I met a few folks for lunch yesterday and we shared a couple of
wines. We started with a bottle of 2007 Far Niente Chardonnay which
seemed to be off a bit. It was quite tart and acidic and seemed to
lack any substantial fruit. No one felt that it was corked but all
agreed that it was off. We then moved on to a bottle of 2001
Masseto. Incredible nose of bright red berries, a fair amount of plum
and a bit of barnyard. Smooth and rich on the palate with layers of
deep ripe fruit and a touch of oak. Nicely balanced with a firm
acidic note that kept the richness of the fruit intact. "A"

We then moved on to a bottle of 1998 Henschke HIll of Grace (my last
bottle) The wine had a very strong, pronounced minty eucalyptus note
with a bit of briary blackberry aromas. Medium weight on the palate,
full of black fruits and cassis with substantial oaky vanilla and
mineeral flavors on the finish. Really great Aussie Shiraz. "A-"