Really Good Stuff...

The 1996 Chateau Gruaud Larose (half bottle) was outstanding. The best bottle of this vintage I've had from Gruaud Larose - this wine was so youthful. Loads of cedar, but a wonderful anise, smoke, black currant, black plum and sweet cherry palate with a long, lingering finish. A great bottle of wine, though it is just not hitting a stide and will continue to improve for quite a while still... The 2004 Patz & Hall Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir is an amazing wine. This bottle has been open for 5 days, and it is just not starting to not be overpowering. The sweet strawberry and rhubarb are just starting to show through what is a very powerful and at the same time sinfully elegant Pinot Noir. Lots of hangtime on these grapes... The glycerol is amazingly high, but the wine is just so well balanced. Turned earth, black truffles, red plums, raspberry - truly a Carneros Pinot Noir. I would love to find a few bottle of this and put it away for a long, long time. Reminds me of a young Kistler Pinot would be if it were from Carneros. And lastly, Krug Grand Cuvee. From a Bordeaux Glass. After months of research, we have finally determined that the premier vessel in which to analyze and consume Krug Grand Cuvee is in fact NOT a Champagne Flute - but a 22oz Bordeaux Glass. The large surface area allows the elegant tropical fruit and yeast to come together at the top of the glass. The bubbles are still there, and the wine is amazingly fresh. Great way to end the week...