2002 Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend
Pulled the cork about 8 hours earlier, then decanted it about an hour before dinner. Elegant and earthy with better fruit than I expected for the vintage. Improved with every sip.
NV Jacquesson & Fils Champagne Cuvée No. 739 Champagne Blend
Not up to expectations. Honey gold color, honeyed flavors in the early stages of oxidation. Lacks nerve and persistence.
2013 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
On the fungal-earthy side for a W&S, but good and drinking well at the moment. No decanting needed.
2016 Lutum Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills
Stunning pinot. Perfumed nose with layers of flowers and bright red fruits laced with higher minerality than expected from this area (but apparently, not atypical for this vineyard). Youthful now at age 6 but concern that it has more acidity than fruit would suggest drinking over the next two years.