2004 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico. Some plum and cherry fruit, but nice acidity, solid leathery and tobacco notes, interesting finish, with some smokey and mineral notes. Smoke only an element of the overall wine and not dominant in an obtrusive or annoying way. A solid "B" wine.
2005 Chateau Clos L'Eglise Cotes de Castillon. Described as "New Worldish" on Cellar Tracker and other sources, this definitely showed some stewed black cherry and plum on the nose. Palate was better, with big plum and cherry fruit framed with nice anise/licorice notes. BUT...as the evening wore on, the tannins slammed down hard...not cutting off the big, New Worldish fruit, but definitely drying out the palate. Def. one of the more tannic wines I have experience. Still...enjoyable because of the anise notes and fruit. Doesn't really say "Bordeaux" to me...this could be a better Napa Merlot. Maybe should have waited 5 years+...I think there is the depth of fruit here that once the tannins integrated, it could have been an even better wine. B/B+ now.