Very dark. Splash decant and then we jumped right in. Others we're that thrilled with this bottle but I thought it worked well with the berry cobbler. No question, it's in your face. Tar, Blueberry, and Raspberry fruit. The blue fruit really pops when paired with blackberries.

Pop n Pour. Amazingly, this was fairly accessible. Color looked dialed back versus previous vintages and there's a caramel and maple syrup aroma which follows onto the palate. Dark fruit and black licorice. It's still young. Duh.

This bottle was gifted to me my a friend for helping them sell a cellar, it belonged to the wine curator for UC Davis. This is the wardens birth year wine and we've been hanging on to it for a special occasion. Tonight was the night, lots of close friends that appreciate wine. It was a low shoulder fill... Should I be worried? The cork was crispy so I decided to us an ah so instead of shredding, filtering, and decant. Pulled straight out. The color is very faded, like a watered down cola. There is a sherry quality to the wine., it's certainly aged,, but a light pure cherry fruit core with a note of white flower. That was surprising. Tannins are completely gone and probably have been for decades. It was drinkable and paired with a Monte Bello and BV GLT for a nice flight of California wine history.

Well, if you're lucky enough to have a few of these in the cellar, no worries regarding aging. This was very fresh and vibrant. There's a spicy note that I want to call dill because I know it's aged in American oak but it's definitely something from the barrels and a crazy perfume. I went back a few times because I thought one of the ladies might have put on perfume but nope, it's the wine. Dark fruit, BDX like character and light caramel finish. Hard to believe this is 18 years old.

Seiber picked a few of these magnums from a friend of mine and he pulled this one tonight. Wine will surprise you. How is this 33 years old? The color, impeccable, not a hint of bricking sitting next to a '99 Ridge MB, it might look younger. Crazy. This was much more old world than the MB because of the moss and dusty/earth aromas. Light cherry / red currant and a noticeable splash of dried mint. This is really a special bottle.

Blind: correctly guessed RM Old Vine Summa. Nordhoff has turned me on to enough of these where their "familiar" now. I wish they were in my cellar. Red berries and delicious tart cranberry. Lots of structure and bramble/dried brush. Long finish. This is way to young right now, it's great but hold 5 years.

Bllind: correctly guess RM Summa after only sticking my nose in the glass. This has a distinct and overt orange peel / zest aroma. Palate is red fruit and lots of strawberries and sandlewood. New world for sure. Even a little peppery note at the conclusion.

This wine is tremendous. Drinking incredible well right now, hit this one while you age the Old Vine Summa.

This is the second of the 3 DRC I purchased for $20 a bottle. I drank the first as a test and brought this La Tache for tonight. I decided not to open the 3rd bottle of '96 La Tache and instead gave to FMIII as a gift. He can chug it with Nordhoff since he couldn't make it this evening yet made the paella which was superb.

Great nose, what else would you expect? Plum, berries, and perfume. Palate was a lovely red berry and strawberry with medium acidity. A light oak toast wrapped around the finish. Very nice and extremely well balanced wine.

Blind: guess the varietal but had no idea on the producer but assumed zero dosage. Medium yellow with light bronzing. Nose of apple and rye. Palate is lean and edgy, acid is the foundation here with strong citrus notes and cardamom. I really liked this one.

Blind: correctly guessed Pinot Meunier. For some reason this grape jumps out at me in a sparkler. No idea on the producer.

Light yeasty nose and an interesting color, almost orange but clearly not a yellow of gold tone. Apple dominates the flavors. The mouthfeel is controlled by the aggressive carbonation. There's a Motts apple sauce flavor which is good if you like apple sauce.

Blind: guessed white Burgundy. There was some debate about whether this was California or France. It screamed French to me. Some thought it might be Chenin or Chablis.

The nose on this screams white Burgundy and as soon as the flint and matchstick aromas hit the olfactory it was difficult to move me. Very distinctive. Medium weight with pear and pineapple flavors. Very nice.

Blind: correctly guessed Godme. Brother or sister? no idea but I'll take the whole family for $1000, Alex.

Lean and mean green apple, really good, with strong acid and light brioche. There's a strong undertone of salinity which hinted at Godme as I've noted that "salty" flavor with them before. The finish is angular and there's a caraway seed across the tongue. Really like this wine but prefer it with something to snack on.