1995 Rancia, 1999 Kalin, 2001 Forman, 2004 Relagnes

Wines paired with dinner ....  bone-in veal chops grilled over cherry-wood coals, mushrooms oreganato, broccoli rabe, heirloom tomato and bufala mozzarella drizzled with 10 year old balsamic. 

1995 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia

A beautifully balanced wine on the far side of its optimal drinking window. I don't think there's upside to hanging onto this for more years. 
Slow-o in bottle for 90 minutes before dinner and then decanted.  Drank over the course of the next six hours.  Began to show really well about hours 3 and 4.  Opened up and gained presence, with the noble Rancia terroir expressing a delicious earthiness that complemented aged cherries with smoky cedar accents. Very smooth integrated tannin and harmonious 13.5 alc.  My favorite of the evening tied with the Forman Cabernet. 

1999 Kalin Cellars Sonoma Pinot Noir Cuvee DD

Terry Leighton's Sonoma Pinots are about as close to traditional Burgundy style that you will find in California.  Popped and poured. Gorgeous old world Burgundian earthy aromas assault your nose.... sublime! Floral and fruit nose... you can smell the sharply delineated fruit. Traditional tart cherry with game notes. Keep in mind that this 1999 bottling is their current (yes, current!) release ...Continued to open up over the course of the next 6 hours. Very balanced and refreshing 13% alc.


2001 Forman Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa)

A last minute addition to the line-up.  Actually opened after dinner with cheese course.  Decanted to let breathe and consumed over the course of the next 3.5 hours. 
In many respects,  this was WOTN. What can I say, Ric Forman's Cabs always deliver a wonderful experience.  Always supremely balanced. Made in a traditional style. I believe Ric Forman made the Sterling Cabs of 1974 vintage that were gorgeous.  
It's clear from the start that this bottle is at a beautiful stage of its life.  If you enjoy old school olive, black currant,  tobacco , cedar and a hint of scorched earth, then this wine is for you. If you are fortunate enough to find any Forman Cabs in magnum format, then buy them. This bottle was a 750 but I have had magnums of the 1999 that were stellar. By the end of the evening after several hours in the decanter,  this beauty was off the charts alluring. Well balanced with oh so polished tannins and 13.8% alc.
Finishing off the last bit of this wine the next day,  I would say that the 2001 has another 5 to 7 years ahead within optimal drinking window where the fruit shines at its best.

2004 Domaine des Relagnes Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vigneronne

Balanced 14% alc. Wow! Basically sex in a bottle. Amazing when you hit a CdP at its peak.
Tar, tobacco ... tannins have melted away to reveal sweet, pure, mature raspberry and plum fruit.   Not a huge amount of complexity  .. just hedonistic with really nice typicity. 
After a couple of hours it settled down with attractive violet nose and garrigue notes on the palate.  Drink now. Love the modest alcohol level. A balanced compromise between traditional and modern styles. 
While I enjoy Rhone blends from California,  they just can't top the real thing from CdP. Lots of sediment at the end of bottle, supporting the depth of fruit in this delightful bottling.