Grilled some duck tonight and opened the
1997 Laurel Glen 'Counterpoint' Cabernet Sauvignon
What lovely things nine years have done to this wine. Mellow tannins, still tons of fruit (cherry, plum, cassis) and just perfect balance. I have always liked Laurel Glen, and this was just such great value (sub $22) when I bought it. It's a shame I did not back up the truck. I picked up various second labels in '97, and I'm beginning to be glad I did.
Now as I am typing...
2001 La Tour Blanche (Sauternes)
Holy %^@#$%^ing *&$@#. This stuff has more density than Grade A maple syrup (and a maple finishing note that's just lovely), incredible sugar and acid balance, and flavors of roasted peaches, honeysuckle, spun sugar, that maple note and 4,591 other things. I know I should not have opened it, but I have severla more, and it had been calling me. Right out of the bottle it was stunning. Great, great wine, and my favorite of the 2001 vintage, above Rieussec (have not yet tasted Climens or the "big-Y").