With friends last night while watching Super Bowl with a variety of
"snacks"

1996 Marcassin Chardonnay Marcassin Vineyard-Pale golden in the
glass. Bright nose of meyer lemon and minerals. No signs of age on
the palate with very smooth citrus flavors, a bit of almond and
pronounced wet stone. "A"

1998 Chave Hermitage-Nose of berries, red meat and smoke. WHile the
tannins have begun to resolve the wine still needs a few more years to
knit together. Plenty of brairy red berry notes and a bit of herb.
Very smoky background notes. "B"

2001 Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot-Rich dark purple color. Thick,
concentrated nose of vanilla and blackberry. A bit plummy on the
palate, medium heavy bodied. Almost decadent mouthfeel and saturation
with blackberry, plum, milk chocolate and oak notes. Needs time. "B
+"

1994 Harlan Estates Napa Cabernet-Dark inky purple. Brilliant nose of
black cherry, blackberry, coffee, anise and vanilla. Very deep fruit
on the palate with layers of flavors. Beautiful balance and
concentration without weight. "A+"

1986 Chateau Haut Brion-Light red in the glass with a bit of brick.
Very woodsy nose with a lot of cedar and wet leaves. A bit restrained
on the palate with cherry, mushroom, leather, smoke and mineral. I
gave it a couple of hours but no significant change. Tnanins were
softer than expected. "B-"

1995 Cos D' Estournel-Dark reddish purple with no signs of age. A
whiff of Brett on opening but it blew off in a few minutes. Very
pwoerful nose of ripe blackberry, cassis and plums. Plenty of spicy
oak. Smooth and clean on the palate showing plenty of ripeness. Soft
lush tannins. Very approachable now downright delicious! "A"

1995 Daimond Creek Gravelly Meadow-A bit cloudy dirty red in color.
Still plenty of oak on the nose. Very sweet ripe fruit (some tasters
actually thought it had RS) especially creme de cassis and red
berries. Exotic spice and stones. "B+"