Our next visit was the wines of Groupo Italiano Vini (GIV) which completed the acquisition of Bolla in 2008. Over lunch (risotto with Amarone and more delights) we tasted through the Valpolicella Classico and two 2004 Amarone, one from Seccal and one from Ambrosan with the cheese course. The 1989 vintage was the first. Day 2.

2008 Grosset Wines Polish Hill Riesling, Clare Valley. 2004 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra. 2004 Mt Langi Ghiran Langi Shiraz, Grampians. 2004 Penfolds RWT Shiraz, Barossa Valley. 1989 Yarra Yering Dry Red Number 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley. Day One. Day Two. 2006 S.C.

This wine put the 1989 to shame. From 95% cabernet sauvignon, with 3% merlot and 2% petit verdot.makes me think they should add 2% petit verdot to the final blend of the 2008, in an attempt to recreate the longevity of the sweetness here. Oppulently opaque, but this is most likely mature. You can smell the twenty-one years on this.

The 2004 Vieille Vignes de Cramant was focused and lovely with floral notes, although quite closed. think the 2007 Baudry Les Granges is the best Les Granges since 2004. The 1990 was gone, but the 1989 was smooth and well balanced, and seemed quite youthful, nothing secondary about it. The Italian wines - I didn't taste 'em.

Emilion and a Chateau Le Puy September 28, 2008 The last visit of the day was Chateau Le Puy where I saw the Druid stones on its peaceful property. In fact it was one I had earlier on a visit to Chateau Le Puy, the 1989. So I eyed the 2004 Jean Paul Brun Vielle Vignes for 45 euro. You like the 1989 Le Puy? Was it me?

got to try the Lopez de Heredia Gravonia Rioja Blanco Crianza 1998, Tondonia Rioja Blanco Reserva 1989 & Tondonia Rioja Blanco Gran Reserva 1981. His 2004 Neiman Cellars Napa Valley Red is a blend of 1/3 Cab Sauvignon, 1/3 Merlot, & 1/3 Cab Franc. Sadly Pam was not there, but her 2005 Cab Franc & 2004 Cab Sauv were.

have tasted Monte Bello cabernets from 1976, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1993, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2004, and I am constantly amazed by the wine's ability to age gracefully. According to the professional wine critics, 2004 was a very good vintage for California cabernets, merlots, and blends. 2004 Ridge Monte Bello Sta.

We were looking for some sort of continuity in the wines, though, so we decided to taste wines from the 2004 vintage. 2004 was a tough year in the Willamette Valley because a cold spell and then later on a rainy spell threatened the crop. This is interesting in that they used a new wine maker for the 2004 vintage, Chris Mazepink.