Had this orphan 2001 Nota Bene Cellars (a Washington winery, not to be confused with the famed 'Nota Bene' from Black Hills winery in BC) "Ciel du Cheval" vineyard red blend in the cellar for years, and pulled it to pour with some tacos last night. Never had any of this producer's wines before. A blend of 58% Cab and 27% merlot with the remainder in CF and PV with 15.7% alcohol, which kind of explains why I've been avoiding it. And alas I've clearly held it too long: primary fruit with very little secondary nuance to show for nine years in the bottle is quickly taken over by muddy oxidative flavors.
Earlier in the weekend we sampled the 2007 Roessler Estate 'La Encantada' pinot noir from California. Riper and sweeter than other Roessler pinots I've had, and with less acid which is a tad disappointing, but I guess that's what the fruit gave them. It's still a well-made, enjoyable wine with dark cherry and black raspberry fruit, and nice spice. I have three more bottles and won't plan on holding them beyond the next year.