did pass on a few nice California reds though and stayed with the Finger Lakes and a Salmon Run Meritage 2008 ( $11 ), a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 39.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% The finish was nice and long, spicy, dry with a taste of currant. Seemed to be stuck on Finger Lakes white wines all summer. Merlot. MORE >>

Helena Sauvignon Blanc is all barreled down and aging nicely. The wine in stainless steel barrel tastes bright and ripe, but the new and once used oak adds this complexity that is lost from either lot alone. The fruit here is tasting very nice, showing some senescence and ripe blackberry. Our 2011 St. Up on Mt. MORE >>

tasted so many wines that are new to me. 1991 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard. Several tastes commented on the change in style at Closel. Champagne was my immediate thought, but in the end I went with wine that I assumed would be unique at the tasting, and that might even be new to a few people. MORE >>

The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Peite Verdot and Malbec was again delightful. Felt real smooth in the mouth with taste of dark plums, cherry, some anise and spice. game I have not missed in 38 years. This one was another blend called Mercury Rising. Great way to end the night. MORE >>

In May of 2009 I reviewed a Chardonnay from California that I named as the best Chardonnay I have ever tasted, a Clos Du Bois Calcaire. Most notably the blended Marlstone and Briarstone Cabernet Sauvignon. can't be as kind and name this as the best Zin I've tasted, but was very pleased with the wine and the beef stew pairing. MORE >>