I’ve found other vintages to be a bit more forward – maybe give this another year or two for it to shine.

Count me in as a big fan of the ’15 vintage for Cru Beaujolais – this was bright, structured and quite concentrated for gamay. Ripe red cherry and strawberry fruit on the palate with background hints of ginger and lavender. Energetic mouthfeel and spicy finish.

This wine was singing the night we served it. A wonderful interpretation of the Rhône Valley via California with notes of Mediterranean herbs, dark berries, pepper. Nicely layered mouthfeel with good concentration and extraction. Very quaffable but classy.

Very smooth and seamless delivery but not particularly challenging. Maybe too heavy on the blueberry and not enough spice and bramble for it to catch my attention.

After having it several times over the years this has entered my pantheon as favorite Super Tuscan (it probably helps that it is at a price point a bit lower than most of the STs). Very Italian – acidic grip providing a foundation for delicious smoky cherry fruit, spice mix, and black pepper. Long lasting finish. Drank it with a Carlise Zin and this showed way more complexity.