3 for my birthday (Maybach, Saxum, Clos des Papes)

Yesterday was my birthday (56). After going to the Browns game with my daughter, my wife made dinner for us. We were joined by neighbors later in the evening for some more wine. After sitting outside and watching the Browns blow another one, I was in no mood for an introspective, contemplative wine. I wanted flavor, fun and oh yeah, alcohol. But, I also wanted something really satisfying. These absolutely fit the bill for me.

• 2008 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  Pop and pour, this needed about an hour to start to open. Luckily we had time. Purple in color. At first a bit port like but that changes with air. The nose has cassis, leather, a bit of vanilla and a bit of charred wood. Full bodied. Lots of depth. Showing nice layering as it unwinds in the glass. Great texture. Long finish. Worked just fine with dinner.

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• 2007 Saxum Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard 99 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Beautiful showing for this wine. Popped and allowed to breath a bit then consumed over a couple of hours. Inky purple in color. No doubt, this is a hug wines. Aromas of black raspberries, blueberries, black pepper, licorice and slight floral notes. Great lush texture. Quite nimble on its feet. No heat. Lots of black and blue fruit. Nice balance. Long finish. Awesome.

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• 2005 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 96 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  This is still young. Pop and pour, it took some time to open up. After a couple of bigger wines, this still had enough to hold its own but was decidedly more elegant (than Saxum or Maybach, duh). Ruby/purple in color. The nose has raspberries, cherries, spice and floral notes. Medium to full bodied. Great silky texture. Black and red raspberries on the palate. It shows nice, but tightly layered complexity. Nice back bone of acidity. Long finish. The last sip was the best.

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Great day and evening!