2006 Elizabeth Spencer "Knights Valley" Merlot. Nice Merlot because it is light, balanced, and elegant, despite the warm microclimate. From the hot inland valley between Calistoga and Alexander Valley. This had plenty of bright cherry fruit, but there were very pleasant graphite???? and herbal notes that made the wine refreshing. Elegant acid and tannic structure, and relatively low alcohol (14.1). I had two samples, actually. 90 points. This is the only wine club I have kept
2002 Stags Leap Wine Cellars "Fay Vineyard." What a beautiful wine. John Chandler noted "Now this is full of Cabiness" Tannins resolved. Good acidity. Alcohol relatively modest (13.8% abv). Plenty of delicious black currant and blackberry fruit, with tobacco and herbal and anise notes coming through. Much prefer this wine to the Bramare we tried on Monday. There are interesting elements of flavor here missing in many of the ultra-modern style wines. 91+ points. Delicious.