Difficult to compare to recent vintages (which have all included at least some cabernet franc or petit verdot) this is less flamboyant than the 2006 and 2007, and will benefit from extended cellaring. The Monte Bello team was also pouring the 1999, 1997, and 1995 Monte Bellos. There is no short answer. All are superb. MORE >>

Overachievers: 1999 Domaine Leroy Meursault - Tough to get a handle on, but with time to re-taste and to think about the wine, it kind of blew me away. I'd take a half case for the cellar and re-visit in 5 years. Last week I had the opportunity to drink some pretty fancy wine. High expectations can color things. But you get my point. MORE >>

As did the 1999 * the predominant note on the 1996 Dom Perignon was chardonnay, chardonnay, chardonnay. Tags: Cellar Selection France 1996 Champagne 4 stars pale hay color with a light foam and very good effervescence, this 1996 displayed lime and salt stone notes with honeyed citrus and very mild dry herbs. MORE >>

1999 Henri Billiot Brut , $56, Terry Theise Selections / Michael Skurnik Imports. Cuvée Laetitia is the house's top wine (along with the newer and in my opinion, less successful Cuvée Julie), also a solera wine, and is oddly, mostly Chardonnay. It will probably continue to improve with a few more years in a cold cellar. MORE >>

So off to Chase Wine Cellars to visit my (new) friend Jeff Blaum. From Chase Cellars I called the people of The Terraces Winery. As to the wines I started with the 2006 Chardonnay that only sees 5% new oak & is put through no malolactic fermentation. tried Napa Wine Co's own Cab, an older vintage, from 1999. MORE >>