A warm November eve in Cleveland

This has been just a gorgeous November week on America's North Coast. Last year this time, we had 10 inches of snow and even some hail. This year, temps in the 70's, driving with the top down, its been great. Luckily, we still had not put away the patio furniture. Although the sun sets early now (5:15), we lit the fire and invited some neighbor's over for one more back yard fire and some wines. All wines were pop and pour and served casually, with cheeses, crackers, hummus and sushi.

• 2009 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Excellent Cabernet. This continues to evolve but I do not think it is at peak yet. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is very nice with cassis, slight spice and some dark cherry fruit. Nice texture. Starting to show some tight layering. Juicy acidity. Lots of dark cherry fruit, some cassis and a bit of dry leathery tannins make for a really interesting and outstanding Cab. Nice finish. This is not a monster in style but drank very well with and without food (roasted sweet potato "sushi").

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• 2007 Jaffurs Syrah Verna's 94 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

  This was singing IMO. Years left in it and this was sadly, my last bottle of this (but I have other 07 Jaffurs' to console me). Deep purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, black licorice, black olive and black pepper. I guess it is a black wine. ;-) Also slight violet notes. On the palate, what a delightful texture. Juicy, full bodied, slightly viscous and soft at the same time. Ever so slight tannins. More seamless than layered at this point. Deep though with plenty of room to develop. Just a great showing.

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• 2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Ranch 94 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  I wanted to let this age, but my wife likes young, bold wines and Carlisle may be her favorite winery at the moment. Perfect for tonight. Purple in color. The nose has kisrch, slight bramble, slight framboise hard candies (those powdered sugar kind), and licorice. Great lush, but juicy texture. Lots of black raspberry fruit, some red raspberries, slight candied note (in a good way). Some tannins left. Great balance. Delicious!

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A great way to take advantage of a real treat of a weather week!