1996 Azelia Barolo San Rocco

I don't know... maybe I'm getting a little jaded, but it seems to be getting harder to find that ethereal Barolo experience that I crave. 
This example of the '96 San Rocco is a fine and enjoyable bottle. It is just a bit too rich.... like a little too much bass dialed into the subwoofer. All the right notes are present. .. luscious fruit complemented by lovely tar and hints of mocha/coffee on the finish. Smooth tannins (albeit a tad chewy texture ... threw off lots of sediment). A very enticing nose (a bit on the warm side, though... not crisp). Acceptable 14% abv. More garnet than ruby color.
To be honest, I am becoming quite enamored of some of the younger vintages like the beautiful 2004 ...
Perhaps it's just my lifelong love affair with Burgundy coming back into the picture  :) 

2014 Eugene Carrel Jongieux ( Savoie )

First time I've tried this wine. Very impressive QPR at only $14. Jacquere varietal. 11.5% abv.  Gorgeous nose redolent of luscious green apple,  with bit of citrus influence on the palate. Smooth as silk texture (malo?) with very little bite for a young wine. Paired well with tuna steaks. Definitely count me as a fan of Vin de Savoie  :) 

2011 Dusky Goose Pinot Noir and 2001 Poderi Colla Bussia Dardi le Rose

Valentine's day dinner at home today after an evening out last night.
Dusky Goose paired with delicious fresh Maryland Blue crab cakes followed by selection of locally made chocolates paired with the Bussia Dardi Le Rose. 

First let me say that the '01 Colla Bussia had an incredible balsamic and floral nose that kept getting better and better. Nice  :) 
 Full decant and kept gaining presence until it was gone about 5 hours later. (13.5% abv) Rich dark cherry and tar with a nice bit of minerality. Quite deft, not heavy, classically styled Barolo. A serviceable and enjoyable wine. May benefit from a couple of more years of cellaring. Killer with the chocolates. 

First time I've tried the Dusky Goose Pinot Noir.  Really liked it a lot. Will be buying more. 13% abv. Delightful expression of volcanic-influenced Jory terroir from Rambouillet Vineyard  (Dundee Hills). Crafted by Lynn Penner-Ash. Very well balanced. Superbly alluring sweetness to the tannins. Intriguingly delicate nose with scents of sandalwood and spice.  Cherry and rose palate with a neat bit of sous bois and savory dusty minerality. Very smooth, satiny texture. Good stuff  :) 

2001 Le Potazzine (Gorelli) Brunello di Montalcino

(14% abv)  Bing cherry with hints of tobacco leaf and cedar. Tannins have completely melted to form a very mellow framework. Quite low in acidity,  which is one reason why I generally prefer the style of a big Chianti Classico Riserva over Brunello. A nicely drinking, if not notable, Sangiovese. No upside to further cellaring based on this example. Paired well with tagliatelle alla bolognese.

1999 Domaine la Soumade Rasteau Prestige

Purchased on release and drinking in its prime now.
80% grenache with the balance being syrah and mourvedre.
Lots of sediment. .. wonderfully evolved tertiary flavors. Tannins have totally mellowed.
Paired beautifully with cassoulet made with chicken thighs, spicy sausages and white beans.

2001 Martinelli Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge Vineyard

The most compelling vintage of this wine I have enjoyed. 

Possibly a bit on far side of its drinking curve at this point, but just beautiful in balance and, most importantly, in reflection of the unique Blue Slide Ridge terroir.  The site was planted in 1995 with Dijon clones 667, 777, 115, Pommard and Clone X which was sourced from Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer. 

Earthy red and blue fruits with a vein of mellow flintiness influenced by the blue amphibole schist that outcrops in the vineyard. Manages the 15.2 abv very nicely, perhaps owing to length of aging for everything to come together nicely. Lithe florals on the nose. Palate gaining in complexity with exposure to air over several hours. Delightful showing. 

2008 Saddleback Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

The story on this California Cab is not day 1 or day 2, but day 4 and beyond...  :) 
Beautiful development after opening several days ago demonstrates the aging potential of these wines, adeptly made by the venerable Nils Venge. A candidate for one of the best values in Napa Cabernet for under $50. 
Alluring and slightly sweet nose of cedar and cassis. Palate mellowed and the edges of youth rounded off a bit on day 4.  Very attractive cherry and spice with a Left Bank profile. No obtrusive notes from oak.