WTN: Two reds with steak ('93 Beringer, '00 Fombrauge)

[David M. Bueker]

1993 Beringer Vineyards Merlot Bancroft Ranch - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (12/26/2007)
While I am not known as a fan of California Merlot, this was delicious and drinking very well. Rich, round fruit with accents of leather and earth, tame tannins that provided strucure but were never drying or coarse, and a long, dark-fruited finish made this a great pairing with steak, and very pleasurable to drink. (93 pts.)

2000 Château Fombrauge - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (12/26/2007)
Ripe, round but still very young. It hasn't developed much in the way of secondary character yet, but it's full of fruit, and has a very minerally and flowery streak that is endearing. Very drinkable now if nowhere near mature. (90 pts.)

Thanks for the note on the 93 Bancroft ranch David. I have one lone bottle, and have wondered when would be the right time to open it. Sounds like that time is now or over the next year or so. I have been buying the 2000 vintage of this of late for $30 per 750ml, and consider that almost stealing.

I have a 2002 which, if my taste memory is at all valid, has already begun to evolve nicely from the first sample last Spring and this month. I think this will be very, very nice in 10 years?