Served blind to our dinner companions as a warm up. Bright and floral with loads of orchard fruit underneath. Develops a subtle tropical note as it warms and opens in the glass. Excellent. 90-91 pts.

Double blind, from magnum, popped and poured. Light meniscus with a deep core. A bit high-toned at first, this needed some time in the glass to relax and develop. Aromas of cherry, earth and red berry fruit. There's a hint of spice in there as well. Abundant ripe red fruit on the palate, and so while this smells as if it may be French, the fruit is a bit too generous. Herb and spice flavors emerge and carry the fruit through the finish. Balanced, with good acidity. Guessed 2002 Thomas pinot. (DocR)

Double decanted off its sediment and served double blind blind to the group about an hour later. Dark color. Ripe dark fruit, plum and spice aromas. There's also saddle leather and earthy elements as well. Abundant dark fruit and plum on the palate. A wonderful surprise as this has held up extremely well, and ended up in many of the group's top two WOTN. Cheers, Jim & Barb.

Served double blind to the group after having been double decanted off its sediment perhaps ninety minutes earlier. Cherry and earth with a terrific floral perfume. The palate follows the bouquet. Balanced, with a lingering finish. Excellent.

Double blind. Deeply colored with notes of vanilla, mocha, chocolate, cassis and black fruit. Black fruit, plum, mocha and chocolate on the palate. Fine tannin. Guessed Mt Veeder cab sauv. (G&R)

Double blind. A bit controversial as enjoyment of this bottle was dependent upon one's tolerance for a bit of spritz and some sourness as there was perhaps some secondary fermentation in this bottle. Opens with meaty red fruit, spice and a bit of reduction. Red fruit, pepper, macerated berries and a bit of barnyardy funk as well. Half found it too spritzy and too sour, while the rest of us enjoyed it. Guessed ten-year-old WA grenache. (G&R)

Double blind. Aromas of black fruit, blueberry and chocolate. Ripe fruit on the palate with plenty of wood as well; black fruit and brown sugar qualities. Finishes with good length. Seemed more like a cab than a syrah, but tasty nonetheless. (E)