1996 Ch. Lanessan Haut Medoc. Even though I decanted this for two hours before bringing it to Wine Styles, this little Bordeaux required a lot of swirling and work to get through the rather tight and somewhat green character. Once there, still enjoyable. 87?
2005 Demessey Nuits St. Georges. This wine from a negociant house was a joy to drink...tangy with refreshing acid, bright red berry fruit, beautiful Pinot nose that showed even more fruit. Delicious...probably wine of the night. Sadly, a second bottle Saturday night was either corked or closed up tight. I am leaning toward corked, as the wine was just dead and muted. 93!
2006 Elizabeth Spencer Cabernet Franc Napa Valley. Probably the greenest, most bell-peppery verging on jalapeno Napa Cab Franc I have had. Green as a cool year Beringer Knights Valley or some South African wines I have tasted. There was some nice berry fruit underneath...but I think I prefer the William Harrison and Signorello versions of this varietal bottling. DId not have the silkyness of good Loir Cab Franc to compensate for the green. 82.
2006 Signorello Estate Syrah (Oak Knoll, Silverado Trail on the eastern foothills). This wine shows that rich, plush, fruit bombs can be mighty pleasurable. Deliciously rich Napa Syrah with loads of rich berry fruit, oak well balanced, alcohol not a problem. With so so fancy Mexican food at Dona Tomas (good...but not twice as good ($$$) as my favorite taquerias) the salty elements in the Mexican food really brought out the savory, meaty aspects of this wine. Tasted much thinner and sweeter at the winery tasting...this wine really needs food to come into balance and show its stuffing. 94+