More wines with my folks:
2004 Schmitges Erdener Pralat Riesling Spatlese Alte Reben (Mosel)
Minerally, citrus fruity and clear as that bell I mentioned a while ago. Halbtrocken, so just off dry, and very tasty. Overpriced, but hey it had to happen to a German wine some time.
2003 Melville Pinot Noir 'Terraces'
Lousy, alcoholic, and not worth $5, much less $40. Should have been dumped the minute it was fermented.
2004 Kosta-Browne Syrah Amber Ridge (RRV)
I expected to recoil in horror, but this was actually very good. I don't get the cult statu, nor the 95+ scores for these wines, but it was very good. Balanced, deep black fruit, good acids and ripe tannins. Enjoyable to drink and not at all over the top. 95 points or more...nope, but nothing to criticize here.