With Alan and crew at Vini, Davis:
2011 Marco Falenga Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc.
A very pleasant, smooth cabernet franc that showed varietal character: pyrazines, earth, red plum, cassis....but also a nice note of white pepper! Very quaffable!
2011 Michel-Schlumberger "Le Cima" Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.8% abv. Dry Creek Valley.
From up against the western hills framing Dry Creek Valley (off West Dry Creek Road on "Wine Creek Road", a lovely dead end lane) this continues the winning vintage for M-S (2011). Extremely earthy, savory cabernet, with lovely medium body. Very "French" in style (to my palate at least) Cassis fruit, nice tannic structure. A lovely wine!
Superbowl Weekend
2014 Campovida Rose de Grenache Mendocino County (Potter Valley). This is a lovely rose. Salmon skin, mouthwatering acidity. Bracing savory notes with lovely strawberry fruit. They nailed this vintage!
2010 Clos Du Val "State Lane" Yountville Cab-Cab Franc. Classy Clos Du Val house style. Bell pepper has become well integrated, and the tannic structure is beginning to help the wine sing. Lovely earthy fruit.
2009 Dehlinger "Altamount" Syrah Russian River Valley Dehlinger Estate. Wow. This wine has transformed in a lovely way since purchase. It was quite primary two years ago upon release, but now it is showing fantastic meaty, savory aromatics, a polished mouth feel, and lovely black and red fruit. What a delicious Syrah!
. Italy and CF...I scratch my head!