2005 Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvée Chaupin - When I first uncorked the bottle, it had a slight mustiness without any fruit or spice, unlike my other bottles of this. I concluded it must be TCA. I checked back on it after about 30 minutes and it was lovely. Gone were the initial flaws, and the fruit and the CdP spice were there in spades. Go figure.
2006 Domaine Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Mon Aieul[b]- This is what we were drinking to replace what I thought was originally a flawed bottle of Janasse. Well, this one was just too tannic to enjoy, and I hope the fruit can hang in there for the tannins to soften.
1996 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon[b]- Some recent notes here on aged California Cabs motivated me to open one and I chose a winner. As soon as I popped the cork I enjoyed its spicy red berry fragrance. It had sumptuous dark fruit, good intensity, and a smooth velvety texture, with licorice on the end. Drinking superbly.
2007 EMH Black Cat Cabernet Sauvignon[b] - This was ripe with a soft texture and concentrated fruit of dark cherries and chocolate. Balanced with a long finish and enjoyable.
2012 Arnot-Roberts Ribolla Gialla Vare Vineyard[b] - At first, it was served too chilled. As it warmed it up, it became more expressive with saline and rain water. Mineral dominant with hints of apricot, a wine that needs food.
2007 Domaine Denis Bachelet Gevrey-Chambertin Vielles Vignes[b] - Most 2007 red Burgundy I've had, have been angular and stern. This one was rounder and easy going, while still maintaining the Bachelet structure, with some nice cherry notes. Time has been kind to this wine and it delivered more than I expected.