2012 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Ripe black-fruit dominant with iodine notes and overt acidity that's just a bit out-of-balance with the ripeness of the fruit. Not unpleasant, but not what I expect from R-M and the only disappointment of the 2012 line-up thus far.
2011 Grand Bateau Blanc Bordeaux Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend
Best bottle of the six I had, more evolved and complex--and showing now two years out more like the 'Secret' bottling that costs twice as much (and of which I just ordered a case of the 2014). At $10, easily the best deal on a French SB ever.
NV Bernard Remy Champagne Grand Cru
Very different from the last bottle (same sixpack). Pale in color and drier than the deep golden, fruitier-brioche-ier bottle opened previously. I actually prefer this, but am flummoxed by such variation.
2000 Château Chasse-Spleen Moulis en Médoc
Good middle-age color. Did not decant, but the second glass was better than the first. Middle aged flavors of bright berry fruits, complex spices and some leather with good acidity and relaxed tannins. But it needs more time.
2004 Long Shadows Wineries Chester-Kidder Cab Sauv/Cab Franc/Syrah blend, Washington
Not decanted. Started out all black and blue with chocolate and a pleasant Lousiana coffee bitterness on the finish. My husband (he's my lab rat, always gets served blind) guessed WA merlot which was in fact a spot-on observation--neither the cabernet nor the syrah was evident and the blueberry-chocolate strongly suggested the other grape. . It softened overtime, and the fruit turned more black cherry on the finish. Just middle-aged right now with plenty of tannins and years of cellar life left. I'll stretch the drinking window to 2020.