2005 Cuvee du Trois.
Slurpably good. It was amazing how quickly the bottle disappeared! Bright cherry berry Pinot fruit, with earthyness and copious mouthwatering acidity. The "Pinosity" became more apparant as the wine breathed, but the delicious acidity and brightness kept the wine refreshing and mighty fine. No oaky cherry cola sweetness here. Fantastic.
2004 Havens Merlot "Carneros" Their reserve bottling. Another atypical California wine...very earthy...could use a little more acidity, perhaps, but the earthy and rich Merlot fruit was quite nice without being jammy or sweet. Combined with quite a bit of smokeyness (the oak? or the vineyard??) and a hint of brett...although less obtrusive than in the 2005 regular release merlot. Very fine.