1998 San Vicente Riserva Rioja
First time with this wine. Was bracing myself for an international style Rioja absent a true Spanish character, but needlessly. Sure it's modern with some vanilla notes, but the cherry, orange rind and spice that I love in aging Rioja was there. Rusty ruby color. I would guess it's at peak right now: fully open, little tannins, but it could hold here for a couple years. Paired beautifully with an oak lettuce, fennel and black walnut salad.
1985 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvee Duet, Napa
Delightful California relic from a friend's father's cold basement cellar in southern Washington. Fading medium red color, simple but good cherry-plum flavors with cedar. Good acidity has probably held it together.
1996 Monbousquet, St. Emilion
Bad choice to open this as it's not showing well right now. Taut fruit and prominent tannins. If you're cellaring this wine, let them rest.