Stopped at the local WineStyles, four blocks away from home, while walking the pack of beasts.
I brought a bottle of 2003 Beringer Nightingale. 70% Semillion, 30% Sauvignon Blanc. I love this wine-and I'm not generally a fan of sweet wines. Layers of peach and caramel and still good acidity. I Like the 2004 even more! 15.5 points.
A fellow customer shared a glass of 2005 Parcel 41 Merlot. From Napa's Stag's Leap District (these folks include the owners of Regusci), this is a dry, very "French" style of merlot. Blackberry, black currant, coffee. Not a typical light fruity quaffer-I really like the dryness and structure of this somewhat tannic wine. It is getting better over the months. 16 points.
Also tried a Paso Robles Cab Franc from Cass Winery. I liked this wine. Very much black fruit, with the characteristic bell pepper a whisper on the back of the palatte. Lots of dark blackberry fruit, and, helped along by a comment from another taster, definitely some chalky tannins which I actually liked. While hot at 14.9% abv, the alchol provided no burn on the nose or on the back of the throat. If anything, the wine is a little lean in mouth feel. 15 points
