1984 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley (2/16/2025)
Solid performer. Not up to current Spottswoode unctuousness but it’s a good representative of Napa wines of that era. I.e. not fruit bombs. (92 points)

2000 Château Calon-Ségur – France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe (1/15/2025)
Unlike my previous bottle this was all in its glory. Rich round Bordeaux that shows all the promise one expected of the 2000 vintage. I had a bottle last May which was disappointing; I speculated it might be coming out of its sleep phase and that assessment now seems correct. (93 points)

1998 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia – Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Sassicaia (12/21/2024)
Wow. My previous bottle was a little non-descript, but this was drinking at peak and a truly marvelous wine. It had what i can only describe as a “tang” with tasting red berry fruit and very well balanced tannins. (94 points)

2009 Château Talbot – France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (11/22/2024)
Textbook Bdx. Bright blue fruits, exquisite balance and a kiss of oak. Secondary and has lots of life left but very enjoyable to drink now. (91 points)

A memorable Italian tasting

In December i was fortunate to share some Italian greats with food to match. The lineup is below. Accompanied by oysters, charcuterie, and a mushroom ravioli it was a delicious and convivial pre holiday evening.