We badly, badly need more rain, but I cannot deny the pleasures of an afternoon hour spent sitting on the rear patio at Summers Winery near Calistoga looking at the Palisades and drinking quite elegant Charbono (I know my brain is playing tricks on me, but it just shouted "Alpine Foothills" to me) and a fantastic Malbec. A very talented winemaker and a nice place!
2006 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cyrus showed amazingly well yet again. This hits all of the sweet spots to me. Still some lovely cassis fruit but there is nice secondary development as well. Soft as silk, with lovely earthy notes, a hinto of bell pepper, savory elements. Lovely nose.
2011 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon. A little feral and sharp right now (especially after the Cyrus) but I think this wine will be lovely! It has beautiful fruit and tannins and a ton of ageable acid. Seems ripe enough, despite the vintage.