Birthday Dinner for S2

Baked Cheddar Cheese Crackers
Grilled Ribsteaks with Fries, Crispy Shallots, Parsley and Chives
Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

• 2001 Schramsberg Vineyards Reserve

  USA, California, North Coast

  Really nicely balanced with up front apple, yeasty cinnamon toast, a grind of pepper and some ginger pear on the finish.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2009 Hayfork Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch

  USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

  Semi-slow ox for 2 hours. Bright Napa dark fruits are really forward because of its youth. Gripping tannins with a cedar/charcoal smoke with green mint and menthol and a little alcohol heat. Later some tasty tart red fruits emerge. Haley picked a couple of days before her uncle at Lewelling and it shows. A beautiful wine.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2003 Harlan Estate The Maiden

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Very low level TCA on this one which mutes the flavors a bit. Still drinkable though with minty black fruits and really dry tannins. Faded fruit throws off the balance.

  Read 1 Comment / Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

• 2005 Saxum Heart Stone Vineyard

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Delicious, powerful but still elegant. Really dark berry fruits with a great balance of smoky charcoal. There are wild herbs and a great hit of black pepper. This wasn't just about power; there was lots of complexity.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

• 2003 Château Tirecul La Gravière Monbazillac

  France, Southwest France, Dordogne, Monbazillac

  Thick mouthcoating texture with hints of honey and dried apricot with a little spiced peach. While the sugars are not over the top cloying, it is lacking acidity making it seem a bit heavy and plodding.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No