Orin Swift Cellars Abstract Meritage 2010 

You start out admiring the deep dark burgundy color then move on to figuring out what you get on the nose. A bit of green vegetable lingers for 5 to 15 minutes, then a light banana and ripe cherry smell takes over. On the taste buds you get cherries and pleasant well balanced tannin / acidic mouth feel, more cherries with acidity that keeps you salivating and yearning for another sip. I give it a 89-90 (SPW) from 1 to 30 minutes. About 1 hour and 45 minutes in, smells of blueberry and even blueberry cheesecake takes over, you also get a bit on the buds. Its up to a 91+. Two hours and 45 minutes in – Then came the mocha and the mint on both to nose and the finish, but the ripe cherry is what first hits your buds 92+ and I’m thinking Dave Phinney is a genius and the Orin Swift Cellars hit this one out of the park! I think I’m going to drink half of our allocation. Cheers, Kevin.Score: 92+. October 30, 2011.

  Layer Cake Pinot Noir 2010  

Wow!! I just opened a layer cake Pinot Noir and it is amazing! Hint of earthy mocha and chocolate notes with a little spice. Really nice value and easy drinking I give it a 91 SPW Cheers, Denio  Score: 91. October 25, 2011

  Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007  

This is the best Jordan in 25 years! 91 right out of the bottle then its up to 93 after an hour to an hour and a half. I love the combination of Sonoma Cabernet and French oak! This is a refined, well balanced and elegant wine in total contrast to some overpowering Napa Cabs. After 2 hours I’m getting cherries and strawberries on the nose and pure silk on the buds. 95 after 2 ½ hours and that’s about the peak.

Score: 95. November 01, 2011.

Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

92 right out of the bottle with cherries and a bit of leather on the nose.  After about an hour the powerful fruit gives way to a much more refined mellow cherry mocha with a hint of mint. 94 (SPW) after an hour and a half. We had this at Harry’s of Hartsdale with some amazing slow cooked short ribs so this may have skewed the rating a bit upward, but it’s a hell of a combination! (I give the ribs a 99)