I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

To accompany a standing rib roast:

Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepage 1994 - starting to brick (color reminded me of
Sangiovese); fruit-driven nose of cherry, plum and currant. Similar on the
palate, with a little vanilla in the background; tannins completely
resolved. Fruit, minerals and a touch of forest floor on a long finish. I
have to say that this was absolutely delightful - balanced and harmonious.
This would probably hold for another few years, but it seemed at the peak
right now. Another reminder that I ought to let a few good bottles sleep
occasionally - I think I drink a lot of these much too young. Downside: I
paid US$18 for this in the late '90s; now, on sale it's $45-50.

Chateau Larmonde St. Emilion 1999 - dark garnet in the glass. Nose of
cherries and plum. Red fruits and damp wood on the palate, with soft but
noticeable tannins. Fairly long finish, but not as long as the Cinq Cepage.
Since I'd assume this was mostly Merlot it was surprising to me, at least,
how similar in flavor and structure these two wines were. Both accompanied
the beef very well.

Dean