Having sampled the quite nice 2002 Hopper Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet last week, I pulled this from my closet last night. Bell shares a private road with Hopper Creek.
A hint of French funk on this one, but not obtrusive in any way and I like a little Brett. Just a little. Nose showed the alcohol a bit (14.6%), but not too obtrusive once you actually drink it. Smokey oak...the label indicates 60% new, of which 19% is American. No dominating dill notes, though. Just a nice smokeyness. Fruit was red currant, with definite notes of anise and a hint of bitterness.
I still preferred the Hopper Creek, but this was still a fairly austere, enjoyable California wine in maybe an old school style?????
Rich Black also brought in a 2006 Fortis from Pine Ridge. Decanted for an hour before hand. Huge blast of Stag's Leap cherry, with tobacco notes also showing. This will be very nice in a few years. Thanks, Rich!