My first Aubert and on first opening I was worried it was way too fruity and floral for my taste. But after just a minute I realized that while it was fruitier than my preferred Chardonnay style, this was pretty amazing. Intense floral and fruity aromas on the nose. Creamy and tropical fruits on the palate. A touch of reduction (which I like) and a long mineral finish. One of my favorite wines of the night. I have heard that most wines from this producer are leaner in in my preferred style, can't wait to try one.
Thank you Jason--and success in getting me to score a Chardonnay higher than 93!

Another great choice from Jason. I'm not sure I have ever had an aussie cab with age on it. This one was drinking younger than its years. On opening an intense nose of sweet pipe tobacco and candied red fruit. Palate was similarly fruity but the balanced acidity kept it from being overly sweet. I did not get to try this on day 2 because my husband liked it so much.

Initially blind could not figure this one out--it was so decadent and hedonistic. Dark fruits and melted chocolate and candied vanilla. There was no denying that this was really tasty if a bit sweet. I was surprised to learn that this was different than the 40th anniversary--which I had previously and did not particularly care for. The special selection was darker fruited, more complex, and while sweet it was not syrupy and certainly not cough syrupy. Tons of vanilla but I'm ok with that!
Well done Jason to show us a better side of 2012 Caymus.

Another one of my top 3 faves of the night, this time supplied by Mark. When I opened before the tasty it seemed like Bordeaux on the nose, so much tobacco. But then on the palate much sweeter red and black fruit.
Interestingly, this was best at PNP and then again on day 2. After 3 hours decant the fruit seemed more stewed and plummy and the complexity had diminished. It came back to life after a night in the refrigerator, so I don't know what to think. maybe palate fatigue because we had so many wines to taste? But even so there was some nice evolution overnight and I really enjoyed this one.

Another great wine shared by Mark and one I had not had before. Beautiful nose and everything you would expect from Howell Mountain Fruit. Seemed more mature than a 2016 but very open and drinking perfectly right now. Balanced with smooth tannins and juicy acidity.

This was my contribution and this wine was still a little too closed at the time of our tasting. I should have been bolder with my decanting instructions... I chose this particular Barolo because despite being a 2010 it is very fruit forward and approachable (although more so with a 4+ hr decant). All the classic nebbiolo signature notes--roses, tar, leather and cherries, but the fruit really takes center stage here. Tea like drying tannins which had calmed a bit but still more than noticeable on day 2.
Also on day 2 I got a big whiff of Bazooka bubble gum. Mark had mentioned this during the initial tasting and I didn't get it at all. I had completely forgotten his comment and had such a surprise when I had my last glass the next day. Strange how our senses pick up different things at different times.

I am really pleased with how this wine continues to improve with time. I wasn't sure whether to drink quickly and accept mediocrity with the '17s, or be patient and see if they grow out of their awkward stage. I'm glad I hung on to mine and I think they will keep getting better. I also don't think Mark would have made the comment about the 'depth' of the fruit if I had never revealed this as a 2017. But he did rate it higher than I did, so there's that.

This fortified dessert wine from Southern France was far more complex and interesting than I had expected. Drank well over 3 nights--red fruits, licorice, christmas spices and lots of cinnamon. Dangerously easy to drink--just sweet enough to feel like dessert, but not so sweet that you can only drink a few sips. Many have described as a lighter version of port, I see that analogy but I would say lighter and spicier.