On May 28, 5:06*pm, lleichtman > wrote:
> On Tuesday, May 28, 2013 11:14:40 AM UTC-4, Bi!! wrote:
> > Grilled a leg of local lamb at my farm this weekend and opened a
>
> > couple of bottles of Napa red wines that I had in my cellar at the
>
> > farm.
>
> > 2001 Frank Family "Winston HIll" Cabernet-dark purple with a serious
>
> > amount of Rutherford dust and black pepper on the nose. *Deep flavors
>
> > of cassis and blackberries on the palate. *Firm but fine tannins and
>
> > good length on the finish. *Nice wine. *A-
>
> > 2002 Regusci Estate Napa Merlot-Reddish purple inj the glass. *Red
>
> > plums and berries ont he nose. *A bit of toasted oak on the palate.
>
> > Soft and low acid but a good match with the lamb as the red fruit
>
> > component brought our the flavor of the lamb. *"B"
>
> Surprised about the Regusci merlot. Went there in April and the Merlot had almost no oak in the 2009. Very bright red fruit.

I think back in the early 2000's lot's of Napa wineries were still
using a lot of French oak. I think the practice has subsided a bit an
they are using a bit more restraint.