Some fun wines...

Tonight seemed to be about interesting, fun wines. First, the 2003 Zind-Humbrecht Clos Windsbuhl Pinot Gris, Alsace was a massive, dry Pinot Gris with incredible weight and immense, but balanced (amazing), alcohol - quite an achievement considering the alcohol was listed at 16%(!). That's 2003 for you... The 2001 and 1996 Silver Oak Alexander Valley was a contrast... The young, jammy 2001 was classic young Silver Oak - anise, black fruit, with that same hint of red fruits I got the other night when I tasted it. The 1996 was cedary, with tobacco, and still the red fruits, but not the concentration. This wine is at its peak. Also tasted today were the 2001 Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape. A lighter in style Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this was still very classic for the region. Very earthy, but very approachable and delightful! Very good, would give it 5 more years of life. The 1997 Chateau Desmirail was a bowl of violets... not outstanding, the wine is classic Margaux nonetheless. Also, haven't tasted it in a while... but wow, it's gotten really, really good... was the MV Krug... left open for a day or two, the nose changed to rich yeast... amazing stuff.