2004 Ambullneo Vineyards Pinot Noir "Canis Major" California
I enjoy picking up second hand wines at auction and this wine is a poster child for why. Small California winery which hardly anyone knew about (I did); they made high elevation ethereal chardonnays and structured pinots. I remember paying about $50 ea for them new from the winery, though I don't recall how I became acquainted. They made such an impression on me that I recently bought some current pinots called Black Pine because it's the same winemaker.
So anyway, I had a history with them of sorts and when I saw two bottles at auction recently, I checked Cellar Tracker to see if there were any recent notes--last on this one was 2011. Like I said, not well known. I got them for $20 each. Opened the first last night: Magnificent. Perfectly aged California pinot of some substance: deep garnet color that doesn't look its age, effusive nose of black cherry, cassis, cola and cool-vintage sandalwood notes repeats on the palate. Loooooooong finish. SCORE!