2004 Soter Vineyards, Little Creek, Cabernet Franc

The wine carries all of Cabernet Franc's signature plushness, a grape whose wines Rabelais once compared to taffeta. Billowing from the glass come savory, meaty aromas, plus coffee beans, new leather, hints of milk chocolate, and those inimitable cedary, spice-box scents that make Cabernet Franc so compelling. Black fruits, fascinatingly exotic floral aromas, and structure all come from the Malbec, which makes this blend like no other in the world. The wine is very expressive, with notes of blood oranges, cherries, cassis, and raspberries. The palate typically has a core of supple tannin that suggests in most vintages, the wine will improve for 8-12 years.

$75 purchase

2006 DuNah Estate Pinot Noir

Aromas for the first ten minutes are of forest floor, mushroom and damp earth after a spring rain … then wild tropical and dark fruits, roasted coffee, and powdered cocoa … to savory spices, pine duff and rich dark fruits.

The palate continues the excitement with luscious, layered textures that show what tremendous Pinot Noir mouth-feel is all about, caressing the tongue with a toffee sweetness and a strength that holds weight, yet at the same time defies gravity. The late palate carries on the richness and texture with a long memorable fade.

This is a true Burgundy style Pinot lover’s … Pinot! Decant it for aroma and taste uniformity, or let it breathe in the bottle and follow the changing nature as the bottle level declines.

$50 purchase