From B's Party

A few wines from B's going away party on Monday night... The 2004 Chateau du Sancerre was wonderful - crisp, minerally, grapefruity Sauvignon Blanc. A nice bottle and an even better price. The 1996 Michel Chiarelo Barolo was unfortunately corked. Thought it would blow off, but no... The 2003 Pride Syrah was spicy and rich. Full of black plums, blueberries, and black pepper. This needs a little time, but was drinking a little better than the last bottle I opened. The 1999 Jim Barry McCrae Woods Shiraz was nice. At first, I thought it was a little flat, but it turned out it just needed a little air. Very raspberry, with black pepper and plums. A nice Shiraz that was peaking. The 1997 Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes was a baby. Not a huge botrytis nose like you get with d'Yquem, but a pretty wine. Apricots, honey, baked pears. A nice finish, but was overpowered by the Roaring 40's cheese... Better with it was the 2004 Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir... these 04's rock. I'm trying to put a few bottles of these Somona 04s in my cellar to sit for a while. They are luscious, big, rich Pinots. I'm usually more a fan of finesse vs. power, but these wines are just so seductive.