2010 Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc, British Columbia
I ordered this wine after a tasting Bob wasn't there for, so he was completely unprepared for what he found in his glass last night. And though he got Sauvignon Blanc right away, from there he was a bit lost trying to place it. His first guess was New Zealand which wasn't a good guess at all, and while I was explaining why not and why it reminded me of Dagenau though it wasn't from France, Bob read the back label which I had not seen before and which actually credits Didier Dagenau for inspiring the style. I have to say, they nailed it. More Pur Sang than Silex, it's lightly grassy on the nose with pomo d'oro white grapefruit on the palate complicated by orange blossoms and a spray of other white flowers that sit just on the edge of your perception. 17% new French oak gives it spice and color, and ample acidity and concentration let the flavors languish into one of the longest finishes I've ever experienced on a Sauv B. Very serious stuff, a grand and hugely successful effort.
2005 A.P. Vin Pinot Noir, Keefer Ranch, Russian River
Light golden red color. On the nose and palate, more secondary than primary with charming strawberry and pie cherry fruit, cherry cough drops, and brandied crabapples. Good, but past peak and if I owned more I wouldn't hold them.