2013 Lange Pinot Noir North Block Dundee Hills
This long time Oregon winery is now presided over by the son of the founder who has turned out to be an extremely talented winemaker. If you take Oregon wines seriously, this is a name you should be watching out for. I waited two years since opening our last bottle, and was rewarded. Drinks well with some secondary nuances sneaking in, but this has the power, fruit and structure for continued upside development. The ideal window will be 2022+.
2013 Knot Wines Halyard Brut Sonoma Valley White Blend
Much better bottle than the simplistic one three months ago--this one showed the stuffing that made our Dork group guess, at a tasting billed Anything But Champagne, that I'd brought a French ringer.
2008 Marchesi Mazzei Maremma Toscana Tenuta Belguardo Red Bordeaux Blend
Pulled this to pair with a rich lasagna; excellent choice! Rich berry, black currant and tomato confit fruit, mouthfilling, some leather, mostly sandalwood on the finish but a touch of dill there (American oak?). At peak now, should hold here awhile.
2011 Araujo Estate Altagracia Napa Red Wine Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend
Not lousy (unless you factor in the price I paid for it, about $100), not flawed, just really boring with little in the way of acidity or true Napa character. Expected more from Araujo.