Saxum James Berry 2006, Kanzler 2005, Beau-Sejour Becot 1979

A bit of variety in the wines opened for dinner, which was slow cooked pork loin, collard greens, roasted peppers and cauliflower puree. 

1979 Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot (magnum)Slow-o for a couple of hours prior to dinner.  Amazing how fresh this wine is, likely due to good storage along with enhanced longevity of the magnum format.  A very pleasant Saint-Emilion (12.5% alc.)  Loads of flavor and robust color for a wine this old ... attractive (if somewhat muted) nose .  Mostly Merlot with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Classic mature cherry palate with interesting tobacco notes and some herbal influence. 

2005 Kanzler Estate Pinot Noir (Sonoma)Steve Kanzler makes one of my favorite California pinot noirs. 14.9% alc. Slow-o for 2 hours prior to dinner.  It really started taking off in the glass after extended exposure to air in 3rd hour.  This is a great food wine.  Comprised of clones 667, 115 and Pommard-4.  This wine always has a very tasty anise character that I enjoy (contributed by the 115 clone according to Kanzler).  Big mature raspberry fruit with earth. Here is a link to Steve Kanzler providing a fascinating tour of his vineyard. 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/57jSSynGUvQ?rel=0 

2006 Saxum James Berry Vineyard (Paso Robles)A very nice mature example of Justin Smith's renowned James Berry vineyard bottling. Very nicely balanced wine in spite of the high level of alcohol (15.6%).  Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre.  Full decant on this one.  Really needed two hours to start to show its stuff.  Impressively smooth with subtle underlying minerality ... I think limestone substrate is part of the terroir.  Well - deserved cult status...