2007 Bernardus Winery Marinus Carmel Valley
Big and strong, but as the tannins have relaxed it shows more overtly ripe and sweet than it has in the past--too much for this girl's taste. Thank god it's my last bottle.
2007 J.M. Boillot Montagny 1er Cru Chardonnay
Surprise cellar orphan, last bottle of a case thought finished long ago. Great wine: youthful, complex and flinty, drinking like Chablis.
2013 Orcas Island Winery Chardonnay San Juan Island
Tasted at a friend's last night. Slightly overripe and monochromatic, a drink-now wine with some butterscotchy notes. Laudably low in alcohol (12.8%) though that seems unusual given the ripe flavors.
2006 Arcadian Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills
Acidity overwelms fruit which is 'there, but'. Not the pleasant drinking experience of mature Cali-Pinot I hoped for. I presume this is an awkward phase. Next bottle: 2017.
1976 Bodegas Olarra Rioja
One of a case of old Riojas purchased from Rare Wine in '14. In spite of their assurances re provenance for this "amazing collection of Riojas", most have been dogs--and this was, too. Brownish, with little left of flavor but a faded root beer note and too much acidity.
1990 Château Haut-MarbuzetSt. Estèphe
Superb bottle. Saturated cork, but it pulled out with a good pop. Great color for it's age, with fresh and warm notes of dark cherry, tobacco and old leather armchairs.