Well...

Tonight had it's share of ups and downs... mostly downs... a few highlites. The 2003 Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay, Napa Valley is outstanding (and rarely do I even comment on CA Chards). The oak is so well integrated that you hardly know it's there... like great Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru. Tropical fruits highlited with some minerals, and richness. So pretty, and not nearly as weighty as the 2002 was. The 2001 Catena Alta Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina was fat, jammy and ripe. Maybe the slightest hint of elegance, but overall, this is not my style of wine. The 1999 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hemitage La Chapelle is my style... so soft, silky, and completely elegant. Beautiful wine - the most elegant style of Syrah. So different than the intense Guigal La Mouline. Earth with hints of meat, black pepper, and soft black plums make this an excellent wine, and certainly in the classic La Chapelle style.