These three reds were served with Christmas dinner:
2010 Force Majeure Collaboration Series Ptera Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain Red Blend
Initial dilly blast of American oak calms down and integrates after a two-hour decant. At this point in time, the Ptera shows the best of both grapes: black cherry fruit with the tobacco, spice and earth of cabernet boldly augmented by the meaty, tarry notes of syrah. A poster child for why cab/syr blends should be taken more seriously in North America (Australia's understood it for decades). Notably, for all the above reasons this was also the best of three wines at the table with our Xmas prime rib. Entering peak zone now, and has the structure for further cellaring. No rush.
2015 Dunham Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon XXI Columbia Valley
Not a barn-burner, just a great example of what this venerable WA winery does year in/year out without stooping to the hot-vintage alcohol that so many other wineries fell prey to in 2015. More in the red fruit zone than black with dark cherry, chocolate and tobacco notes. Eric Dunham, wherever you are, we miss you.
2006 Caymus Special Select, Napa
Not at all a modern Caymus fan but this bottle from an unpopular vintage showed exceptionally well on Christmas Day. Has the SS's characteristic blackberry, cassis and violet notes, good depth, and a long, elegant finish. Very contemplative. Not yet fully mature. Well-cellared bottles can cruise here for years.