2014 La Rata Wines La Rata (Cayuse) Walla Walla Valley Grenache Blend
PnP'd. The very very light funk we experienced a year ago is now true Rocks-ness in all its glory on the nose. On the palate, this wine has put on a lot of weight in the past year with pomegranate fruit, spice, cactus pear, green olives and white pepper. Although only 50ish% grenache, the cabernet and syrah in the remaining portion are less stand-alone characters than supporting cast members who elevate the grenache to its best possible self. Impressive progress, and a fantastic partner for homemade corned beef hash. That said, I'd hold rather than drink remaining bottles. There's more excitement to come.
2018 Keep Wines Pinot Meunier Yount Mill Yountville
Our local tasting group the Dorks Zoomed this the other night--all bottles from the same case. Results were mixed. Some had no reduction, a few had some that mostly resolved and some were quite severe--mine worst of all, I'd call it baby poop, with no let-up over a two-hour conversation. 24 hours later that was much improved but the now evident flavor of Jolly Rancher Watermelon candy and geranium leaf territory was not exactly my cup of tea and, what's more, the wine completely lacked the body and spice I have experienced with the grape from producers like Teutonic and Eyrie in Oregon. And for $27? Fail.